Which of the following is listed as a contraindication to ultrasound?

• A. Advanced pregnancy
• B. Regular dental checkups
• C. Healthy skin
• D. Moderate blood pressure

Answer: (D)

Therapeutic ultrasound has safety boundaries that restrict its use in certain conditions. Advanced pregnancy is a known contraindication because exposing a pregnant uterus to ultrasound energy can pose risks to fetal tissues or cause unwanted heating. So the area around a pregnant uterus should not be treated with ultrasound. Moderate blood pressure is not listed as a contraindication, since systemic BP doesn’t change the safety of the localized energy delivered by ultrasound. Regular dental checkups and healthy skin aren’t contraindications either; the important protective rule is to avoid applying ultrasound when pregnancy is present in the treatment area.