Patient Care and Safety
Core concepts
Patient care on the limited scope exam centers on patient identification, communication, body mechanics and transfer, immobilization, and medical emergencies. Know the two-identifier rule for identification and the elements of informed consent (procedure, risks, benefits, alternatives, right to refuse). Understand standard precautions and when hand hygiene, gloves, and isolation technique apply. Review vital sign norms and the signs of a contrast reaction (mild: flushing, hives, nausea; moderate: vomiting, urticaria; severe: laryngeal edema, hypotension, bronchospasm).
Traps
Questions often test who performs a task: the radiographer may assist but the physician orders and obtains consent. Another trap is confusing urgent with emergent response, or assuming a patient who is NPO needs no preparation. Watch for wording about positioning the patient for comfort versus diagnostic need - comfort never overrides a required projection unless it is unsafe. Also know that a patient with an altered mental status cannot give consent and that a language barrier requires an interpreter, not a family member.
Worked example / rule of thumb
A patient becomes flushed and itchy minutes after contrast injection. Mild reaction: stop the injection, monitor, notify the radiologist, document. If stridor or hypotension develops, treat as severe: call for emergency help, maintain the airway, and follow facility protocol. Rule of thumb: assess airway, breathing, circulation before anything else, and never leave a reacting patient alone.
Key points
- Two patient identifiers before every exam.
- Consent is physician-obtained; the technologist verifies and witnesses.
- Standard precautions apply to every patient.
- Recognize mild vs. severe contrast reactions and escalate early.
- Use proper body mechanics and get help for dependent patients.