Baptist College of Health Sciences

Memphis, Tennessee
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
Course Title:

DMS 350 ABDOMINAL SONOGRAPHY I

Trimester:

Fall 2013

Instructor:

Abby Kurtz, BHS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT

Contact Information: 901-572-2649, abigail.kurtz@bchs.edu
Office: Room 217 main building, office hours by appointment
Strengths: Empathy, Relator, Achiever, Responsibility, Learner

Time Allocation: Weekly hours of instruction:

hour online)
Classroom:
Laboratory:
Credit Hours:

2 hours of lecture (1 hour class, 1

3 hours of lab
Tuesday 10:45-11:45
Section
1: Tuesday 12:30-3:30
Section 2: Thursday 11:00-2:00
3

Prerequisite:

DMS 310

Teaching Facilities:

BCHS sonography classroom, Annex Building room 118

Instructional Materials:

Required Text:
Rumack, C., Wilson, S., & Charboneau, J. (2005). Diagnostic ultrasound. (4th ed.). St.
Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
Tempkin, B. B. (2007). Pocket protocols for ultrasound scanning (2nd ed.).
Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders.
BCHS Diagnostic Medical Sonography Student Handbook and Protocol Guide.

Required Supplies:

Jump drive, Blank CDs RW

Blended Course that utilizes Moodle to assist with course delivery.

Syllabi, assignments and announcements are available for student use
Connect to Moodle by going to http://bchs.mrooms3.net/
Use your college username and password to access Moodle
The Moodle grade book is for communicating grades only. The Moodle grade book is
not the official grade book; the official grade book is maintained by the course
instructor and contains the grades of record.

Course Syllabus subject to change

Course Overview:
The study and application of medical sonography as it relates to abdominal organs and
retroperitoneal structures. Clinical signs and symptoms, pertinent lab values, pathophysiology,
and differential diagnosis will be presented.
Course Assessment:
DMS 350 contributes to the development of the sonographer by incorporating the following
elements into the course:

Knowledge (Cognitive Domain):

Normal abdominal and retroperitoneal anatomy and physiology, abnormal
abdominal and retroperitoneal anatomy and physiology, and patient history
that applies to abdominal sonography
Clinical Proficiency (Psychomotor Domain):
Scanning application through hands-on participation, demonstration of
sonographic protocols, and patient evaluation skills
Behavioral Skills (Affective Domain):
Team work, critical thinking, communication, professionalism, and time
management

Course Outcomes:
Explain the anatomy and function of abdominal and retroperitoneal organs
Evaluate sonographic features of normal and abnormal anatomy in the abdomen and
retroperitoneum
Summarize abdominal pathologies and differential diagnoses that can be formulated
from assessing sonographic findings
Analyze clinical patient history, lab values, and other diagnostic examinations
relating to abdominal sonography
Demonstrate proficiency in the performance of a complete abdominal sonogram
utilizing program specific protocol
Academic Honesty
BCHS students are expected to demonstrate personal and professional integrity and honor at
all times as reference in the BCHS Student Handbook and BCHS College Catalog.
Classroom Attendance and Participation
Attendance and punctuality for all planned experiences in the classroom and lab are
expected and are referenced in the DMS Student Handbook.
Note: Each student must be in class on time. If you are not in the classroom when
the faculty begins class, you must wait until the next break to enter the classroom.
There will be no interruptions by students entering after class has commenced
Policy on Electronic Devices in the Classroom
Portable electronic devices, such as notebook computers, tablets, and cell phones
allow us to access information that may be relevant to what is happening in the
classroom. They can also be a source of distraction and disturbance. As an

Course Syllabus subject to change

instructor, I want you to be able to use the tools available to you while limiting the
disruptions to your learning and those around you.
Cell phones: All students must have their cell phones on silent/vibrate (so as not to
disturb the class with personal phone calls/texts coming in), and the use of phones
for personal purposes (reading/sending texts, etc.) during class is not permitted.
It is acceptable to use the cell phone for reference material that is being covered in
class, and to have your laptops/tablets for notes and/or Internet access. Any use of
a computing device (smart phone, laptop, tablet, etc.) must be relevant to what is
happening in the course. The teacher reserves the right to ask students to leave if
their device is distracting others, or they are using the device for unrelated
purposes.
Cell phones or other electronic devices are not to be used or visible during exams. If
a student has his or her cell phone or other unauthorized electronic devices out
during an exam, the student will automatically receive a 0 on that exam. A second
infraction will result in the student receiving an F for his/her final grade in the
course. Any unauthorized use of electronic devices during an exam will be reported
to the Dean of the Division and the Dean of Student Services as a violation of
Academic Integrity under the Code of Student Conduct.

Students with Disabilities - Procedures for Receiving Academic Accommodations:

Baptist College has a process by which students with valid and documented learning
disabilities can request academic accommodations. (See BCHS Student Handbook)

Student must make an appointment for an academic accommodation consultation with

the disability services coordinator within the first two weeks of a trimester, or as soon
as the need for the accommodation is identified. The earlier a request is submitted, the
earlier that request can be addressed. An appointment can be made by e-mailing
Bill.Finnell@bchs.edu or calling Bill Finnell, Disability Services Coordinator at (901) 5722660 Mr. Finnells office is on the main campus in room 227 located on the second
floor, third hall.

Student Responsibility-In order to be successful in this course, it is the expectation of the

faculty that the student must:
Complete lectures, reading and other assignments prior to class and lab
Be active in class and lab participation
Contact instructors for questions or clarification
Make appointments with instructors for individual assistance
Participate in scanning
Practice time management when completing assignments and studying for
examinations
Utilize college services for assistance with stress, test taking or study skills, health
concerns or other issues
Method for student appeal
Refer to the BCHS Student Handbook: Appeals for Academic Grievance.
Course Grade:
DMS 350 is a blended course that offers a combination of instructional formats. Instructional
formats include PowerPoint lectures, video lectures, Moodle, hands-on learning, case analysis,

Course Syllabus subject to change

and laboratory scanning. Final course grade is determined by tests (80%) and assignments
(20%).

Grading Scale utilized in course:

o A = 93-100
B = 85- 92 C = 77- 84 F = 76 and below (failure)
o Students must receive a test average of 77 or higher to pass the course.
o Students must receive a score of 77 or higher on the complete abdominal
scan assessment to pass the course.

Testing Component =80% of the final course grade

4 multiple choice tests of equal value will be given throughout the course
Test 1-aorta, IVC, liver
Test 2-gallbladder, pancreas
Test 3-kidneys and adrenal
Test 4-comprehensive final

Assignments = 20% of the final course grade

Online assignments
Protocol PowerPoints: 20%
Laboratory assignments
Aorta scan assessment: 10%
Pancreas scan assessment: 10%
Urinary scan assessment: 10%
Complete abdomen protocol assessment: 40%
Lab participation: 10%

Make-up of tests
Students will receive a grade of 0 for missed exams. If the student has contacted
the instructor in advance of the scheduled test time a make-up exam
will be given and a 10-point deduction will be taken from the final test
grade. All make-up exams must be scheduled and taken within 1 week
of absence. Instructor has the right to grant exceptions in emergency
situations.

Make-up of labs

Students will receive a participation grade of 0 for missed labs. If the

student has contacted the instructor in advance of the scheduled lab,
arrangements can be made to schedule a make-up lab at the
instructors discretion. All make-up labs must be scheduled and
attended within 1 week of absence. Student will receive a maximum of
50% of the participation point value earned for labs made up within 1
week. If a scan assessment was missed, the scan assessment will be
treated as a make-up exam.

Submission of late assignments

Late assignments may be awarded a maximum of 50% of the point value of the
original assignment. All late and make-up assignments must be completed within
one week of the original due date to receive 50%. All late work received after
one week of the original due date will receive a grade of 0.

Course Syllabus subject to change

2013 Refund Policy and Dates for Tuition and Fees:

This policy applies to dropping a course or withdrawing from school:
A student who withdraws from a course on or before the published registration date
for the term in which they are enrolled will receive 100% Tuition and Course Fee
Refund with the below date: For the Fall 2013 trimester, this date is
September 5, 2013.

A student who withdraws from a course after the published registration date for the term
in which the student is enrolled through the change/add period specified for the course
in which the student is enrolled will receive a 100% Tuition Only Refund with the
below date: Course begins 09/07/13 and ends 12/14/13, refund through
September 16, 2013.
No tuition or fee refund will be processed after the change/add period specified for
each course.
Course fees are non-refundable after the published registration date for the term.
A schedule of specific refund dates for each term will be published on the College
website, will be distributed to all students via email each trimester and via course
syllabi.
All fees not related to a course are non-refundable.

DMS 350 COURSE CONTENT

Date
September
10

Resources for
Content
Course syllabus

Content Focus
Class and lab expectations,
assignment requirements,
examinations

Class Activity
Review of syllabus
and the use of
Moodle

Module 1 Aorta, IVC and Liver

Objectives:
Describe normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology of the aorta, IVC, and liver
Recognize and describe normal sonographic features associated with the aorta, IVC,
and liver
Evaluate abnormal sonographic features of the aorta, IVC, and liver, and use those
findings to modify scanning protocol and formulate differential diagnoses
Analyze clinical patient history, lab values, and other diagnostic examinations as the
information applies to sonographic examinations

Course Syllabus subject to change

Date
September
17

September
24

Resources for
Content
Chapter 12
pages 447-481

Chapter 4
pages 78-97

Content Focus
Aorta and IVC
Anatomy
Sonographic
examination
Related pathology
Pertinent clinical history
Liver

October 1

Chapter 4
Pages 97-140

Liver

October 8

Normal anatomy and

anomalies
Infectious disease
Metabolic disorders
Sonographic
examination and
findings
Pertinent clinical history

Cirrhosis
Vascular abnormalities
Neoplasms
Trauma
Sonographic
examination and
findings
Pertinent clinical history

Class Activity

Case Study
Analysis of the
Content Focus

Case Study
Analysis of the
Content Focus

Case Study
Analysis of the
Content Focus

Test
All content resources, class and lab discussion, and case study review

Course Syllabus subject to change

Module 2 Gallbladder and Pancreas

Objectives:
Describe normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology of the gallbladder and
pancreas
Recognize and describe normal sonographic features associated with the gallbladder
and pancreas
Evaluate abnormal sonographic features of the gallbladder and pancreas, and use
those findings to modify scanning protocol and formulate differential diagnoses
Analyze clinical patient history, lab values, and other diagnostic examinations as the
information applies to sonographic examinations
Date

Resources for
Content

Content Focus

October 15

Chapter 6

Gallbladder
Anatomy
Sonographic
examination
Related pathology
Pertinent clinical history

Case Study
Analysis of the
Content Focus

October 22

Chapter 7
and corresponding video
lecture on Moodle

Pancreas
Anatomy
Sonographic
examination
Related pathology
Pertinent clinical history

Case Study
Analysis of the
Content Focus

October 29

Class Activity

Test
All content resources, class and lab discussion, and case study review

Module 3 Urinary and Adrenals

Objectives:
Describe normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology of the urinary tract and
adrenal glands
Recognize and describe normal sonographic features associated with the urinary
tract and adrenal glands
Evaluate abnormal sonographic features of the urinary tract and adrenal glands, and
use those findings to modify scanning protocol and formulate differential diagnoses
Analyze clinical patient history, lab values, and other diagnostic examinations as the
information applies to sonographic examinations

Course Syllabus subject to change

Date

Resources for
Content

Content Focus

November 5

Chapter 9
Pages 318-348
and corresponding video
lecture on Moodle

Kidneys and Bladder

Normal anatomy and
anomalies
Infections
Calculi
Sonographic
examination
Related pathology
Pertinent clinical history

Case Study
Analysis of the
Content Focus

November 12

Chapter 9
Pages 348-385,
Chapter 11,
and corresponding video
lectures on Moodle

Kidneys and Bladder

Tumors
Cystic disease
Vascular abnormalities
Medical diseases
Adrenals
Anatomy
Sonographic
examination
Related pathology
Pertinent clinical history

Case Study
Analysis of the
Content Focus

November 19

Class Activity

Test
All content resources, class and lab discussion, and case study review

Module 4 Spleen, Peritoneal Cavity and Abdominal wall

Objectives:
Describe normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology of the spleen, peritoneal
cavity, and anterior abdominal wall
Recognize and describe normal sonographic features associated with the spleen,
peritoneal cavity, and anterior abdominal wall
Evaluate abnormal sonographic features of the spleen, peritoneal cavity, and
anterior abdominal wall, and use those findings to modify scanning protocol and
formulate differential diagnoses
Analyze clinical patient history, lab values, and other diagnostic examinations as the
information applies to sonographic examinations

Course Syllabus subject to change

Date

Resources for
Content

Content Focus

November 26

Chapter 5 and
corresponding video
lecture on Moodle

Spleen
Anatomy
Sonographic
examination
Related pathology
Pertinent clinical history

Case Study
Analysis of the
Content Focus

December 3

Chapter 13,
Chapter 14, and
corresponding video
lectures on Moodle

Abdominal Wall
Sonographic
examination
Hernias
Peritoneum
Sonographic
examination
Neoplasms
Inflammation

Case Study
Analysis of the
Content Focus

December 10
Comprehensive
FINAL EXAM
(All material covered in the course)

Course Syllabus subject to change

Class Activity

Abdomen I Lab Schedule and Activities Section 1 and 2

Objectives:
Identify and discuss anatomy and physiology of abdominal and retroperitoneal
structures
Demonstrate the ability to obtain quality sonographic images of the normal
abdominal and retroperitoneal organs through scanning classmates and an
ultrasound phantom
Date

Resources for Content

September
10
And 12

Course syllabus, Lab

participation and activity
forms, abdomen protocols
including the flip book, and
assignment instructions

Subject
Area
Lab
expectations
and
assignment
requirements

September
17
And 19

Chapter 12 and abdomen

protocols including protocol
flip book

Aorta
IVC

September
24
And 26

Chapter 4 and abdomen

protocols including protocol
flip book

Liver

October 1
And 3

Chapter 4 and abdomen

protocols including protocol
flip book

Liver

October 8
And 10

Chapter 4 and abdomen

protocols including protocol
flip book

Liver

Course Syllabus subject to change

Lab Activity
Review of Syllabus, lab
participation, and scan
assessments
Perform a pre-scan
assessment
Discussion of protocol PPT
images and
application of image
acquisition techniques
completed through hands on
experience
Aorta scan assessment
Discussion of protocol PPT
images and
application of image
acquisition techniques
completed through hands on
experience
Discussion of protocol PPT
images and
application of image
acquisition techniques
completed through hands on
experience
Discussion of protocol PPT
images and
application of image
acquisition techniques
completed through hands on
experience

October 15
And 17

Chapter 6 and abdomen

protocols including protocol
flip book

Gallbladder

October 22
And 24

Chapter 7, corresponding
video lecture, and abdomen
protocols including protocol
flip book

Pancreas

October 29
And 31

Chapter 9, corresponding
video lecture, and abdomen
protocols including protocol
flip book

Kidneys and
Urinary tract

November 5
And 7

Chapter 9, corresponding
video lecture, and abdomen
protocols including protocol
flip book

Kidneys and
Urinary tract

Discussion of protocol PPT

images and
application of image
acquisition techniques
completed through hands on
experience
Discussion of protocol PPT
images and
application of image
acquisition techniques
completed through hands on
experience
Pancreas scan assessment
Discussion of protocol PPT
images and
application of image
acquisition techniques
completed through hands on
experience
Discussion of protocol PPT
images and
application of image
acquisition techniques
completed through hands on
experience
Bladder scan assessment

November 12 Chapter 5, corresponding

And 14
video lecture, and abdomen
protocols including protocol
flip book
November 19
And 21

All chapters above,

corresponding video
lecture, and abdomen
protocols including protocol
flip book

Spleen

Complete
abdomen
protocol

Discussion of protocol PPT

images and
application of image
acquisition techniques
completed through hands on
experience
Complete abdomen protocol
practice

November 26
Open Lab for Practice
December 3
And 5

All chapters above,

corresponding video
lectures, and abdomen
protocols including protocol
flip book

Course Syllabus subject to change

Complete
abdomen
protocol

Complete abdomen protocol

assessment

Course Syllabus subject to change

Briann
a
Carden

Kelly
Caram

Test 1
Test 2
Test 3
Final
Test Avg
Avg x 8
Protocol
PPT
Aorta
Assessmen
t
Pancreas
Assessmen
t
Urinary
assessmen
t
Complete
Abd
Assessmen
t
Lab
Participatio
n
Protocol
PPT x 2
Complete
Abd
Assessmen
tx4
Average
Average x
2
Mid Term
Mid Term
Letter
Grade

Course Syllabus subject to change

Kriste
n
Cherry

Mary
Kache
novic
h

Shelle
y
Kraft

Teresa
Monta
no

Christ
ina
Nolte

Jennif
er
Pittma
n

Emily
Price

Kelsi
Weakl
ey

Final Grade
Final Letter
Grade

Course Syllabus subject to change

Course Syllabus subject to change