MRS543 Abdominal and Pelvic Ultrasound (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Medical Radiation Science (MEDRA)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject is offered concurrently with supervised clinical practice to provide an understanding of the sonographic approach to the upper abdomen, pelvis and abdominal wall. The emphasis is on using the optimal technical approach and patient management to enable successful demonstration of normal anatomy and diagnosis of pathology and / or trauma. Students will be encouraged to use an analytical approach to identify and understand the clinical questions and to demonstrate appropriate scanning techniques and acquisition of sonographic information. Interpretation of sonographic findings will be underpinned by a thorough understanding of the relevant anatomic, physiologic and pathological processes.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 2 | |
|---|---|
| Distance | Wagga Wagga |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: MRS543
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Assumed Knowledge:
- Students are expected to have background knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology.
- Students enrolled in MRS543 must be employed in a general ultrasound department under appropriate supervision for the duration of the subject.
Enrolment restrictions:
Available only to students enrolling in the Graduate Diploma or Master of Medical Ultrasound courses.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
Be able to:
- Optimise the use of sonographic equipment in the production of images.
- Describe how to perform a sonographic examination of the abdomen, male pelvis, and female pelvis.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the sonographic patterns of abdominal and pelvic pathology.
- Explain the significance of clinical tests relevant to structures within the abdomen and pelvis.
- Perform an abdominal ultrasound under supervision.
- Perform a basic transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound study of the female pelvis under supervision.
- Perform a male pelvic transabdominal examination under supervision.
- Demonstrate an understanding of a male pelvic transrectal ultrasound.
- Demonstrate the preparation, insertion, and disinfection procedures of the transducer in transvaginal and transrectal examinations.
- Perform the examinations listed in the syllabus in a safe and ethical manner providing due care for the patient.
- Demonstrate a capacity for critical examination of their own professional practice.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
Upper Abdominal Ultrasound - divided into five sections each addressing:
- Indications
- Preparation
- Equipment
- Anatomy
- Scanning Protocols and Techniques
- Analysis and presentation of normal and abnormal findings
- Cross-infection control
1 Upper abdomen
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Spleen
2 Renal
- Kidneys
- Ureters
- Bladder
- Adrenal glands
3 Vessels
- Aorta and associated vessels
- IVC and associated vessels
4 Portal System
5 Gastrointestinal System
Retroperitoneum and Pelvic ultrasound - divided into two sections each addressing:
- Indications
- Preparation
- Equipment
- Anatomy
- Technique
- Analysis and presentation of normal and abnormal findings
- Cross-infection control
1 Female pelvis
- trans-abdominal
- trans-vaginal
2 Male Pelvis
- transabdominal
- transrectal
Workplace Learning
This subject contains a Compulsory Workplace Learning component of 18 days duration.
Students are required to be working in a medical ultrasound department as a trainee sonographer as a condition of enrolment in the medical ultrasound courses. Students may work in public or private practice and are employees of the clinical institution on a paid or supernumerary basis.
Students work under the supervision of an Australasian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) Accredited Medical Sonographer and are eligible to join the ASAR registry as an Accredited Student Sonographer. As the student’s skills progress from novice to advanced beginner the level of supervision will typically progress from direct supervision to a more general supervision in keeping with the employer's requirements, thus the students become immersed in fully authentic roles of practice.
As students perform a range of ultrasound examinations in the workplace they are able to collect data from selected examinations to write up for assignment submissions (case studies and case reports). In addition, they undertake a process of critical reflection upon their practice and are encouraged to work closely with supervisors and colleagues to inform and improve their professional practice.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.