Which statement about ultrasound application is correct?

• A. Transducer should be angled at least 15 degrees for best energy
• B. Transducer should be moved rapidly with random patterns
• C. Transducer should be kept away from the skin
• D. Transducer should be kept in firm perpendicular contact

Answer: (D)

Efficient ultrasound energy transfer requires good skin contact and a perpendicular beam. The transducer should be kept in firm contact with the skin using an adequate amount of coupling gel so there are no air pockets that would reflect or scatter the sound waves. Keeping the probe perpendicular to the skin ensures the wave enters tissue at the intended angle, delivering energy consistently across the treatment area. Tilting or angling the transducer would reduce energy delivery and create uneven exposure. Moving the transducer should be done with slow, overlapping strokes to distribute energy evenly and avoid hotspots; rapid, random patterns do not provide uniform coverage. Keeping the transducer away from the skin eliminates the coupling path and prevents energy from reaching tissue, so that option isn’t correct.