Patient Care and Management
Patient Care and Management
This domain tests safe, respectful care across the encounter: identification, communication, consent, immobilization, monitoring, infection control, and contrast emergencies. It rewards sequence and documentation.
Core rules
- Identify using two identifiers and match the order. Explain the procedure in plain language; answer questions; obtain informed consent where required. Consent is voluntary and may be withdrawn.
- Use standard precautions; clean and disinfect between patients; follow isolation signage. Position for comfort and immobilize only as needed, preserving dignity and privacy.
- Monitor vital signs when contrast or sedation is involved. Know reaction categories: mild (flushing, urticaria), moderate (vomiting, bronchospasm), severe (hypotension, laryngeal edema). Stop the study and call for help for severe reactions.
- For extravasation: stop injection, remove the cannula per policy, elevate the limb, apply a cold compress, document time and volume, and notify the radiologist.
Worked example
During IV contrast injection, the patient reports burning at the site and the technologist sees swelling. Stop the injection immediately, remove the IV per policy, elevate the arm, apply a cold pack, document time, volume, and symptoms, and notify the radiologist. Reasoning: early stoppage limits tissue injury; documentation supports follow-up.
Traps
Do not use identifiers such as room number. Do not force a confused patient to sign. Do not delay emergency care to finish images. Do not let speed override dignity or privacy.
Key takeaways
Patient safety and clear sequence beat speed.