Radiology Practice Test

What role does ultrasound primarily play in obstetric imaging?

1. Monitor fetal development and assess pregnancy-related complications

2. Measure blood pressure in pregnant women

3. Perform surgeries in obstetric patients

4. Provide pain relief during delivery

The correct answer is: Monitor fetal development and assess pregnancy-related complications

Ultrasound primarily serves as a critical tool in obstetric imaging by allowing healthcare providers to monitor fetal development and assess pregnancy-related complications. This imaging technique is non-invasive and uses sound waves to create real-time images of the fetus and surrounding structures. Through ultrasound, clinicians can track the growth of the fetus, evaluate heart rates, detect multiple pregnancies, and identify structural anomalies early in gestation. Additionally, it helps in assessing the placenta's position and health, which can be crucial for determining the risk of complications such as placenta previa or placental abruption. Ultrasound plays a vital role in enabling timely decisions regarding patient management, thus ensuring better outcomes for both the mother and the fetal health. Other options listed do not align with the primary uses of ultrasound in obstetrics; for instance, measuring blood pressure is a physiological assessment not related to imaging, performing surgeries entails a separate set of skills and tools, and providing pain relief is typically managed through anesthetics rather than imaging techniques.