Five checks before every scan

Answer c. The curvilinear probe uses a low frequency, so it reaches deep abdominal structures with a wide field of view. The linear probe gives high resolution but does not reach far enough. A phased array reaches deep but with a narrow near field, and the cardiac preset flips the orientation marker. Endocavity probes are for internal use.

Answer b. Too much depth shrinks the target and wastes the screen. Reduce the depth so the structure fills the middle two thirds, while keeping enough depth to see fluid behind it. Gain changes brightness, not size. The focal zone belongs at the level of the target.

Answer d. Simple fluid should look black. Excess gain adds false echoes, so fluid turns grey. Reduce the overall gain, then use the time gain compensation sliders to even out near and far field. Too little gain makes the whole image dark, including soft tissue.

Answer d. The ultrasound beam is narrowest at the focal zone, so lateral resolution is best there. Place it at the depth of the structure you are assessing. Most machines show it as a small arrow or marker on the depth scale.

Answer b. Cardiac presets place the orientation marker on the right of the screen, while abdominal presets place it on the left. Scanning the abdomen in a cardiac preset reverses the anatomy on screen and leads to errors. Choose the preset for the examination before you start.