Question

Which of the following statements are FALSE?

A) New TEE probes can cost up to $40,000.
B) A TEE probe should always be inserted into the patient with the tip in the locked position.
C) Ultrasound gel should be available for TEE probe placement.
D) An anesthesia technician can help the anesthesiologist with TEE probe placement by holding the handle of the TEE probe up while the anesthesiologist places the TEE probe into the patient.
E) The TEE machine should be plugged into a grounded and protected outlet.

Answer 1

The false statement regarding TEE probes is that the probe should be inserted with the tip locked. In reality, the probe tip should not be locked during insertion to prevent damage to the patient.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the statements provided regarding transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), which involves using an ultrasound probe to visualize the heart from the esophagus, the FALSE statement is: B) A TEE probe should always be inserted into the patient with the tip in the locked position. This is incorrect because the TEE probe tip should not be locked during insertion. It should be flexible to prevent injury to the esophagus and surrounding structures.

Statement A is true; new TEE probes can be very expensive, with some costing up to $40,000. Statement C is also true as ultrasound gel is typically used for better contact and imaging. For Statement D, it's common for an anesthesia technician to assist during TEE probe placement. Lastly, Statement E is a necessary safety measure where the TEE machine should indeed be plugged into a grounded and protected outlet to prevent electrical mishaps.