Patient Care and Education
Core concepts
Interventional radiography demands informed consent, patient assessment, and contrast safety. Before any procedure, verify identity, allergies (especially iodinated contrast and shellfish/latex), renal function (eGFR/creatinine), pregnancy status, and current anticoagulation. Educate the patient about what will happen, expected sensations (warmth during contrast injection), and post-procedure instructions such as bed rest, hydration, and puncture-site monitoring.
Traps to watch
Questions often test contrast reactions: mild (nausea, urticaria) vs. moderate (vomiting, bronchospasm) vs. severe (anaphylaxis, hypotension). Know that premedication (corticosteroids ± antihistamines) is used for prior reactors, not for everyone. Metformin is a concern mainly with renal impairment and iodinated contrast - know your facility's protocol. Distinguish extravasation (contrast outside the vein) from an allergic reaction. For sedation, monitor airway, breathing, circulation, and level of consciousness. Remember universal precautions and sterile technique for catheter insertions.
Rule of thumb
When a question asks the first action for a suspected severe reaction, the answer is usually stop the injection and call for help/begin emergency protocol - not to finish the study.
Worked example
A patient reports hives and mild itching 3 minutes after contrast injection. This is a mild reaction: stop injection, monitor vitals, notify the radiologist, and administer antihistamine per protocol. Do not dismiss it - document and observe.