NAMU CMU study plan

Derive the wave equation relationships among frequency, wavelength, propagation speed, and period, and compute each from the others without notes.

Explain the production and detection of the piezoelectric effect, and predict how element thickness and damping material change resonance frequency and bandwidth.

Calculate attenuation in dB using the attenuation coefficient and path length, and convert between intensity ratios and decibels for both positive and negative dB values.

Distinguish axial, lateral, elevational, and temporal resolution, and state which instrument control or transducer property governs each.

Describe the beam-forming chain from pulser through receive-side delay-and-sum, and identify where apodization, dynamic receive focusing, and harmonic filtering act.

Compare continuous-wave, pulsed-wave, color, and power Doppler in terms of PRF, Nyquist limit, aliasing behavior, and velocity range, and select the appropriate mode for a given flow scenario.

Diagnose and correct common image artifacts (reverberation, comet tail, shadowing, enhancement, mirror image, side-lobe and grating-lobe, slice-thickness) by naming the physical cause and the adjustment.

Set and justify output controls (mechanical index, thermal index, power, frame rate, and dwell time) for a stated clinical scenario using the ALARA principle.

Assemble a machine-optimization checklist covering grayscale gain, time-gain compensation, focal zone, frequency, dynamic range, and depth for three different exam types.

Explain the indications, contraindications, and aseptic technique for ultrasound-guided vascular access and fluid drainage, including needle visualization and tip tracking.

Map normal hepatic, biliary, pancreatic, splenic, renal, and aortic anatomy and state the standard measurement sites and normal size ranges for each organ.

Differentiate the sonographic appearances of focal liver lesions (cyst, hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia, adenoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, metastasis) and list the discriminating features.

Classify diffuse liver disease findings (steatosis, cirrhosis, portal hypertension) and describe the secondary signs each produces.

Evaluate the biliary tree for stones, wall thickening, duct dilatation, and sonographic Murphy sign, and explain how each finding changes the diagnosis.

Identify renal obstruction, cystic disease, and stone with shadowing, and describe the pitfalls of twinkling artifact and non-shadowing stones.

Recognize the sonographic signs of appendicitis and bowel pathology, including wall thickness, compressibility, and peristalsis.

Outline first-, second-, and third-trimester scanning protocols, including which structures must be documented at each stage.

Calculate gestational age from crown-rump length and biparietal diameter, and explain the limitations of each formula across trimesters.

Apply the biometry panel (BPD, HC, AC, FL) to estimate fetal weight and describe the error margins and conditions that distort each measurement.

Interpret amniotic fluid index and deepest vertical pocket, and explain the clinical significance of oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios.

Describe the sonographic appearance and clinical relevance of placenta previa, placental abruption, and vasa previa, and state the required follow-up imaging.

Perform a structured transabdominal and transvaginal pelvic survey, distinguishing normal follicular, endometrial, and ovarian findings across the menstrual cycle.

Describe the spectral Doppler waveform of the normal carotid, vertebral, and peripheral arterial systems, and explain the hemodynamic meaning of each phase.

Interpret velocity criteria for internal carotid artery stenosis, including peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, and the ICA/CCA ratio, and state the limitations of each threshold.

Differentiate venous waveforms (phasic, continuous, pulsatile) and apply compression, augmentation, and Valsalva maneuvers to diagnose deep vein thrombosis.

Explain the physiology and sonographic findings of venous insufficiency, including reflux timing, valve competence, and the role of standing versus supine positioning.

Identify the technical factors that alter Doppler waveforms: angle correction, sample volume, wall filter, gain, and PRF.

List the standard echocardiographic windows and the structures visualized in each, and explain how patient positioning and respiration alter image quality.

Describe the M-mode and two-dimensional findings of left ventricular hypertrophy, dilation, and systolic dysfunction, and state the normal reference ranges used.

Explain the Doppler principles behind mitral inflow, tissue Doppler, and strain imaging, and how each contributes to diastolic function assessment.

Recognize the echocardiographic signs of pericardial effusion, tamponade physiology, and right ventricular strain, and describe the corresponding hemodynamic findings.

Interpret valve pathology findings (stenosis, regurgitation, prolapse) and match each to its typical Doppler signature.

Characterize thyroid nodules using composition, echogenicity, shape, margin, and echogenic foci, and apply a risk-stratification framework to recommend biopsy.

Describe normal and abnormal breast sonographic findings, including simple cyst, fibroadenoma, and suspicious mass features, and explain the role of ultrasound as an adjunct to mammography.

Identify scrotal pathology (hydrocele, varicocele, epididymitis, torsion, mass) and state the Doppler findings that separate surgical from nonsurgical emergencies.

Evaluate the rotator cuff, Achilles tendon, and common tendons for tear, tendinopathy, and tenosynovitis, and describe the dynamic maneuvers that improve detection.

Recognize sonographic signs of joint effusion, ganglion cyst, foreign body, and nerve entrapment, and state the limitations of ultrasound for each.

Summarize the ethical and legal duties of the sonographer, including scope of practice, informed consent, and accurate documentation of findings and limitations.

Apply infection-control and equipment-disinfection standards to transducer use across intact skin, mucous membrane, and sterile-field procedures.

Explain the safety evidence for diagnostic ultrasound, the meaning of the ALARA principle, and the specific concerns for obstetric and ophthalmic exposure.

Describe quality-assurance and quality-control practices for ultrasound equipment, including phantom testing, image review, and error reporting.

Integrate all domains by reviewing a mixed set of 40 cumulative questions and correcting every missed item with a written rationale.