Diagnostic Imaging and Physical Therapy Flashcards
What is diagnostic radiology for?
- screening
- clinical diagnosis
What are x-rays?
electromagnetic waves that travel at the speed of light and penetrate solid objects
- needs lead aprons as shield
What is the role of a MA during x-rays?
- assist with procedures
- schedule appointments
- explain procedure
- find out medical history
- insurance verification
What is KUB radiography?
Kidney, Ureter, Bladder
- assess size, shape, position
- x-ray of abdomen
What is mammography?
- x-ray exam of internal breast tissues
What are examples of contrast mediums?
- iodine
- barium
- air/gases
- elements (metals)
Why do we use contract mediums?
- aids in making structures lighter and brighter
- easier to visualize
How are contrast mediums administered?
- orally
- injection
- intravenously
What are the problems with oral contrast agents?
- takes a week to excrete
- will interfere with visualization testing
= endoscopy studies are delayed until dye clears
What are the pros and cons of IV/iodine contrast?
pros: clears in 24 hours
- shows inside of vessel and gives information on surrounding organs
cons: can’t be used on people with shellfish allergy
- caution with impaired renal function patients
What are adverse effects to oral contrast agents?
- mild to severe
- abdominal cramping, constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
What are adverse effects to iodine contrast?
- check for allergy to iodine or shellfish
- monitor patient for signs of allergy or anaphylaxis
What is CT?
computed tomography
- combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce images of the inside of the body
What is MRI?
magnetic resonance imaging
- magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues
What is fluoroscopy?
- x-ray with video
- shows movement inside the body over time
What are common fluoroscopy procedures?
- hysterosalpingography: examination of uterus and fallopian tubes
- arthrography: used to diagnose abnormalities or injuries in joints, cartilage, tendons, ligaments
- angiography: assess arteries and veins
- angiocardiography: images of medium flowing through the heart, lungs, major vessels
- myelography: used to evaluate spinal abnormalities
- cholecystography: detects gallstones or abnormalities of the gallbladder
- barium swallow: upper GI diagnosis (obstructions, ulcers, polyps, diverticulosis, tumor)
- barium enema: lower GI diagnosis (colon and rectum)
How does ultrasound work?
sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body
What does ultrasound diagnose?
- causes of pain, swelling, infection
- heart conditions
- fetus viewing
- biopsy guide
What is nuclear medicine?
use of radionuclides to evaluate internal organs
What is SPECT?
access brain damage after stroke
What is PET?
detect early signs of cancer, heart disease, brain disorders
What is MUGA scan?
evaluate the condition of the heart muscles
What are some benefits of physical therapy?
- restores and improves muscle function
- builds strength
- increases joint mobility
- relieves pain
- increases circulation
What is joint mobility testing?
- range of motion: degree to which a joint is able to move
What is muscle strength testing?
compares each side of body
What is gait-ambulation testing?
assessment of how a patient walks, length of stride, balance, coordination
What is posture testing?
- body position and alignment
- checks spinal curves
- symmetry of alignment
What is cryotherapy?
applying cold for therapeutic reasons
What are the benefits of cryotherapy?
- constricts blood vessels
- prevents swelling
- controls bleeding
- anesthetic effect
- reduces pus formation
- lowers body temperature
What is thermotherapy?
applying heat for therapeutic reasons
What are benefits of thermotherapy?
- dilates blood vessels
- relieves pain and congestion
- reduces muscle spasms
- relaxes muscles
- reduces inflammation and swelling
What is hydrotherapy?
use of water for soothing pains and treating certain medical conditions
- pools
- hot tubs
- physiotherapy tanks
What is the purpose of hydrotherapy?
- relaxes muscles
- decreases pain
- increases circulation
What is exercise therapy?
primary treatment for some disorders and sports injuries
What is the purpose of exercise therapy?
- flexibility
- mobility
- muscle tone
- strength
What is DME?
durable medical equipment
- canes, wheelchair, crutches, walker
How much support do canes provide? What types of canes are there?
standard support (small amount)
- tripod and quad-base
Who uses walkers?
patients who can’t walk unassisted
- have balance issues
What are the types of crutches?
- axillary (short term use): ground to axilla
- lofstrand (long-term use): ground to forearm
