RPhS Exam Overview
Examination Matrix
This examination matrix is provided to illustrate the general distribution of questions and the relative weight or emphasis given to a skill or content area on the examination.
CONTENT CATEGORY
A. Maintain Information, Facility, and Safety
B. Patient Diagnosis
C. Performance of Diagnostic Testing
D. Conservative Treatment / Therapy of Patients
E. Minimally Invasive and Invasive Treatment of Patients
TOTAL
Approximate % OF EXAM
6%
22%
35%
9%
27%
100%
Knowledge List
The list below describes general areas of knowledge that are needed in order to perform the tasks identified. This knowledge will apply across multiple tasks.
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Regulatory and Compliance Standards (e.g. OSHA, HIPAA, informed consent, medical records)
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Medical ethics
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Medical terminology
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General anatomy
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Cardiovascular anatomy and physiology (normal and abnormal)
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Venous anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
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Vascular hemodynamics
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Venous disease process and progression
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Diagnosis and treatment of lymphatic disease
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Basic math and statistical skills (formulas, exponents, decimals, scientific notation)
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Basic pharmacology
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History & physical
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Vascular signs and symptoms
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Risk factors (family history, genetics)
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CEAP classification
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Pre- and post-treatment
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Basic Life Support (BLS)
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Safety practices for patients and staff
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Universal precautions/infection control
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Sterile procedure
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Ergonomics
-
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Ultrasound physics
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Ultrasound instrumentation
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Ultrasound modalities (e.g., spectral Doppler, color Doppler, B-mode)
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Vascular anomalies and normal variances
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Nonsurgical interventions (e.g., medications, risk factor modification)
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Sclerotherapy (visual and ultrasoundguided)
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Compression therapy
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Physical therapy
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Open-surgical venous procedures
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Minimally-invasive venous procedures
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Thermal ablation
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Phlebectomy
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Other testing modalities (e.g., CT, MR, plethysmography)
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Exam correlation with other imaging modalities
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Complications of venous treatment
Task List
The task lists below describes the activities which a Registered Phlebology Sonographer is expected perform on the job. All examinations questions are linked to these tasks.
A Maintain Information, Facility, and Safety - 6% OF EXAM
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Utilize Universal Precautions
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Triage Patient Status
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Inspect Electromechanical Equipment and Perform Preventative Maintenance
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Optimize Workspace
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Facilitate Continuous Quality Improvement
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Secure and Archive Patient Information
B Patient Diagnosis - 22% OF EXAM
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Obtain Patient Demographic Information
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Obtain Patient History
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Perform Physical Exam
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Establish Differential Diagnoses
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Formulate and/or Assist in Formulating a Diagnostic Plan
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Analyze Patient Data
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Formulate and/or Assist in Formulating a Treatment Plan
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Evaluate Post-Treatment Status
C Performance of Diagnostic Testing - 35% OF EXAM
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Confirm Indications for Study
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Position patient
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Select Appropriate Equipment and Optimize Settings
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Select Appropriate Transducer and Optimize Frequency
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Perform Study Protocol
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Document Exam Findings
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Store Test Images
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Communicate Unusual or Abnormal Findings
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Provide Patient Discharge Instructions
D Conservative Treatment/Therapy of Patients - 9% OF EXAM
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Assist in or Provide Conservative Treatment(s)
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Assist in or Provide Compression Therapy
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Recognize Lymphedema and Facilitate its Treatment
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Advise Patients on Physical Therapy Options
E Minimally Invasive and Invasive Treatment of Patients - 27% OF EXAM
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Confirm Signed Informed Consent
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Assist in or Perform Visual Sclerotherapy
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Assist in or Perform Ultrasound Guided Procedures
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Assist in or Perform Minimally Invasive Treatment (e.g., phlebectomy, ablation, ligation)
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Perform Pre and Post Operative Evaluation of Open Surgical Procedure (e.g. phlebectomy, ablation, ligation)
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Consider the Use of Patient and/or Physician Reported Outcomes Measures
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Provide Patient Discharge Instructions
TOTAL 100%