Which factor increases patient exposure during an ultrasound exam?

Which factor increases patient exposure during an ultrasound exam?

• A. Exam time
• B. Frequency
• C. Video recording
• D. Wavelength

Answer: (A)

Total patient exposure to ultrasound energy is driven by how long the ultrasound beam is actually on and delivering energy to tissue. If you extend the exam time, the beam stays on for a longer period, so more energy is deposited into the patient overall, increasing exposure. Frequency and wavelength affect image quality and how deeply the beam penetrates, but they don’t inherently raise the total energy delivered unless you change the power or duration. Video recording is a data process and does not add energy to the tissue. So, longer exam time directly increases cumulative energy exposure.

Total patient exposure to ultrasound energy is driven by how long the ultrasound beam is actually on and delivering energy to tissue. If you extend the exam time, the beam stays on for a longer period, so more energy is deposited into the patient overall, increasing exposure. Frequency and wavelength affect image quality and how deeply the beam penetrates, but they don’t inherently raise the total energy delivered unless you change the power or duration. Video recording is a data process and does not add energy to the tissue. So, longer exam time directly increases cumulative energy exposure.