Free Pediatric Sonography Practice Test

10 Free Pediatric Sonography Practice Questions

1. During a neonatal abdominal scan, the sonographer identifies free fluid between the liver and right kidney. What is this fluid-filled space called?

   1. Glisson's space
   2. Space of Retzius
   3. Pouch of Douglas
   4. Morison's pouch
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct answer: Morison's pouch

   The space between the right kidney and liver, which can become fluid-filled with abdominal etiologies via the right paracolic gutter, is called Morison's pouch.

2. A 9-year-old patient presents to the emergency department with acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain and elevated white blood cell count. The appendix is not identified during a limited abdominal scan to image the appendix. However, the sonographer visualizes a collection in the right lower abdominal quadrant. This is most likely?

   1. Impacted bowel
   2. Hematoma
   3. Free-fluid
   4. Abscess
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct answer: Abscess

   Due to the patient's history of elevated white blood cell count and acute pain, without notation of trauma, this most likely represents an abscess in the right lower abdominal quadrant, which can relate to the scenario of a ruptured appendix.

3. A 3-month-old patient presents to the ultrasound department for a renal ultrasound due to a palpable mass. Adjacent to the left kidney, the sonographer visualizes the most common solid extracranial malignant childhood tumor. Which diagnosis is most consistent with the findings demonstrated on this image?

   1. Adrenal hemorrhage
   2. Adrenal lymphoma
   3. Adrenal medullary neuroblastoma
   4. Ganglion chain carcinoma
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct answer: Adrenal medullary neuroblastoma

   Neuroblastoma is the most common solid extracranial malignancy of childhood, which begins in the adrenal medulla or ganglion chain.

4. Jaundice may be visualized when which lab value is elevated?

   1. White blood cells
   2. Red blood cells
   3. Prothrombin time
   4. Bilirubin
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct answer: Bilirubin

   When bilirubin is elevated, jaundice may be visualized. An increase in bilirubin may occur in the presence of liver disease, blood disorders, and blockage of bile ducts.

5. What is the term for the presence of anechoic fluid surrounding a testis?

   1. Hydrocele
   2. Lymphocele
   3. Hematocele
   4. Pyocele
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct answer: Hydrocele

   Hydrocele is the filling of simple fluid between the tunica vaginalis visceral and parietal layers.

6. Which genetic, metabolic liver disease involves thick, viscous secretions that affect many other organ systems?

   1. Cystic fibrosis
   2. Acute portal vein thrombosis
   3. Primary hemochromatosis
   4. Macrovesicular steatosis
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct answer: Cystic fibrosis

   Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene. Concerning liver function, the defective CFTR protein impairs water and solute movement via chloride secretion, which is necessary for proper bile flow. This can result in biliary cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and abnormal sodium and chloride transport. These liver-related complications can contribute to progressive liver disease in some individuals with cystic fibrosis. Early detection and management of liver complications are essential for improving the overall health and quality of life for cystic fibrosis patients.

7. All of the following are major cranial bones EXCEPT?

   1. Sinusoid
   2. Ethmoid
   3. Parietal
   4. Temporal
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct answer: Sinusoid

   Major cranial bones include parietal, temporal, occipital, frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid bones, which on sonogram appear hyperechoic with posterior shadowing.

8. What kind of transducer is most effective in imaging the premature neonate's tiny, superficial peripheral vessels?

   1. Sector transducer
   2. Hockey stick transducer
   3. Sequential linear transducer
   4. Curvilinear transducer
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct answer: Hockey stick transducer

   A high-frequency linear array hockey stick transducer, typically between 9 to 14+ MHz, provides optimal resolution and imaging of tiny, superficial structures such as peripheral vascularity in the premature neonate.

9. Which of the following is a collection of embryologic originating disorders with an incomplete or absent fusion of posterior midline structures?

   1. Spinal dysraphism
   2. Upper vertebral defects
   3. Notochordal regression
   4. Neurulation
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct answer: Spinal dysraphism

   A collection of embryologic originating disorders where there is an incomplete or absent fusion of posterior midline structures is spinal dysraphism, which may be skin covered (occult) or open defects.

10. Which of the following is NOT an indication for superficial soft tissue ultrasound?

    1. Cyanosis
    2. Palpable mass
    3. Foreign body
    4. Abscess
    Show Answer & Explanation

    Correct answer: Cyanosis

    Superficial soft tissue ultrasound examinations are often performed to identify soft tissue abnormalities such as abscess, foreign body, cellulitis, or palpable mass. Ultrasound is commonly preferred over modalities that utilize ionizing radiation as the pediatric group is a radiosensitive population.