ARRT Sonography study plan

Define frequency, period, wavelength, propagation speed, and amplitude, and calculate wavelength from frequency and medium speed without reference notes.

Differentiate axial, lateral, elevational, and temporal resolution, and state the single instrument setting that most affects each.

Trace the pulse-echo path from pulser to transducer to returning echo, naming each component and its function in sequence.

Recognize the six most common artifacts (reverberation, comet tail, shadowing, acoustic enhancement, mirror image, refraction) from written vignettes and state one corrective or confirmatory action for each.

Distinguish pulsed from continuous-wave operation and compute pulse repetition period, pulse repetition frequency, duty factor, and frame rate from given values.

Calculate the Nyquist limit for a stated Doppler shift and identify aliasing, then select an appropriate correction (scale increase, baseline shift, lower frequency, steeper angle).

Compare color, power, and spectral Doppler on sensitivity, direction information, and artifact susceptibility, and justify a mode choice for a described clinical scenario.

State normal sonographic appearance and accepted measurement ranges for liver, gallbladder wall and lumen, common bile duct, pancreas, spleen, and kidney length.

Differentiate acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, gallbladder sludge, and gallbladder carcinoma using stated wall thickness, lumen findings, and duct caliber.

Describe hepatic vascular anatomy (portal vein, hepatic veins, hepatic artery) and the spectral waveform expected in each on Doppler interrogation.

Classify focal liver lesions (cyst, hemangioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, metastasis) by echogenicity, borders, and posterior acoustic behavior.

Sequence the scanning protocol and patient preparation for a complete abdominal survey, including which structures require fasting or a full bladder.

Identify hydronephrosis, renal calculi, and renal cyst by stated echogenicity, shadowing, and collecting-system distention, and rank them by urgency.

Describe the normal first-trimester landmarks: gestational sac location, yolk sac, embryonic pole, and cardiac activity timing.

Calculate gestational age from crown-rump length and mean sac diameter using standard formulas, and state the accepted error margin for each.

Differentiate the appearance of a normal intrauterine pregnancy from pseudogestational sac, blighted ovum, and ectopic pregnancy on described findings.

List and sequence the biometric measurements obtained in the second and third trimester and the plane required for each.

Estimate fetal weight from head circumference, abdominal circumference, biparietal diameter, and femur length, and explain which parameter is most sensitive to growth disturbance.

Identify the sonographic presentation of placenta previa, placental abruption, and vasa previa, and state the follow-up each requires.

Describe the protocol for evaluating amniotic fluid volume (single deepest pocket versus amniotic fluid index) and the thresholds defining oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios.

Differentiate the major fetal anomalies detectable by ultrasound by organ system and the trimester in which each is typically identified.

Describe scanning technique, patient positioning, and normal measurements for thyroid, breast, scrotum, and prostate examinations.

Differentiate benign from suspicious findings in thyroid nodules and breast lesions using stated margin, echogenicity, calcification, and posterior features.

Explain the role of ultrasound in procedural guidance (biopsy, drainage, vascular access) and state three sterile-technique steps specific to each.

Identify normal versus abnormal findings in musculoskeletal and neonatal hip and spine applications at an introductory level.

Apply the ALARA principle and state the output-display and thermal and mechanical index values a sonographer should monitor.

Match each acoustic output and bioeffect concept to the patient population at greatest risk (fetus, neonate, ocular, thermal-sensitive tissue).

Demonstrate correct ergonomic and patient-handling technique by listing body mechanics, stretcher height, and monitor placement adjustments for a described scanning situation.

Describe infection-control and transducer-disinfection requirements for intact skin, mucous membrane, and semi-critical examinations.

Outline how to recognize and respond to a patient vasovagal episode, allergic reaction to contrast, or medical emergency during a scan.

Complete two full-length timed mock examinations spanning all five domains and record scaled scores for each.

Re-teach the ten lowest-scoring concepts from the mock exams aloud or in writing without notes.

Reconcile every remaining item in the accumulated error log and mark each as mastered, reviewed, or escalated for further study.

Build a final 20-item personal weak-spot list with the specific fact, formula, or protocol needed to resolve each.