What change would improve penetration when the image shows inadequate penetration and the far field displays noise?

• A. Decrease transmit frequency
• B. Turn on compound imaging
• C. Use an acoustic stand-off pad
• D. Move focal position to superficial

Answer: (A)

Lowering the transmit frequency reduces tissue attenuation, so the ultrasound energy can travel deeper and the far field can become clearer. When penetration is inadequate and the deep region shows noise, using a lower frequency improves signal reaching the far field, sharpening deep visualization at the expense of some resolution. The other options don’t address the depth limitation as effectively: compound imaging mainly enhances image quality and reduces speckle rather than depth penetration; a stand-off pad helps with contact and near-field issues but doesn’t boost deep penetration; moving the focal point to a superficial depth improves near-field resolution but worsens deep-beam focusing, so it doesn’t help with deep penetration.