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.
Post a Comment
Post a Comment