Professional Practice and Patient Care in Medical Radiation Technology

Practice flashcards covering medical professional practice, patient safety, communication, and emergency protocols for radiation technologists.

Informed Consent

The agreement given by a patient after being fully informed of the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a medical treatment.

Substitute Decision-Maker

In medical contexts involving minors, parents can act as the decision-maker if the child is under $16$ years old, though there is no specific age requirement if the minor appears competent.

Emergency Consent Rule

In cases of serious suffering or imminent threat to life or health, informed consent is not required if the patient or their substitute decision-maker cannot provide it.

MRT Documentation Responsibilities

Medical Radiation Technologists (TRM) must document the type and number of images, exposure parameters, room used, fluoroscopy time, patient preparation, medications administered, and any adverse reactions.

Inclusive Communication (Pronouns)

The practice of using respectful language and asking for preferred pronouns (e.g., he/him, she/her, they/them) as part of person-centered care.

Professional Misconduct

Inappropriate conduct occurring when profession standards, the code of ethics, or provincial/federal/municipal regulations and hospital rules are violated.

Negligence (Unintentional Misconduct)

Failure to provide care with caution, resulting in patient harm, such as forgetting to raise bed rails or using incorrect side markers.

Assault (Intentional Misconduct)

The act of threatening or touching someone in a harmful manner, such as threatening a patient to stay still.

Battery (Intentional Misconduct)

Illegally touching a person without their consent, such as administering IV contrast or performing an exam against a patient's refusal.

False Imprisonment

The unjustifiable detention of a person against their will, including restraining a patient without a physician's permission.

Slander and Libel

Slander is verbal defamation, whereas Libel is written defamation; both involve spreading comments that cause a loss of reputation for the patient.

NPO (Nil Per Os)

A medical instruction meaning "nothing by mouth," which MRTs must verify in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) before providing water to patients.

Radiologic Examination Scheduling Order

The standard priority: 1. Non-contrast exams (RX, US); 2. Urinary tract (UIV, CUGM); 3. Biliary tract (CPRE); 4. Lower GI (Barium Enema); 5. Upper GI (Barium Swallow).

Barium Exam Precaution

Barium exams should be performed last to ensure residual barium does not superimpose structures or create artifacts on CT images.

Trendelenburg Position

Patient is lying on their back with the head of the bed lower than the feet ($\sim 15^\circ$); used to treat hypotension, shock, or vasovagal reactions.

Fowler Position

A semi-sitting position with the head of the bed elevated $45-60^\circ$ and knees slightly flexed; used for patients in respiratory distress.

Sim Position

Position where the patient lies on their left side with the right leg bent forward; used for rectal exams and enema administration.

Lateral Decubitus Position

Position where the patient lies on their side to promote drainage of oral secretions and prevent aspiration in unconscious patients.

Urinary Catheter Care

The urinary bag must always be maintained below the level of the bladder to prevent urinary reflux.

Chest Drain Maintenance

A flexible tube placed in the pleural space to collect air or fluid; the drain must always be kept below the level of the patient's chest.

Hip Replacement Restrictions

Post-operative movements to avoid include adduction, excessive abduction, internal rotation of the foot, flexion $> 90^\circ$, and hyperextension.

Log Roll (Technique en bloc)

A three-person technique used to stabilize the spine when turning a patient, where one person supports the head/cervical collar while two others turn the body.

Vital Signs: Normal Temperature

The normal body temperature range is $35-37^\circ C$. A fever is defined as $38^\circ C$ or higher.

Pulse Ranges (BPM)

Normal pulse is $60$ to $100\,BPM$. Tachycardia is higher than $100\,BPM$, and Bradycardia is lower than $60\,BPM$.

Respiration Norms

Normal respiratory rate is $12$ to $20\,\text{respirations/minute}$. Tachypnea is $> 20\,\text{cycles/minute}$, and Bradypnea is $< 12\,\text{cycles/minute}$.

Blood Pressure Norms

Normal blood pressure is $120/80\,mm\,Hg$. Hypertension is designated at systolic $\ge 140$ and diastolic $\ge 90$.

Oxygen Saturation ($SaO_2$)

Normal values range from $95$ to $100\%$. A reading below $90\%$ indicates hypoxemia.

Oxygen Flow Rates

Nasal cannula flow is $1$ to $6\,L/min$ for adults; simple face masks use $5$ to $10\,L/min$.

MPOC/Emphysema Oxygen Limit

Patients with COPD or emphysema should receive a lower flow rate of $3\,L/min$ or less to avoid hypoventilation.

Shock: Hypovolemic vs. Septic

Hypovolemic shock is caused by decreased circulatory volume (hemorrhage/dehydration), while Septic shock is caused by a major infection lowering blood pressure.

Anaphylactic Shock

A severe allergic reaction following the introduction of a foreign substance, such as IV contrast media.

Moderate Allergic Reaction Symptoms

Includes erythema (skin redness), hives (urticaria), and bronchospasm; treated with antihistamines or bronchodilators.

Vasovagal Reaction

Characterized by diaphoresis, hypotension, and bradycardia; treated with the Trendelenburg position and sometimes IV atropine.

Hyperglycemia vs. Hypoglycemia

Hyperglycemia is high blood sugar (fruity breath, thirst); Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar (tremors, cold/clammy skin, sudden personality changes).

CPR Ratios

A compression-ventilation ratio of $30:2$ is used regardless of age. Compression depth is $5\,cm$ for adults and $4\,cm$ for infants.

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

Also known as a stroke; symptoms include facial drooping, arm weakness, and dysphasia. Treatment requires immediate physician notification and a $3\,h$ window for tPA.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Obstruction of a pulmonary artery by a blood clot; symptoms include shortness of breath and chest pain. Diagnosis is best made via high-resolution CT (TDMHR).

Asthma

A chronic disease causing bronchospasms and wheezing; treated with bronchodilators like albuterol.

Syncope

A brief loss of consciousness or mild form of shock; treated by placing the patient in a supine position with legs elevated.

Epistaxis

A nosebleed; treated by pinching the nostrils for approximately $10\,min$ and keeping the patient sitting upright.