RAD 102 Chapter 5: Patient Care & Safety

A comprehensive vocabulary review of patient care and safety concepts, covering environmental agencies, fire codes, MRI zones, transfer mechanics, positioning, skin integrity, and physical immobilizers.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

Federal institution that enforces radiation safety and nuclear medicine standards.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Agency that establishes guidelines for the disposal of radioactive waste.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Agency requiring employers to protect all employees in the imaging department from exposure to ionizing radiation sources not regulated by the NRC or other federal agencies.

RACE

Fire safety acronym standing for Rescue (anyone in immediate danger), Alarm (activate alarm/call emergency services), Contain (close doors and windows), and Extinguish (attempt only if trained and safe; otherwise evacuate).

PASS

Fire extinguisher operation acronym standing for Pull (the pin), Aim (nozzle at base of fire), Squeeze (the handle), and Sweep/Swipe (side to side at the base).

MRI Zone 1

Area of the MRI department that is freely accessible to the public.

MRI Zone 2

Area of the MRI department requiring supervision, including areas such as the reception area and dressing rooms.

MRI Zone 3

Restricted area in the MRI department accessible only by MR personnel and screened patients; location of the control room.

MRI Zone 4

Area where the MRI magnet is located and access is strictly restricted to those who have been screened.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)

Documents available within the department containing safety and handling information on hazardous materials.

ALARA

Radiation safety principle standing for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable," intended to protect the patient from overexposure to radiation.

Cardinal Rules of Radiation Protection

The three fundamental principles of radiation safety: Time (shortest exposure time possible), Distance (increasing distance reduces exposure risk), and Shielding (protective barrier, usually lead).

Center of Gravity

The point where the mass of any body is centered and balanced; in a standing human, it is typically located at the pelvis.

Sheet Transfer

A patient transfer technique using a folded sheet placed under a turned patient, requiring $3$ or $4$ team members to grasp and move the patient in unison.

Lateral Transfer

A patient transfer method requiring $2$ to $4$ team members to move a patient sideways between surfaces.

Log Roll

Transfer method used for trauma patients to maintain correct anatomical alignment and prevent further neurological damage.

High-Fowler Position

Patient positioning where the head of the bed is elevated between 40 and 90 degrees

Semi-Fowler Position

Patient positioning where the head of the bed is elevated between $15^\text{o}$ and $30^\text{o}$.

Trendelenburg Position

Patient positioning in which the patient's head is lower than the feet.

Sims Position

Position where the patient lies on their left side and is rolled slightly forward.

Ischemia

Early indicator of imminent skin breakdown characterized by blanching and a feeling of coldness over pressure areas.

Reactive Hyperemia

The process of blood rushing to a traumatized area in an attempt to provide nourishment to the skin.

Decubitus Ulcers

Pressure sores that commonly occur over bony prominences including the scapulae, sacrum, trochanters, knees, and heels of the feet.

Immobilizers

Any physical or mechanical device or equipment attached or adjacent to the patient's body that cannot be easily removed and restricts freedom of movement or normal bodily access.