What should a sonographer do if they suspect an abnormality during an exam?

When a sonographer suspects an abnormality during an exam, documenting findings and effectively communicating results to the interpreting physician is essential. This approach ensures that any potential issues are brought to the attention of the physician, who is responsible for making clinical decisions based on the imaging results. Clear and accurate documentation allows for proper interpretation of the images and supports patient care by facilitating follow-up actions if necessary.

By communicating findings directly, the sonographer plays a vital role in the healthcare team, ensuring that any abnormalities are evaluated in conjunction with the patient's overall clinical picture. This proactive step aids in timely diagnosis and intervention, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

The other approaches, such as reporting findings only if asked, waiting for the patient to express concerns, or continuing the exam without mention of the abnormality, do not prioritize patient safety and care. They can lead to missed diagnoses and potentially harm the patient’s wellbeing.