Radiographic Quality and the Debilitated Patient Flashcards
Why is it important to have high quality radiographic images?
High quality images are required.
To accurately represent the anatomy of the patient.
Have all available equipment prepared, including the patient.
What can poor positioning of the patient lead to?
Increased repeated exposures.
Increased costs.
Missed/incorrect diagnosis.
What are the principles of correct radiography positioning?
Minimising geometric distortion.
Objects placed parallel with the film and perpendicular and central to the x-ray beam are displayed appropriately.
Objects that are not centred or not parallel will be distorted due to unequal magnification.
Minimising the penumbra.
What is an example of physical restraint?
Sandbags, Foam wedges, Troughs/cradles, Ties
What is an example of chemical restraint?
Sedation or general anaesthetic.
What is magnification in radiation?
Magnification isn’t wanted in images.
The size of the shadow is determined by the distance of the object and the focal spot.
Closer the object is to the cassette makes the image true to size.
What are exposure factors?
A combination of mAs and kV, which are determined by setting/dials on the x-ray machine.
If factors are too high - the image will be over exposed.
If factors are too low - the image will be under exposed.
Why is timing important in trauma radiography?
Need to gain information on when trauma occurred.
Life threatening respiratory and circulatory emergencies or intra-abdominal injuries must be controlled.
Positioning and manipulation of the animal may be contraindicated in the early stages of treatment.
What is important prior to imaging in trauma patients?
Vital signs must be stable.
Oxygen therapy.
Fluid therapy.
Mild sedation.
Pain control.
ET readily available.
Anaesthetic emergency box available.
Why would you delay x-raying?
If the patient is unstable.
If ultrasound is more suitable.
Straight to surgery.
If radiology would not benefit the animal.
How would you prepare a debilitated patient?
Fasting is inappropriate in anorexic patients.
Enemas are often unnecessary in patient with diarrhoea.
Debilitated patients rarely need, and often cannot tolerate fasting and or enemas.
