How will you prepare a patient for MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic test that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the internal organs, tissues, and structures of the body. MRI can help the doctor diagnose various conditions and plan the best treatment options for the patient. As an operation theatre technologist, I would prepare a patient for MRI by following these steps:

• Before the MRI scan, I would explain to the patient the purpose, procedure, benefits, and risks of the test. I would also answer any questions or concerns that the patient may have. I would inform the patient that he or she will need to lie still on a narrow bed that slides into a large cylinder that houses the MRI magnets. I would also tell the patient that he or she will hear loud noises during the scan, such as thumping or tapping sounds, and that he or she will be given headphones or earplugs to reduce the noise. I would also tell the patient that he or she will be able to communicate with me and the radiologist through an intercom system inside the MRI machine¹.
• I would ask the patient about his or her medical history, allergies, medications, and any previous surgeries or implants. I would also ask the patient if he or she has any metal objects or devices in or on his or her body, such as pacemakers, stents, clips, pins, screws, plates, coils, tattoos, piercings, or jewelry. I would inform the patient that metal objects or devices can interfere with the MRI scan and cause injury or damage to the patient or the machine. I would instruct the patient to remove any metal objects or devices from his or her body before the scan².
• I would check with the doctor if the patient needs any special preparation for the MRI scan, such as fasting, drinking contrast dye, or taking sedatives. If the patient needs to fast, I would instruct him or her not to eat or drink anything for 5 hours before the scan³. If the patient needs to drink contrast dye, I would explain to him or her that contrast dye is a liquid substance that enhances the visibility of certain organs or tissues on the MRI images. I would also explain to him or her that contrast dye can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, itching, rash, headache, or allergic reaction. I would ask the patient to drink a specified amount of contrast dye at a specified time before the scan⁴. If the patient needs to take sedatives, I would explain to him or her that sedatives are medications that help calm and relax the patient during the scan. I would also explain to him or her that sedatives can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, or impaired judgment. I would ask the patient to take a prescribed dose of sedatives at a prescribed time before the scan.
• I would escort the patient to the dressing room and ask him or her to change into a hospital gown and lockers. I would also ask him or her to empty his or her bladder before entering the MRI room. I would then escort the patient to the MRI room and help him or her lie down on the MRI bed. I would position and secure the patient on the bed according to the part of the body that needs to be scanned. I would also place a coil around or over the part of the body that needs to be scanned. A coil is a device that receives the radio waves from the MRI machine and sends them back as signals. I would then give the patient headphones or earplugs to reduce the noise and a squeeze ball or button to signal me or the radiologist if he or she feels uncomfortable or needs assistance during the scan¹.
• During the MRI scan, I would stay in the control room with the radiologist and monitor the patient’s condition and communication through the intercom system and the video camera inside the MRI machine. I would also monitor the quality and progress of the MRI images on the computer screen. The MRI scan can take from 15 minutes to an hour depending on the part of the body that needs to be scanned and the number of images that need to be taken¹. During the scan, I would remind the patient to remain still and breathe normally unless instructed otherwise by me or the radiologist. I would also reassure the patient and provide feedback on how much time is left for the scan.
• After the MRI scan, I would help the patient get off the MRI bed and escort him or her back to the dressing room. I would ask the patient to change back into his or her clothes and return the hospital gown and lockers. I would also check the patient’s vital signs and assess his or her condition and comfort. If the patient drank contrast dye, I would instruct him or her to drink plenty of fluids to flush out the dye from the body. If the patient took sedatives, I would instruct him or her not to drive or operate machinery until the effects wear off. I would also advise the patient to report any signs of infection, bleeding, or allergic reaction to the doctor immediately.
• I would then inform the patient that he or she can resume his or her normal activities and diet unless instructed otherwise by the doctor. I would also inform the patient that he or she will receive the results of the MRI scan from the doctor within a few days or weeks. I would then thank the patient for his or her cooperation and escort him or her to the exit.

 

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