Other shit final

Why should the image intensifier be kept close to the patient?

A: It increases image brightness and sharpness, reduces magnification, and lowers scatter radiation and patient dose.

What are the 3 main radiation safety principles in the OR?

A: Time, Distance, Shielding.

How do you apply “Time” in fluoroscopy safety?

A: Minimize beam-on time using intermittent fluoro and last image hold (freeze).

How does “Distance” reduce radiation dose?

A: Inverse square law—doubling distance reduces dose by 4x.

What shielding should you wear in the OR?

A: 0.5-mm lead apron, thyroid shield, lead glasses, plus C-arm drapes and table shields.

What is the safest C-arm position?

A: X-ray tube under patient, image intensifier on top (PA vertical setup).

Why avoid placing the x-ray tube on top?

A: It can increase operator eye exposure up to 100x due to scatter.

When should “boost” mode be used?

A: Only as last resort; it increases radiation 3–4x.

What should you announce before exposure?

A: “X-ray on!” to alert staff to step back or shield.

What is considered the sterile field in surgery?

A: Patient, surgical site, surgeon, and sterile tables.

What is nonsterile in the OR?

A: Technologist, anesthesiologist, and imaging equipment.

What must never happen with nonsterile items?

A: They must never touch the sterile field.

What do you do if the sterile field is contaminated?

A: Immediately report it so it can be re-draped.

How is the C-arm draped?

A: Sterile plastic bag, snap cover, or barrier curtain before over sterile field.

What OR attire is required?

A: Scrubs (tucked), shoe covers, mask, head cover.

What is the ACE campaign in patient care?

A: A = Announce name/role C = Communicate credentials E = Explain procedure simply

How do you verify patient identity?

A: Two identifiers (e.g., name + armband).

What is the most important way to reduce patient dose overall?

A: Avoid repeat images.

What causes most repeat radiographs?

A: Poor communication with the patient.

What must be done before exposure with markers?

A: Place R/L marker on IR before exposure.

Why can’t side markers be added digitally later?

A: Legal and liability risk—considered unacceptable practice.

What are required markers on images?

A: At least two: patient ID/date + R/L marker.

What are key traits of a good surgical technologist?

A: Confidence, communication, problem-solving, mastery of equipment/positioning.

Why is communication critical in the OR?

A: Coordinates exposure timing with surgeon and anesthesiologist to avoid motion.

Why is problem-solving important for a tech?

A: Allows quick troubleshooting of equipment and technical factors under pressure.