Patient Communication and Safety

I. Communication with Patients A. Verbal and Nonverbal Communication B. Explanation of Procedure C. Explanation of Aftercare II. Evaluating Patient Condition. A. Physical Signs B. Vital Signs III. Body Mechanics and Patient Transfer IV. Patient Safety and Comfort

Patient Identification Process

Verification of patient identity using at least two identifiers before any radiologic procedure

Primary Identifier

Patient’s full legal name used for initial verification

Secondary Identifier

Additional confirmation such as date of birth or hospital ID number

Wristband Verification

Checking patient identification band prior to examination

Wrong Patient Error

Imaging or treating the incorrect individual due to improper identification

Requisition Review

Examination of physician’s request form before beginning procedure

Clarification of Orders

Responsibility to resolve vague or conflicting information on requisition

Pertinent Clinical History

Relevant patient information that aids diagnostic interpretation

Localized Pain Documentation

Recording exact anatomical site of discomfort for diagnostic accuracy

Professional Communication

Exchange of information using respectful and appropriate language

Verbal Communication

Spoken interaction including tone volume and rate of speech

Nonverbal Communication

Unspoken messages conveyed through expression posture and environment

Therapeutic Tone

Calm well-modulated voice that reassures the patient

Layman’s Terms

Simple language used to explain medical procedures clearly

Eye Contact

Direct visual engagement demonstrating attention and sincerity

Patient Trust

Confidence developed through effective communication and professionalism

Anxiety Reduction

Decrease of patient fear through thorough explanation

Procedure Explanation

Clear description of what the examination involves and what to expect

Aftercare Instructions

Post-procedure guidance given to ensure patient safety and recovery

Barium Aftercare

Instruction to increase fluid intake following barium studies

Patient Assessment

Evaluation of patient condition prior to and during examination

Chart Review

Examination of medical records before patient imaging

Observation Skills

Assessment of patient through visual and auditory cues

Pallor

Pale skin indicating weakness or possible shock

Diaphoresis

Excessive sweating often associated with shock or anxiety

Cyanosis

Bluish discoloration indicating inadequate oxygenation

Vital Signs

Basic physiological measurements including temperature pulse respirations and blood pressure

Normal Adult Oral Temperature

Approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius

Rectal Temperature Variation

Measurement typically 0.5 to 1 degree higher than oral

Axillary Temperature Variation

Measurement typically 0.5 to 1 degree lower than oral

Radial Pulse

Most commonly palpated pulse located at the wrist

Carotid Pulse

Pulse palpated in the neck lateral to midline

Normal Adult Pulse Rate

Approximately 70 to 80 beats per minute

Infant Pulse Rate

Approximately 120 beats per minute

Respiratory Rate

Number of breaths taken per minute

Normal Adult Respiratory Rate

12 to 18 breaths per minute

Dyspnea

Difficulty breathing

Tachypnea

Abnormally rapid breathing

Orthopnea

Difficulty breathing while lying down

Blood Pressure

Force exerted by circulating blood against vessel walls

Systolic Pressure

Pressure during ventricular contraction and top number in reading

Diastolic Pressure

Pressure during ventricular relaxation and bottom number in reading

Normal Adult Blood Pressure

Less than 120 over 80 millimeters of mercury

Hypertension

Blood pressure consistently at or above 140 over 90 millimeters of mercury

Hypotension

Systolic blood pressure less than 90 millimeters of mercury

Sphygmomanometer

Instrument used to measure blood pressure

Body Mechanics

Proper use of muscles and posture to prevent injury during patient transfer

Broad Base of Support

Feet positioned apart to enhance stability during lifting

Center of Gravity

Body’s balance point located near the pelvis

Wheelchair Locking

Securing wheelchair brakes before patient transfer

Stretcher Locking

Securing stretcher to prevent movement during transfer

Drawsheet Transfer Technique

Method of moving patient using sheet to reduce friction

Pulling Technique

Preferred method of patient transfer to reduce strain

Leg Muscle Utilization

Bending knees and using lower body muscles when lifting

Injury-Side Dressing Rule

Remove clothing from uninjured side first and dress injured side first

IV Line Monitoring

Ensuring intravenous tubing remains unobstructed during transfer

Infiltration Sign

Swelling at IV site indicating fluid entering tissue

Incident Report

Formal documentation of any accident or unusual event

Hazard-Free Environment

Radiographic room free of obstacles and safety risks

Patient Supervision Requirement

Policy stating patients must not be left unattended in imaging room