Chapter 1: Introduction to Imaging and Radiologic Sciences
• History of radiology (discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895).
• Modalities in medical imaging: Radiography, CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Fluoroscopy.
• Role of radiologic technologists (RTs) in patient care and imaging.
• Radiation protection principles (ALARA - As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
Chapter 2: Professional Organizations and Career Paths
• Professional organizations:
• ASRT (American Society of Radiologic Technologists)
• ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists)
• JRCERT (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology)
• Licensure and certification process for radiologic technologists.
• Career paths in radiologic sciences: diagnostic radiology, radiation therapy, CT, MRI, interventional radiology.
Chapter 5: Radiation Protection
• Principles of radiation safety: time, distance, shielding.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): lead aprons, thyroid shields, gloves.
• Dose limits: annual occupational exposure limits (5 rem/year or 50 mSv).
• Patient shielding: gonadal, breast, and thyroid protection.
Chapter 6: Introduction to Patient Care in Imaging
• Communication: verbal and nonverbal communication with patients.
• Cultural competence: understanding and respecting diverse patient backgrounds.
• Ethical considerations in imaging and patient interactions.
• Legal considerations: HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
Chapter 10: Medical Terminology
• Prefixes, suffixes, and root words used in radiology (e.g., “radi/o” = X-ray, “angi/o” = vessel).
• Common terms used in imaging procedures:
• AP (anteroposterior)
• PA (posteroanterior)
• Lateral, oblique, axial views
• Abbreviations: MRI, CT, US, CXR (chest X-ray).
Chapter 11: Patient Interactions
• Psychological aspects of patient care: anxiety, fear, communication techniques.
• Age-specific communication: pediatric, adult, geriatric.
• Patient consent types: informed consent, implied consent, written consent.
• Patient rights: autonomy, confidentiality, dignity.
Chapter 12: Patient Transfer and Movement
• Body mechanics: correct posture to prevent injury.
• Wheelchair and stretcher transfers: two-person lift, sheet transfer, hydraulic lift.
• Assisting patients with mobility challenges (fractures, paralysis, elderly patients).
Chapter 13: Infection Control
• Chain of infection: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, transmission, portal of entry, host.
• Hand hygiene: most effective way to prevent infection.
• Standard precautions: gloves, masks, gowns.
• Isolation precautions: airborne (TB, COVID), droplet (flu), contact (MRSA, C. diff).
Chapter 14: Aseptic Techniques
• Medical vs. surgical asepsis: reducing vs. eliminating microbes.
• Sterile field principles: maintaining sterility, surgical scrubbing, sterile gloves.
• Catheterization: insertion techniques and infection prevention.
Chapter 15: Vital Signs and Oxygen Administration
• Vital signs:
• Normal blood pressure: 120/80 mmHg
• Normal heart rate: 60-100 bpm
• Normal respiratory rate: 12-20 breaths per minute
• Normal temperature: 98.6°F (37°C)
• Oxygen therapy: nasal cannula, masks, ventilators.
Chapter 17: Emergency and Trauma Radiography
• Basic life support (BLS): CPR steps, AED usage.
• Shock types: hypovolemic, cardiogenic, neurogenic, anaphylactic.
• Trauma imaging: cervical spine, chest, pelvis are priority.
• Head injuries: concussion vs. hemorrhage.
Chapter 18: Pharmacology and Contrast Media
• Drug administration routes: oral, intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous.
• Types of contrast agents:
• Iodinated contrast (CT)
• Barium sulfate (GI studies)
• Gadolinium (MRI)
• Adverse reactions to contrast media: mild (flushing), moderate (hives), severe (anaphylaxis).
Chapter 19: Nonaseptic Techniques
• NG tubes: purpose, placement, care.
• Enemas and bowel preparation for imaging.
• Urinary catheter care.
Chapter 21: Mobile Radiography and Surgical Imaging
• Portable X-ray considerations: ICU, ER, bedside exams.
• C-arm fluoroscopy: used in surgery, orthopedic procedures.
• Radiation protection: lead shielding, distance from radiation source.
Chapter 22: Pediatric Imaging
• Techniques for imaging children: communication, immobilization (pigg-o-stat, sandbags).
• Radiation protection in pediatrics: ALARA, gonadal shielding.
• Common pediatric conditions: scoliosis, fractures, foreign bodies.
Chapter 23: Geriatric Imaging
• Age-related considerations: osteoporosis, arthritis, dementia.
• Patient positioning challenges: fragile skin, joint pain, limited mobility.
• Communication strategies: clear, slow, respectful.
Chapter 24: Advanced Modalities in Imaging
• CT (Computed Tomography): cross-sectional imaging, contrast use.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): uses strong magnetic fields, no radiation.
• Ultrasound: sound waves, used for pregnancy, soft tissues.
• Nuclear medicine: radioactive tracers for PET scans.
Chapter 25: Quality Control in Imaging
• Image quality factors: contrast, resolution, noise, distortion.
• Equipment maintenance: regular calibration, quality control tests.
• Digital imaging advantages: PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System).