Question

Please answer these questions describing the roles of MRI technologist duties.

Teams’ Choice for Chronic Condition: A 65-year-old male with obesity and history of strokes

- Identify one major care issue related to the management of the chronic condition 

- Identify TWO of your professional contributions to alleviate/contribute/resolve the care issue for this patient?

Answer 1

1) Duties of MRI technologist

The MRI Technologist operates the magnetic resonance imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes. Duties includes:

• Perform complex tasks associated with the operation of high field strength magnets and related equipment to produce special radiographic images of specific body parts
• Position patients for MR scans using immobilization and protective equipment to comply with government regulations and to ensure the safety of patients and staff
• Transport patients for examinations as per established guidelines. And explain provedure to patient
• Screen patients for MR safety prior to procedure performance
• Assist radiologist with procedure performance
• Load and operate power injectors for contrast media administration .Start I.V.’s, administer contrast media as directed and per protocol
• Evaluate MR scans for technical quality, collate processed images and sequence of exposure and label appropriately
• Schedule patients for procedures; assist with clerical functions
• Maintain accurate patient records
• Provide orientation for new technologists
• Provide education and training for student technologists
• Provide for the psychological and physical needs of patients for MR procedures
• Coordinate scheduling and patient flow
• Assist radiologists in developing new protocols and MR imaging techniques
• Analyze filing procedures to easily access and locate images and reports
• Maintain MRI rooms clean, safe and organized.
• Prepare MRI room with necessary equipment and supplies required for examination.
• Participate in quality assurance and improvements programs of the department

2) One major care issue related to the management of the chronic condition of a 65-year-old male with obesity and history of strokes

Risk for impaired skin integrity related to Impaired physical mobility.

• The skin is the largest organ in the human body and is a protective barrier. It protects the body from heat, light, injury, and infection. Pressure, shear, and friction from immobility put an individual at risk for altered skin integrity. Patients who are overweight, paralyzed, those who are bedridden and confined to wheelchairs are also at highest risk for altered skin integrity. Other factors that hasten skin breakdown include age, the normal loss of elasticity, inadequate nutrition, environmental moisture, and vascular insufficiency. The key marker of quality care is the maintenance of skin integrity and prevention of pressure ulcers.

3) TWO of your professional contributions to alleviate/contribute/resolve the care issue for this patient?

A) Assess the pressure ulcer risk of patient using Braden scale. The Braden Scale is a scale made up of six subscales, which measure elements of risk that contribute to either higher intensity and duration of pressure, or lower tissue tolerance for pressure. These are: sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, friction, and shear.

B) After identify the risk of patient, take preventive measures by frequently repositioning your patient to avoid stress on the skin. Other strategies include taking good care of your skin, maintaining good nutrition and fluid intake, Keep skin clean and dry, managing stress, and exercising daily.