Untitled Flashcards Set

X-rays

Electromagnetic radiation discovered by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895, used for medical imaging.

ALARA

Principle of radiation protection that stands for 'As Low As Reasonably Achievable'.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a modality that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves.

ASRT

American Society of Radiologic Technologists, a professional organization for RTs.

ARRT

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, responsible for certification of radiologic technologists.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment, includes lead aprons and gloves to protect against radiation.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, legal guidelines for patient privacy.

Chain of infection

Sequence of events that lead to the transmission of infection: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, transmission, portal of entry, host.

Vital signs

Indicators of health including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature.

BLS

Basic Life Support, includes CPR and use of an AED to assist individuals in medical emergencies.

CT

Computed Tomography, a cross-sectional imaging technique using X-rays and a computer.

Gadolinium

Contrast agent used in MRI scans to enhance image quality.

Nonverbal communication

Form of communication without words, important in patient interactions.

Patient consent

Legal acknowledgment for procedures, can be informed, implied, or written.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, often seen in geriatric patients.

Digital imaging advantages

Enhanced image quality, ease of storage, and improved accessibility via PACS.

Nuclear medicine

Medical imaging technique using radioactive tracers to visualize physiological functions.

Fractures

Breaks in bones, often requiring special imaging techniques for diagnosis.

Fluoroscopy

Real-time imaging technique that uses X-rays to obtain dynamic images of internal structures.