Question

When an abdominal ultrasound is done, why is it advised to have a full bladder?

(a) To have a good acoustic window

(b) To increase the water content

(c) To lower impedance

(d) To allow for better propagation of waves

The question was posed to me in an online interview.

The question is from Ultrasound in section Diagnostic Investigation via Imaging Techniques of Clinical Science

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) To have a good acoustic window

Best explanation: Acoustic window is a small opening through which the sound waves can pass and can help image the structures beyond. When the bladder is full, it is properly stretched and the folds of the bladder do not provide any impedance. The water helps in the better propagation of the sound and visualization of the structures beyond the bladder.