Chapter 5: Safety, Patient Care, and Transfer

Written instructions for handling hazardous material. Safe use of the product, and cleanup and disposal directions are called:

MSDS

Pt. transfers from gurney to x-ray table and back to gurney should be performed

by two or more radiographers to ensure pt. and radiographer safety

The most effective means of reducing friction when moving a pt. is by

placing the pt’s arms across the chest and using a pull sheet

toxic chemicals may be

disposed of only as specified by the MSDS

A pt. explains to the radiographer what type of pain is being experienced, which is known as:

subjective data

Pain control is not within the radiographer’s scope of practice and should not be a concern (true or false?)

False

Pt’s most prone to falls are :

All of the above

the frail or elderly

the leading cause of work-related injuries in the field of health care is:

abuse of the spine when moving and lifting pt’s

When transporting a pt. back to the hospital room, some safety measures to be used are:

A and B

Correct body mechanics include:

A: abdomen sucked in

B: buttocks normal and low

C: chest up

XD: head up and chin outX

E: Feet apart with equal weight distribution

F: knees slightly bent

The radiographer can leave a pt. who is getting out of a wheelchair (true or false?)

False

TJC says it is acceptable to use immobilizers if all other alternatives have been exhausted (true or false?)

True

ambulatory

walking or able to walk

Atrophy

decrease in the size of the organ, tissue, or muscle

Decubitus ulcer

a pressure sore

dyspnea

labored or difficult breathing

Isxhemia

deficiency of blood in a body part because of functional constriction or actual obstruction of a blood vessel

Tissue necrosis

Localized death of tissue because of injury or lack of oxygen

Ulceration

An area of tissue necrosis that penetrates below the epidermis; excavation of the surface of any body organ

Reactive hyperemia

A temporary increase in blood flow to an area after a period of restricted blood supply

Friction

The resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another; can contribute to skin breakdown in immobile pt’s

Immobilizer

A device to restrict movement of a pt. that might cause injury to self or others

Restraints

Devices or methods used to limit a pt’s movement to protect them or others.

• physical=belts, vests, mitts

• Chemical= medications used to control behavior or movement

• Environmental= Barriers like locked doors or bed rails

Occupational safety and health administration (OSHA)

Government agency that sets and enforces standards to ensure safe and healthy working conditions

Carbon dioxide extinguisher

Used for electrical or flammable liquid fires; displaces oxygen to suffocate the fire

Soda and acid water extinguisher

an older type of extinguisher for class A fires (ordinary combustibles); rarely used today

Dry chemical extinguisher

commonly used for class A, B, and C fires; releases a powder that interrupts the chemical reaction

antifreeze/water extinguisher

Used in cold environments to prevent freezing; typically for a class A fires

MRI zone 1

• general public area

• unrestricted access

• no magnetic field present

• safe for everyone

MRI zone 2

• interface between public and controlled MRI areas

• Supervised by MRI staff. Patients are typically screened here

• Transition area; beginning of safety protocols

MRI zone 3

• Area with potential for serious magnetic hazards

• Restricted to properly screened and trained individuals

• magnetic fringe fields may be present. ferromagnetic objects are dangerous.

MRI zone 4

• MRI scanner room

• Strictly limited to screened personnel and pt’s

• Strong magnetic field present; serious injury or death possible from ferromagnetic materials

Material safety data sheets (MSDS)

provide detailed information on chemicals and substances. Explains hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures

Eye contact (first aid)

Rinse eyes immediately with clean water for 15-20 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists or if the substance is hazardous

Skin contact (first aid)

Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water for a least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if there are burns, irritation, or signs of absorption.

Inhalation (first aid)

Move person to fresh air immediately. If person/pt. is not breathing, begin CPR and initiate emergency response. If breathing is labored/difficult, administer oxygen. Seek medical attention ASAP.

Ingestion (first aid)

Do not induce vomiting unless directed by poison control or medical professional. Rinse mouth with water. Call poison control and/or get medical help.

subjective data

Information the pt. (or pt’s family member) reports

Objective data

Observable, measurable facts collected by the healthcare provider (blood pressure, temperature, etc.)

What is the max dose to a fetus of a pregnant worker in a month? entire gestation?

0.05rem; 0.5rem