Pain Management

Question 1

Where are pain management exams performed

Answer 1

Pain therapy exams can be performed in almost every joint in the body 
Hip 
Shoulder
Knee
Spine
Elbow
Hand and fingers

Question 2

Common indications for pain management

Answer 2

Bursitis (common in shoulders and hips)
Tendinitis, tendonosis, tenosynovitis
Arthritis
Various forms of back pain

Question 3

Techs role during pain management

Answer 3

Room set up
Set up trays, required equipment, contrast and meds
Obtains pt consent
Pre and post pt evaluation and documentation
Operation of c arm
Look up any previous studies related to procedure

Question 4

Pain management consent form includes

Answer 4

Pt demographics
Type of procedure and performing dr
General description of procedure and side effects
Checklist of medical history
Area for pt to sign consenting to procedure

Question 5

4 main types of medication used in pain management

Answer 5

Steroids
Local anesthetic
Pain relief
Contrast

Question 6

What is Local anesthetic

Answer 6

Used to freeze the skin prior to cortisone injection

- xylocaine

Question 7

What is a steroid

Answer 7

Anti-inflammatory, reduces inflammation in the target joint over time which reduces long term pain

Question 8

What is pain relief

Answer 8

Provides pain relief in the target joint post injection lasts for a few hours
Marcaine

Question 9

What is contrast

Answer 9

Used to confirm location of area to receive steroid or pain relief

Question 10

Additional supplies for pain management procedures

Answer 10

Basic injection tray - 3+ syringes, drapes, cleaning sponge
Metal object for the dr to use with Fluoro to confirm location of injection site
Marker to draw a dot on the pt skins to confirm location
Band-aid to use after procedure
Positioning sponges, pillows, and blocks to position pt for specific procedure
Cleaning solution for skin and gauze
Well stocked meds and contrast not past expiry date
Emerg drug box in case of allergic reaction

Question 11

The rad and the procedure

Answer 11

Each rad will have their own protocols including
Glove size
Pt starting position
Injection approach
What type of med/contrast used and how much

Question 12

The tech during the procedure will

Answer 12

Confirm pt ID, goes over questionnaire and obtains consent
Prepares room, tray, images for procedure
Manoeuvres c arm for rad
Saves images (pre and post) and sends to PACS
Documents pt condition (pre and post) number of images, Fluoro time
Ensures pt comfort and safety

Question 13

Side effects of pain management injections

Answer 13

Pt should wait 10-30 mins after procedure and be evaluated by the tech about condition and post injection pain
Common side effects
- skin redness, dizziness, fainting, bruising at injection site, discomfort
Rare side effects
- infection, allergic reaction, bleeding, freezing of nerve causing temporary loss of sensation
Tech must be aware of what to do for mild to severe reactions and must document them as well