1. Radiologic Procedures
Chapter 48
Radiologic Procedures

2. X-rays
High energy electromagnetic radiation produced by the collision of a beam of electrons with a metal target in an X-ray tube
Also called Roentgen rays
Aids in diagnosis of tumors, fractures, and other disorders and diseases

3. X-rays Safety Radiation exposure risk for employees
Wear dosimeter and lead shielding
Risk for patients
Ask female patients for possibility of pregnancy

4. Preparing the Patient Provide patient support and reassurance
Explain expectations and procedure
Use clear instructions and ensure understanding
Take special considerations with children

5. Radiological Procedures
Cholecystogram
X-ray study of the gallbladder
Contrast media is used to make gallbladder is visible

6. Radiological Procedures
Upper GI series, barium swallow
Patient drinks contrast medium during exam
Radiologist observes flow of substance with a fluoroscope at different positions
View esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and small intestine
Diagnosis of hiatal hernias, peptic ulcers, and tumors

7. Radiological Procedures
Lower GI series, barium enema
Barium sulfate contrast medium is introduced into the colon through an enema tube
Radiologist observes flow of barium into lower bowel
Patients should drink plenty of fluids for days following the procedure
Diagnose lesions, tumors, and other colon diseases

8. Radiological Procedures
Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
Study of genitourinary system
IV injection of iodine to help define urinary structures
Requires patient to prepare with laxatives, enemas, and fasting

9. Radiological Procedures
Retrograde pyelogram
Study of the urinary tract
Insertion of a sterile catheter into urinary meatus through bladder into ureters
Radiopaque contrast medium flows upwards into kidneys
May be done in conjunction with cystoscopy or voiding cystogram

10. Radiological Procedures
KUB (kidneys, ureters, bladder)
X-ray of patient’s abdomen
Requires no patient preparation
Diagnose urinary system diseases and disorders, determine position of IUD, locate foreign bodies in the digestive tract

11. Radiological Procedures
Mammography
X-ray of the breast tissue to detect tumors
Early detection is critical
ACS recommends baseline mammography at age 40 and every 1-2 years after

12. Radiological Procedures
Body scans
Rapid scanning of single-tissue planes performed by a process that generates images of the tissues in slices about 1 cm thick
CT scan
CTAT scan
Diagnose diseases and disorders of breasts or internal organs

13. Radiological Procedures
Nuclear medicine
Uses radionuclides in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
Almost any organ can be viewed and recorded
Patient ingests, or is injected with, radioactive material
Patient returns in 24 hours to measure amount of radioactivity in a particular organ

14. Radiological Procedures
Sonographic studies
Internal structures are made visible by recording reflections of ultrasonic sound waves directed into tissues
Abdominopelvic cavity ultrasonography
Obstetric and gynecological ultrasonography

15. Radiological Procedures
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Technique to view structures inside human body
Noninvasive, no radiation exposure
Radio signals are sent from scanner that is influenced by strong magnetic fields to which the body responds

16. Radiological Procedures
MRI, continued
Patient lies on padded table and is placed into a tunnel-like or open structure for 30 to 60 minutes
Contraindications for patient use
Pacemakers
Metallic implants
First trimester of pregnancy
Severe claustrophobia
Obesity