Pregnancy Checks Flashcards
What can ionising radiation cause biological harm to?
(2)
DNA
Growing embryos/foetuses
Which type of x-ray is the risk of ionising radiation very low?
Hand x-rays
Which type of x-rays is the risk of ionising radiation higher?
(2)
CT
Fluoroscopy
Which types of people do we have to confirm pregnancy status with?
(3)
Patients of child-bearing age
Patients with a uterus
Patients between 10-55 years of age
Which regulations do we use?
IRMER 17 or IRR17
Why are the regulations important?
They prevent the unintentional exposure of ionising radiation to a foetus
Why does the radiographer ask for the patient’s confirmation and signature?
It’s a legal requirement, so you need to prove that you did this
What does LMP stand for?
Last
Menstrual
Period
When should the radiographer ask about the LMP?
(3)
During any ionising radiation examination
When the x-ray is below the diaphragm
When the x-ray is above the knee
What does the diaphragm separate?
The thoracic cavity and the abdominal cavity
Which parts of the body count as being above the knee?
(5)
Abdomen
Pelvis
Hip
Femur
Lumbar spine
Which type of x-rays use the 28 day rule?
Plain film x-rays
Which type of x-rays use the 10 day rule?
X-rays that use a higher dose of radiation, e.g. CT/fluroscopy
What does the 28 day rule and the 10 day rule mean?
They mean the last time a period was had, so whether it was in the last 28 days or the last 10 days
What does the 28 day rule do?
It keeps the effects of radiation at a minimum
Who is the 28 day rule used on?
Patients who haven’t yet missed their period
Who is the 10 day rule used on?
(2)
Patients with no ovulation
Patients who have no foetus in them
How many protected characteristics are there under the Equality Act 2010?
9
How many protected characteristics are associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding?
4
What are the 4 protected characteristics associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Gender reassignment
Being pregnant/maternity leave
Sex
Sexual orientation
(People shouldn’t be treated differently because of these)
What does the HCPC standards number 5 say?
We should recognise the impact of culture, equality and diversity on practice and practise in a non-discriminatory and inclusive way
How do we ask about pregnancy status or a potential to become pregnant?
Obtain a signature
How do we ask about last menstrual period (LMP)?
Ask for the first day of the patient’s last period
Use the 28 day rule
When do we use the 28 day rule?
When doing lower dose imaging, e.g. plain film
When do we use the 10 day rule?
When doing high dose imaging, e.g. CT, fluoroscopy
Why do we use the 10 day rule when doing high dose imaging?
It makes sure that ovulation can’t have happened
What do we do if the patient can’t remember the first day of their last period?
The radiographer needs to get the patient’s consent to give them a pregnancy test. If the patient refuses, the radiographer denies performing the x-ray
What are the Fraser Guidelines?
Guidelines that relate to advice and treatment of sexual health and contraception
What is the Gillick competency?
They assess whether a child has the maturity to make their own decisions and if they understand the implications (consequences) of those decisions
How must radiographers assess the Gillick Competency?
(5)
They must:
Assess the child’s age, maturity and mental capacity
Do they understand the impact of the decision?
How well have they understood the information and question?
Can they make a reasoned decision?
If the patient isn’t deemed as Gillick competent, consent is taken from the parent/carer
Who do we have to ask about their pregnancy status?
(5)
EVERYONE-
Transgender
Trans men
Trans women
Non-binary
Inter-sex
What are potential operations for transgender patients?
(2)
Phalloplasty
Vulvuplasty
What is used to shield patients having x-rays on their genitals from radiation?
Lead rubber is used to cover to ovaries/testes
Why is lead rubber used to shield patient’s having x-rays on their genitals from radiation?
It reduces the scattered radiation
What are the 10 points on the 10 point image checklist?
Patient identi
