How to Answer: If you see something alarming, how would you react in front of the patient who most likely has not noticed?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Ultrasound Technician job interview.
14. If you see something alarming, how would you react in front of the patient who most likely has not noticed?
What You Need to Know
Keep your cool. One of your responsibilities as an ultrasound technician is to stay calm, regardless of the situation. There are so many unpredictable factors in the medical field, and you must learn to accept that as an everyday occurrence. An appropriate response to this scenario would be not to react. Depending on the situation, your protocols, and your scope of practice, you may need to allow the doctor to explain what showed up on the ultrasound. Be sure to have a clear understanding of what is within your rights to explain to patients or whether those sensitive topics are best explained by a medical doctor.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 9th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"I know this job entails showing results that are not pleasant to patients at times. To maintain a professional image with the patient, I would remain calm and quiet and let them know that I need to send the images to the radiologist for interpretation and that they would let the patient know what the results were."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 9th, 2023
Answer Example
"I would calmly tell the patient to give me a moment. I would then ask one of my coworkers for a second opinion if I was unsure of what I saw. However, if I see something concerning on a scan, it is usually the job of the RN or the physician to talk to the patient directly."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 9th, 2023
Experienced Example
"This situation would depend on what was found that was alarming. If an image showed something medically concerning, I would stay focused on my job in obtaining the best possible images for the radiologist and let the patient know what I was doing. Following the scan, I would let them know the process for the physician to receive the results and the follow-up they would be providing."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 9th, 2023