Pass SPI Exam Guide

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Lateral resolution is the system’s ability to distinguish two structures side-by-side. It is directly determined by the beam width — the narrower the beam, the better the lateral resolution.

Principles and Instrumentation:

"Lateral resolution depends on beam width at a given depth. Narrower beams provide better lateral resolution."

Depth of penetration influences maximum imaging depth.

Propagation speed is largely constant in soft tissue.

Wavelength affects axial resolution.

Therefore, the correct answer is A: Beam width.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The primary purpose of compression is to reduce the dynamic range of received echoes, making the image more visually interpretable by adjusting contrast without losing diagnostic information.

According to sonography instrumentation reference:

“Compression reduces the dynamic range of the signal amplitudes to fit within the display range of the monitor while preserving important differences in tissue echogenicity.”

Therefore, the correct answer is D: Reduce the dynamic range.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Color aliasing occurs when the Doppler shift exceeds the Nyquist limit, which is determined by the pulse repetition frequency (PRF). A low PRF reduces the Nyquist limit, making aliasing more likely.

According to sonography instrumentation reference:

“Aliasing occurs in color Doppler imaging when the Doppler shift frequency exceeds half of the PRF (Nyquist limit). A low PRF increases the likelihood of aliasing.”

Therefore, the correct answer is A: Low pulse repetition frequency.

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Contrast agents used in ultrasound imaging typically consist of microbubbles filled with gas. The significant mismatch in acoustic impedance between the gas in the microbubbles and the surrounding blood creates strong reflectors of the ultrasound waves, enhancing the echogenicity of blood and improving the visibility of blood flow and tissue perfusion. The high contrast provided by the gas-filled microbubbles makes them particularly effective as ultrasound contrast agents.