Ultrasound Assessment of Fetal Anomalies

Sonography Fundamentals

Materials Included

Text
Video
Anatomy
Simulation
Quiz

Obstetric ultrasound is the most powerful way to assess the fetus during a pregnancy.

Obstetric ultrasound is the most powerful way to assess the fetus during a pregnancy. This module teaches you how to prepare for and perform a targeted fetal anomaly ultrasound evaluation, and how to identify various fetal anomalies. The interactive simulator provides three different scenarios that cover different types of ultrasound assessment of fetal anomalies. The module enables students and practitioners to build or refresh knowledge and cognitive skills, and offers a safe online practice environment so you can prepare for the real clinical world. It is ideal if you are studying for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) registry exams.

You’ll learn

to practice, perfect and test your skills in performing an ultrasound scan to assess fetal anomalies, and the protocol for a targeted fetal anomaly evaluation
to better visualize and understand the key structures and components of the fetus at various stages of development during the second and third trimesters, with our 3D model and illustrations
how to recognize various abnormalities of the fetal anatomy on ultrasound images, including abnormalities of chromosomes
about the common genetic conditions identified by ultrasound and the use of genetic testing in pregnancy
to describe fetal therapies that are performed under ultrasound guidance
much more (see “content details” for more specific information).

Introduction

Step 1 - Preparation

Step 1.1 - Equipment preparation

Step 1.2 - Patient preparation

Step 1.3 - Operator preparation

Step 2 - Expose the lower abdomen and apply gel

Step 3 - Select the transducer

Step 4 - Commence the targeted fetal anomaly scanning protocol

Step 4.1 - Patient position

Step 4.2 - Scan plane

Step 4.3 - Targeted fetal anomaly protocol image requirements

Step 4.3.1 - Fetal lie, life, number, presentation, and situs

Step 4.3.2 - Maternal uterus and adnexae

Step 4.3.3 - Amniotic fluid and placental location

Step 4.3.4 - Fetal biometry

Step 4.3.5 - Fetal anatomy

Step 4.4 - Annotations required

Step 4.5 - Troubleshooting

Step 5 - Perform targeted fetal anomaly evaluation

Step 5.1 - Scan the fetal head and face

Step 5.2 - Scan the fetal spine

Step 5.3 - Scan the fetal thorax and heart

Step 5.4 - Scan the abdomen and pelvis

Step 5.5 - Scan the fetal limbs and extremities

Step 6 - Genetic testing techniques and common genetic conditions identified by ultrasound

Step 6.1 - Maternal serum markers

Step 6.2 - Nuchal translucency

Step 6.3 - Chorionic villus sampling

Step 6.4 - Amniocentesis

Step 7 - Fetal therapies under ultrasound guidance

Step 7.1 - Cordocentesis

Step 7.2 - Umbilical cord therapies

Step 7.3 - Fetal shunting procedures

Step 7.4 - Embryo reduction and selective fetocide

Step 8 - Complete the procedure

Describe and recognize on images abnormalities of the following:
cranium, face, neck, vertebral column, thorax, lungs, anterior abdominal wall, hepatobiliary system, gastrointestinal tract, abdomen, urinary tract, genitalia, extremities, skeleton, umbilical cord, circulatory system.
Describe congenital heart abnormalities and fetal abnormalities associated with the fetal thorax.
Discuss the use of genetic testing in pregnancy, including amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and nuchal translucency.
Explain procedures related to fetal therapies.
Describe and recognize on images abnormalities of chromosomes.
Explain the Patient Privacy Rule (HIPAA) and Patient Safety Act.

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