Abdomen Exam

Exam Content Outline

The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers publishes
its exam outlines and other important information on its website (www.ARDMS.org). Visit the site for complete information about
applying for and taking the registry examinations.

The outline for each exam indicates the approximate percentage of the exam that a particular topic represents. This information is important because it indicates the relative importance of each topic and allows you to study more effectively. For example, Pathology represents 40% of the abdomen exam, whereas Treatment represents 3%.

An outline summary for the Abdomen specialty examination appears below. For a more detailed exam content outline click here.

I. Anatomy and Physiology (30%)
Normal anatomy and physiology    Perfusion and function
II. Pathology (40%)
Abnormal perfusion and function    Abnormal physiology    Congenital anomalies    Postoperative (surgically corrected) anatomy
III. Patient Care (3%)
Infection control
IV. Integration of Data (8%)
Incorporate outside data (Clinical assessment, Health and    Physical [H&P], Lab values)
V. Protocols (3%)
Clinical standards and guidelines    Measurement techniques
VI. Physics (10%)
Artifacts    Imaging instruments
VII. Treatment (3%)
Sonographer role in procedures
VIII. Other (3%)
Managing medical emergencies    Traumatic injury

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