Surgical Tech Practice Exam

During a procedure involving contrast media for renal pelvis visualization, what is likely to be performed?

1. Retrograde pyelography

2. Ultrasound scanning

3. Cystoscopy

4. Intravenous pyelography

The correct answer is: Retrograde pyelography

The chosen answer is the most appropriate for the context of visualizing the renal pelvis using contrast media. Retrograde pyelography is a procedure specifically designed to assess the urinary collecting system, including the renal pelvis, renal calyces, ureters, and bladder. In this procedure, contrast dye is injected directly into the renal pelvis through a catheter, allowing for detailed imaging and evaluation of the anatomy and any potential obstructions. Other options present different methods: Ultrasound scanning is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to visualize organs, but it does not typically provide detailed views of the renal pelvis like the contrast medium used in retrograde pyelography. Cystoscopy involves the insertion of a thin tube with a camera into the bladder through the urethra, primarily focusing on the interior of the bladder and urethra rather than the renal pelvis. Intravenous pyelography involves the administration of contrast dye intravenously, which then highlights the kidneys, ureters, and bladder on X-rays. However, this method visualizes the renal pelvis indirectly as the dye is filtered through the kidneys rather than directly injecting contrast into the renal pelvis as with retrograde pyelography. Thus, retrograde pyelography is the correct choice for