1. Patient Assessment & Communication 🗣️

Patient Identification (2 Identifiers)

Full name + Date of birth OR Hospital ID number. Never use room number alone!

History Taking

Allergies (especially iodine/contrast), previous surgeries, pregnancy status, current medications.

Explain the Procedure

What to expect, how long it takes, breathing instructions. Reduces patient anxiety.

2. Contrast Media 💉

Iodinated Contrast (X-ray/CT)

Ionic (high osmolality) - more reactions
Non-ionic (low osmolality) - safer
Check renal function (creatinine, BUN)

Gadolinium (MRI)

Paramagnetic agent
Caution in renal impairment (NSF risk)
Lower reaction rate than iodine

Barium Sulfate (GI studies)

Not absorbed by GI tract
Contraindicated if perforation suspected
Use water-soluble contrast instead

Contrast Reactions

Mild: Nausea, hives, flushing
Moderate: Bronchospasm, hypotension
Severe: Anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest

3. Emergency Procedures 🚨

Basic Life Support (BLS)

CAB: Circulation (chest compressions), Airway, Breathing

Rate: 100-120/min, Depth: 2-2.4 inches, 30:2 ratio

Anaphylaxis Management

Stop injection → Call for help → Epinephrine IM → Airway management → IV fluids

Vasovagal Reaction

Patient faints from anxiety. Lay flat, elevate legs, reassure. Usually recovers quickly.

Seizure Management

Protect from injury, do NOT restrain, time the seizure, call for help.

4. Infection Control 🧼

Standard Precautions

Hand hygiene, PPE (gloves, gown, mask), equipment cleaning, safe injection practices.

Transmission-Based Precautions

Contact (MRSA), Droplet (Flu), Airborne (TB) - use N95 for airborne.

Medical Asepsis vs. Surgical Asepsis

Medical: Reduce number of organisms. Surgical: Complete elimination of organisms (sterile field).

💡 Patient Care Tips

✓ Always ask about pregnancy (LMP) before any radiation exposure
✓ Know crash cart location and contents in your department
✓ NPO status for contrast studies: Usually 4-6 hours (check protocol)

Patient Care