Preparing for Echocardiographic Examination of the Patient, Doing, Recording and Reporting Findings

This chapter deals with the practical aspect of performing the procedure of Echocardiogram. It enumerates step by step what is involved in obtaining the Echocardiogram starting with Preparation of the machine, Evaluation of the patient, Preparation of the patient, Performing the procedure, Recording the findings, Dealing with Emergency situations, Discussion about the pathology with the Attending Physician, and lastly keeping abreast of latest developments through continuing medical education. After reading this chapter, the reader will become familiar with the procedure and will be able to perform it with confidence. Also, the patient will become comfortable undergoing the procedure. The use of Echocardiogram becomes more effective, if it is a part of teamwork with peers, and superiors participating in the effort to clinch the diagnosis and ultimately deliver optimum patient care, which is the goal of everyone involved. This chapter is geared towards that end.