DMS 206 - Introduction to Sonography at Blue Ridge Community College
Course Description
Effective: 2017-08-01
Introduces the diagnostic foundations of diagnostic medical Sonography, including terminology, scan plane orientations, anatomical relationships, departmental administrative operations, hospital organization and basic patient care principles.
Lecture 2-3 hours per week. Total 2-3 hours per week.
2-3 credits
General Course Purpose
Hybrid lecture class presents students with the diagnostic foundations and skills needed to handle patients in the clinical setting to include interpersonal communication skills, medical terminology, scan plane orientations, anatomical relationships departmental operations, hospital orientation and basic patient care principles.
Course Objectives
- Employ appropriate listening and responding behaviors
- Organize and synthesize information
- Critically analyze course materials and apply towards other coursework in the program
- Adapt messages and behaviors to different communication contexts with verbal fluency
- Use professional verbal and nonverbal communication in sending and receiving messages
- Recognize the value of cultural and social diversity in the profession
- Communicate effectively when performing patient assessments, describing test and lab results, and during procedures
- Adhere to the professional guidelines dictated by the Sonography Scope of Practice, the Code of Ethics and HIPAA
- Discuss the role of ultrasound in patient care, assessment and management
- Show an understanding of Sonographic scan planes as applied in the human body according to national standard examination protocol guidelines
- Demonstrate and incorporate sound ergonomic techniques into their daily scanning procedures.
- Recognize, identify and appropriately document the need for excellent management of the medical record
- Comprehend and conform to concepts related to medico legal issues and patient consent.
- Identify infectious processes and employ prevention strategies during interventional/invasive procedures
Major Topics to be Included
- History of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Role of the Student Sonographer
- Professionalism
- Communication
- Diversity Awareness
- Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Safety in the Clinical Setting
- Infection Control
- Patient Care Techniques
- Clinical Assessment
- Medical Records
- Sonographic Procedures
- Medicolegal Principles
- Ethics
- Future of Diagnostic Medical Sonography