CAQ-CVTS study plan

Derive and apply the Doppler equation to calculate velocity from frequency shift, angle, and transducer frequency, working at least 15 numeric problems

Explain the relationships among resistance, compliance, viscosity, and vessel radius (Poiseuille and continuity principles) and predict waveform changes when each variable is altered

Describe continuous-wave versus pulsed-wave Doppler, range ambiguity, aliasing, Nyquist limit, and the controls used to correct each artifact

Map the extracranial carotid anatomy and the standard duplex protocol: probe selection, grayscale, color, spectral Doppler, and documentation views

Define velocity criteria categories for ICA stenosis and explain why angle correction, sample volume placement, and machine settings change measured velocities

Interpret spectral waveforms from the CCA, ICA, ECA, vertebral, and subclavian arteries, distinguishing normal from stenotic patterns

Apply a structured interpretation sequence to at least 10 carotid case vignettes and assign a stenosis category with justification

Differentiate carotid stenosis from occlusion, near-occlusion, dissection, fibromuscular dysplasia, and tandem lesions using duplex findings

Explain the role of transcranial Doppler and the findings expected in vasospasm, sickle cell screening, and emboli monitoring

Identify technical pitfalls such as contralateral disease, high bifurcation, calcified plaque shadowing, and low cardiac output that mimic stenosis

Describe the normal lower-extremity arterial waveform progression from common femoral to dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial arteries

Calculate and interpret the ankle-brachial index, toe-brachial index, and segmental pressures, including causes of falsely elevated values

Explain plethysmographic pulse volume recording interpretation and how to distinguish inflow, outflow, and multilevel disease

Outline the indications, preparation, and interpretation of exercise and reactive hyperemia testing

Apply duplex velocity criteria and waveform analysis to grade peripheral arterial stenosis and identify graft complications

Explain venous hemodynamics: ambulatory venous pressure, venous return, valve function, and the effect of position and respiration on flow

Perform and interpret the standard lower-extremity venous duplex protocol, including compression, augmentation, and Valsalva maneuvers

Differentiate acute from chronic deep vein thrombosis and superficial from deep venous thrombosis using duplex criteria

Describe upper-extremity venous evaluation and the findings of central venous obstruction and thoracic outlet syndrome

Review arterial case logs and correct recurring interpretation errors before the midpoint assessment

Identify the normal spectral waveforms of the aorta, celiac, hepatic, splenic, renal, and mesenteric arteries and explain the physiologic basis for each

Interpret duplex findings in renal artery stenosis, mesenteric ischemia, portal hypertension, and liver transplantation evaluation

Describe the evaluation of abdominal aortic aneurysm, endoleak surveillance after endovascular repair, and aortic stent-graft follow-up

Explain dialysis access physiology, the brachial artery flow volume method, and criteria for stenosis, thrombosis, and access-induced ischemia

Outline preoperative vascular mapping for arteriovenous fistula and graft planning, including vein diameter and arterial inflow criteria

Apply access surveillance protocols, including flow volume trends, recirculation, and static and dynamic pressure measurements

Explain the principles of infection control, sterile technique, and safe transducer handling during vascular examinations

Describe patient preparation, contraindications, and safety considerations for exercise testing, contrast use, and patients with limited mobility or wounds

Identify professional standards relevant to the credentialing examination: scope of practice, documentation requirements, quality assurance, and continuing education

Respond to at least 10 ethics, communication, and patient-safety scenarios with the appropriate action

Re-derive the physics formulas and controls from memory without reference materials

Complete timed mixed-domain question sets of at least 40 items each for cerebrovascular and peripheral arterial testing

Complete timed mixed-domain question sets of at least 40 items each for peripheral venous testing and instrumentation

Review every missed item and write a corrected explanation linking the error to a specific concept gap

Reassess weak areas identified in earlier self-tests and confirm improvement on a repeat set

Complete two full-length timed practice examinations under exam conditions and score each by domain

Review abdominal, visceral, and dialysis access criteria one final time using condensed summary sheets

Verify familiarity with patient care, safety, and professional standards content through a 30-item targeted review

Build a final one-page rapid-review sheet covering normal values, velocity thresholds, and formulas for each domain

Set a test-day plan covering timing strategy, question triage, and management of unfamiliar items