One would think that completing a competency on an x-ray examination, such as a chest, would be a simple task, however that is not the case. Even after completing a competency, careful considerations need to be made, in order to produce a high quality diagnostic radiograph. A patient’s body habitus, height, age, and overall health can affect the diagnostic information that is present on a radiograph. Additionally, these factors will most certainly affect the manner in which an examination is carried out. Although I have gained a competency on the standard chest examination, these factors require that myself and those around me pay close attention to the needs of the patient. But with the guidance and knowledge of the technologists at Spohn …show more content…
Although, I still do not feel like an expert and still forget some details, I have finally committed the basics of this exam to memory. Basic factors that affect a chest x-ray include: breathing instructions, proper positioning, SID, film size, and correct use of the Bucky. Chest x-rays require exposure to be taken on inspiration, this allows a minimum of ten ribs to be visualized within the lung field. Projections taken during a standard two view chest exam include a posteroanterior projection and a lateral position. This particular patient was able to stand long enough for both views to be taken in the erect position. First, the PA image was taken, this required the patient to stand with her chest against the upright Bucky. The patient’s sthenic body habitus allowed for rapid centering of the central ray and image receptor. Regrettably, due to the patient’s condition, the breathing instructions given to her during the PA image caused the her to have a coughing spasm. Next, the lateral position was taken, which entails having the patient place the left lateral side of the body against the upright Bucky. Since the lateral position requires the patient to hold their arms above the head for an extended period of time, I decided to provide the patient with an IV pole, to support and stabilize her body. This minor detail aided in improving the diagnostic …show more content…
Standard kVp ranges for a chest exam range from 110 to 125 for both a PA projection and the lateral position Although, we have not been taught the ranges for mAs in didactic instruction, in the clinical setting the range generally starts at about 10 mAs and increases with a patient’s body habitus. Considering this patient’s sthenic body habitus the kVp was kept on the low end of the range, for the PA projection. The kVp used on the PA projection was 110 and 117 for the lateral position. As for the mAs utilized in the projections an 8.9 mAs was employed for the PA projection and 25 mAs was applied to the lateral position. Radiation protection for the patient was used on both positions, via a rolling cart with a lead apron draped over it, which allows shielding to be quickly rolled in front of the patient before exposure. Protection of the technologist and myself during the examination was accomplished by standing behind a lead wall during the exposures. No repeats were necessary during this particular exam, and all the essential anatomy was demonstrated, however, there was a slight rotation of the patient’s body on the lateral image. Specific anatomy is vital for the PA projection and the lateral position in order to be considered a quality diagnostic image. This includes both lungs from the apices to the
Ascertaining the adequacy of gaseous exchange is the major purpose of the respiratory assessment. The components of respiratory assessment comprises of rate, rhythm, quality of breathing, degree of effort, cough, skin colour, deformities and mental status (Moore, 2007). RR is a primary indicator among other components that assists health professionals to record the baseline findings of current ventilatory functions and to identify physiological respiratory deterioration. For instance, increased RR (tachypnoea) and tidal volume indicate the body’s attempt to correct hypoxaemia and hypercapnia (Cretikos, Bellomo, Hillman, Chen, Finfer, & Flabouris, 2008). The inclusive use of a respiratory assessment on a patient could lead to numerous potential benefits. Firstly, initial findings of respiratory assessment reveals baseline data of patient’s respiratory functions. Secondly, if the patient is on respiratory medication such as salbutamol and ipratropium bromide, the respiratory assessment enables nurses to measure the effectiveness of medications and patient’s compliance towards those medications (Cretikos, Bellomo, Hillman, Chen, Finfer, & Flabouris, 2008). Thirdly, it facilitates early identification of respiratory complications and it has the potential to reduce the risk of significant clinical
Imaging: CT scan of the chest dated September 2, 2015, which was personally reviewed demonstrates a subpleural opacity at the right lung apex, which appears to have decreased in size since the last study. The small subpleural opacity of the medial right lung apex with a predominately band like configuration is decreased in size since the last study measuring approximately 1.7 x 0.5 cm in the axial plane on axial imaging 19 previously measuring 1.8 x 0.7 cm. They are certainly a qualitative decrease as well.
...c should be between 60-80 mmHg, heart rate should be within acceptable range of 60-110 beats/min, and central venous pressure should drop to the range of 0-6 cmH2O (Brown & Edwards, 2012; Rodgers, 2008; Swearingen, 2012). The patient’s pain score should be below 3-4 on a 0-10 pain rating scale, or absence of pain (Swearingen, 2012). The patient should be alert with no signs of agitation, and has good understanding of tension pneumothorax and interventions required (Swearingen, 2012).
#1 -Assess and record patient respiratory rate and depth. Monitor if the patient is using the accessory muscles and pursed-lip breathing. #2 Elevate the head of the bed. Encourage deep-slow or pursed-lip breathing as needed. #3 Assess patient skin and mucous membrane color and continue monitoring.
Since the beginning of the propitious world, the core aspect that keeps it thriving is the propensity for people to discover innovations; however, progress of the past is, systematically, detrimental to the future. Not long after the revolutionary invention of the X-ray in the late 19th Century, an unprecedented number of medical examiners noticed (unknown to the time) radiation burns all over their body; decades later, an extraordinary surge in cancer cases had arisen. Perhaps, during the course of these years, scientists and researchers desired to further progress the x-ray (into the immense subsidiaries that are here today), and disregarded any flaws in the apparatus. This systematic inclination continues into the present time as Gary Marshall and Shane Keene notes in their 2007 article, “New technologies allow for patients to be overexposed routinely, and also allow for repeats to be taken quickly, making it easier for a technologist to multiply the patients dose without considering the implications” (5). The gaffes of radiology are present not only in the diagnostic setting, but also in the surgical and therapeutic areas. Working with radiation, it is imperative that the staff is aware of mistakes that are potentially fatal not only for patients, but themselves. It is especially important for medical radiologists to be cognizant of pediatric patients. The standard practice of pediatric radiology in the United States is to follow the step-by step formula from which adult patients are treated and diagnosed. There are copious consequences for following this technique since a child naturally has less body mass and a weaker immune and lymphatic system to manage radiation and its adverse effects. Medical radiology, being a...
Assess lungs and heart sounds and inspect for evidence of early heart failure, e.g. tachycardia, dyspnea. pulmonary congestion,
The ability to carry out and document a full respiratory and cardiovascular assessment is an essential skill. The severity of illness can be initially evaluated by inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. During analysis, specific locations of symptoms can be identified using landmarks such as the midaxiallary, midclavicular, and, the midsternal line. Indicate anterior or posterior thorax, and use the midaxillary line location when applicable (Bickley & Szilagyi, 2013).
In the radiology profession first you must write the patient’s file. This includes information about insurance, medical history, what the required x-ray is for and where it is going to be taken on the body. Writing in this way is similar to writing a small research paper. You must do research on the patients and there history and what insurance they have. Writing the report is important because the information must be accurate so the patient can be helped as much as possible. If the information about medical history is incorrect it can cause a huge problem for the patient. For example, if the patient is claustrophobic they would need to get an open room x-ray where the patient isn’t in an enclosed tube so they don’t have a panic attack and potentially injure themselves and others. It is very important to make sure the report has the correct area of where the x-ray needs to be taken. Having the wrong part of the body x-...
On the 1st of November 2013, I performed my first simulation on the module, Foundation Skills for Nursing. This simulation was on checking for vital signs in patients particularly, measuring the blood pressure (BP) which is the force of blood vessels against the walls of the vessels (Marieb and Hoehn, 2010). We also measured the temperature, pulse and respiratory (TPR) rates of a patient. This simulation’s objective was to engage us in practising some basic observation techniques taken on patients in and out of hospitals and to familiarise us on some of the tasks we will be performing when in practise. I will be applying the “What”, “So what”, and “Now what” model of reflection in nursing by Driscoll (2000).
Ultrasound Technicians are very valuable in the world of health care. Also known as Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, an Ultrasound Technician uses special machines and equipment that operates on sound waves to determine or diagnose medical problems for patients. There are specializations within this field in which some individuals explore. For instance, areas of specialization includes but not limited to; pregnancy, heart health, gynecology, and abdominal sonography. Although each specializing branch has its own distinctive function, they all involve probing the body to facilitate doctors with diagnoses.
The training, experience and interests during my existence up to now happen to be quite varied. I've resided and labored in Germany, The country and France too as with the United kingdom. Lately, I've thought extensively about altering my career and been attracted to radiography because it offers attractive possibilities to use abilities and private characteristics which i consider I possess, to supply an immediately tangible and satisfying contribution to individuals??utes health.
In this case the person or the patient does not need to get a fault in his diagnosis. As the technology has a role in our life and we need to reduce the errors. This application will be useful for doctors, special people and the others who are responsible for examining the Respiratory system. The purpose of it is to take a blood gas test analysis such as partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), oxygen (O), carbon dioxide content (CO2) and acid-base balance to evaluate the condition of the Respiratory system of the patient.
RESEARCH SKILLS INTRODUCTION The route I have decided to take after gaining enough credits at Access to Higher Education (Healthcare Science) is to study Diagnostic Radiography. According to the Birmingham City University, I should at least obtain a minimum of 220 UCAS tariff points. The number of credits required will be in excess of that required to pass the Access course (66 Level 3 credits) and should include Level 3 credits in Science-based subjects, English and Study Skills. I have chosen to take one of the Allied health professions routes and want to study Radiography.
I am attending Baton Rouge General School of Radiologic Technology to pursue an Associates degree through Northwestern State University to become a licensed radiologic technologist. I chose this profession because I thoroughly enjoy helping others and making a difference in people’s lives. Radiologic technologists are expected to give efficient patient care while following the doctor’s order to proceed with the X-ray examination. Radiology is the most important role in healthcare because with out having X-rays, the surgeons could not see inside of the patient’s body to perform surgery. Doctors can not predict what is going on inside of a patient without having an X-ray. I am interested in this being my future career because
For so many years I’ve asked myself the question, “what are you going to do with your life?” For a period of time I struggled with this question. Today, I sit staring at my computer, confronting myself, asking my subconscious “what do I want to do for the rest of my life?” Have I finally found the answer I 've been looking for, or am I under the false assumption that this is the right path for me. This semester has been the ultimate opportunity to explore my questions, doubt, issues, and concerns. I feel that by the end of this paper I will have answered all these questions, and will have made the best decision for my future.