procedures mobile radiography test

what is the standard SID used for mobile studies

60 inch SID

what 3 technical considerations are of the utmost importance for radiologic technologists to clearly understand to obtain optimal mobile examinations

grid, anode heel effect, SID

3 things that must be paid attention to when using grids in mobile radiography

grid should be leveled, midline of grid must be centered to the IR, use at correct focal distance or radius

what type of chart should be available on mobile radiography units

technique charts

why is the anode heel effect EXTRA important in mobile radiography

because it is more pronounced with shorter SIDs

DR imaging is now available in mobile units, explain how the image will be displayed as well as how it gets to PACS and the radiologist. Also, discuss the advantages of utilizing DR imaging in mobile radiography

instant image display and annotations

how far should you stand from the mobile unit when taking an x ray

at least 6 foot

at what angle from the mobile unit will you receive the least amount of radiation

stand at 90 degree to the primary beam

the single most effective radiation protection measure

distance

before making an x ray exposure should be announce what to the room

shout “x-ray” let people know so they can move

if someone has to stay in the room you should provide them with an ____

lead apron

what is the minimum source to skin distance

12 inches

what are the 2 types of isolation patients

patients who have contagious infectious microorganisms (regular), patients who must be protected from exposure to infectious microorganisms (reverse)

discuss reverse isolation

patients that have weak immune systems and are susceptible to infectious microorganisms. Make sure to disinfect equipment and wash hands/gown up before entering the patients room

what some things rad techs might wear into an isolation room

gown, mask, shoe covers, gloves

what materials or tools might you need before leaving the department to go perform mobile examinations

IR, grid, protective covers, tape, caliper, markers, positioning blocks

what is the first thing you should do before you even enter the patient room to do a mobile x ray

announce presence to nursing staff, confirm patient identity

you are now in the room, be able to give me a step-by step process of what you will do to take a mobile x ray

introduce yourself, explain the exam, observe medical equipment and move if necessary, ask family members to leave, move obstacles in path of machine

where do you position the mobile x ray machine for a supine exam

middle of bed

where do you position the mobile x ray machine for a seated upright exam

foot of bed

where do you position the mobile x ray machine for a lateral or decub exam

parallel/perpendicular to bed

you should keep a log of what information that will more than likely go on the finished image

procedures, time of exam, technical factors for image ID

what types of things should you initially assess in regards to patient condition before you can perform a mobile x ray

patient mobility, fractures, interfering devices, positioning, asepsis

who should you obtain permission from to move a patient post-surgery or who has a fracture

physician or nursing staff

if the patient has an interfering device, should you remove it if you are unsure

no

what are the major threats to neonate patients (2)

sepsis and nosocomial infections

how do you avoid cross infection when performing exams on neonate patients

maintain asepsis and be aware of what you have been in contact with

where should you find a protocol on how to handle or care for neonate patients

outlined by your institution and in your department

if there is no specific protocol found you have to follow general guidelines. List general guidelines for reducing infection when handling neonate

wash hands before and after, wipe down machine before and after, keep multiple leads and disinfect them, cover lead with clean pillowcase/protective covering, assign piece of lead to each crib

what are the 2 types of shielding used for neonates and be able to define them

contact- lead placed directly on patient, shadow- hangs piece of lead in beam (creates a shadow)

when caring for ER/ICU patients, if you have multiple orders what will determine which patient you perform first

prioritize more critical patients ex. heart attack/code patients

what are some devices that might get in your way that you need to be aware of when performing portable exams on ER/ICU patients

respirations, IV’s, catheters, central lines

in elderly patients we need to be careful to not damage their ____ with our IR

skin

when dealing with bodily fluids, you should cover IRs with ____

impermeable cover radiolucent

should you clean the IR when your exam is complete? What can you used to clean the IR

yes disinfect with non alcoholic wipes because they can cause IR damage over time

define what a clean tech is and their duty in regular isolation

deals with the equipment

define what a clean tech is and their duty in reverse isolation

deals with the patient

define what a dirty tech is and their duty on regular isolation

deals with patient

define what a dirty tech is and their duty on reverse isolation

deals with the equipment