Ultrasound of the Aorta

Ultrasound

This module teaches you how to perform an ultrasound examination of the abdominal aorta.

This module teaches you how to perform an ultrasound examination of the abdominal aorta. An ultrasound of the aorta is performed to exam the internal structures of the abdomen. It is most often done to screen for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or other medical conditions. In this module, the medical professional will learn the principles of doppler ultrasound and the scanning procedure for an ultrasound of the abdominal aorta. Including both Learn and Test modes, the online simulator offers scenarios that tests your ability to perform an ultrasound of the aorta. Practice the steps of the procedures online as often as you want, until you feel confident.

If you are not a medical student or physician, you may prefer the other version of this module which includes all the procedural information needed by professionals in other roles: Perform venipuncture.

You'll learn

pre-procedure considerations
a sequence of scanning techniques that includes patient position, scan plane, and specific image requirements
how to obtain images of the aorta in both the longitudinal and transverse planes
sonographic landmarks
to practice and perfect your skills in performing an ultrasound of the aorta
much more (see Content Details for more specific information)

Introduction

Step 1 - Preparation

Step 1.1 - Equipment preparation

Step 1.1.1 - Syringe collection technique

Step 1.1.2 - Vacuum collection technique

Step 1.1.3 - Winged (butterfly) collection technique

Step 1.2 - Medical assistant preparation

Step 1.3 - Patient preparation

Step 1.3.1 - Position the patient

Step 2 - Identify the appropriate collection site

Step 2.1 - Expose the intended puncture site

Step 2.2 - Apply the tourniquet

Step 2.3 - Palpate the vein

Step 3 - Clean the site

Step 4 - Obtain the blood sample

Step 4.1 - Syringe and butterfly collection technique

Step 4.2 - Evacuated tube collection technique

Step 5 - Prepare the blood sample

Step 5.1 - Prepare blood-collection tubes

Step 6 - Apply the dressing

Step 7 - Complete the procedure

Describe pre-procedure considerations.
Describe and demonstrate the preparation for venipuncture.
Describe and demonstrate laboratory safety according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines
Describe and demonstrate correct identification of the venipuncture site.
Describe and demonstrate three different methods of blood collection.
Identify and demonstrate the use of different collection tubes.
List and describe the proper order of draws in venipuncture blood collection.
Describe and demonstrate the correct post-procedure considerations.
Define and demonstrate correct recording and reporting procedures.
Define and use related medical terminology.
Explain the Patient Privacy Rule (HIPAA), Patient Safety Act, and Patients' Bill of Rights.

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long