How Much Do You Know About the Impact of Drugs on Medical Imaging?

Overview of Prescription and Non-Prescription Drugs and their Impact on Medical Imaging

• Prescription drugs require a medical prescription to be dispensed while non-prescription drugs can be obtained without a prescription.
• Controlled substances are regulated by state and federal governments and can result in fines and imprisonment if possessed illegally.
• Controlled substances are categorized into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical use.
• Analgesics, antihypertensives, antiallergics, antianxiety drugs, antiarrhythmics, antibiotics, antidepressants, and anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used drugs in medical imaging but have no direct impact on the procedure.
• Antiseptics and disinfectants have no impact on medical imaging.
• Bronchodilators are used for patients having difficulty breathing but have no direct impact on medical imaging except for lung functionality studies.
• Sedatives, hypnotics, and diuretics can help claustrophobic patients complete the MRI procedure but require close monitoring for possible respiratory depression and arrest.
• Cathartics and antidiarrheals have no impact on medical imaging unless an empty intestine is necessary for the procedure.
• Contrast agents are substances used to enhance the visibility of internal structures in diagnostic imaging techniques such as computed tomography, radiography, fluoroscopy, and MRI.
• Contrast agents used in MRI are mainly based on gadolinium chelates and increase the image contrast of a pathology compared to the surrounding normal tissue.
• Antiemetics can help the patient complete a procedure without interruptions.
• Vasodilators and vasoconstrictors can be used to counteract sudden changes in blood pressure during a medical imaging procedure.

Medication Administration and Management for MRI Technologists

• MRI Technologists may be involved in medication administration for imaging purposes.

• Contrast agents, antianxiety, and sedation medications are commonly administered by MRI Technologists.

• Technologists must be able to quickly locate necessary medications in case of emergencies.

• Technologists are responsible for checking patient allergic history, preparing medications, and monitoring patients after administration.

• Verbal medication orders by physicians/radiologists should always be written or countersigned before leaving the area.

• A standing order is a written direction signed by a physician for a specific medication to be administered under specific conditions.

• Physicians may specify a different dose than the suggested dose for a medication.

• Dosage is generally done using the metric system.

• Medications can be administered through various routes, including oral, rectal, parenteral, inhalation, topical, sublingual, and buccal.

• The ideal vein for IV injections is at least twice the diameter of the needle or catheter.

• Medications administered by a physician or technologist must be recorded in the patient's chart or computerized charting system.

• The six rights of medication administration are: non-expired medication, right patient, right dose, right time, right route, and right documentation.Key Facts About Drugs and Medications

• Prescription drugs require a note from the doctor detailing dosage and instructions, while OTC drugs can be bought without one.

• It is still recommended to consult a doctor before taking any medication, even OTC ones, especially when there are other medical conditions or prescriptions being taken.

• The FDA regulates the production, safety, labeling, distribution, and other aspects of drug control in the US.

• The generic name of a drug is the chemical name, while the trade name is the brand name given by the manufacturer.

• Only the manufacturer of the drug with the patent can use the brand name, while others can only use the generic name.

• Placebos are used in double-blind studies to establish a control group and reduce bias in the results.

• A placebo lacks the active ingredient and is essentially nothing, or a 'sugar pill'.

• In clinical research, one group of test subjects is given a placebo, and the other group is given the drug being tested.

• The subjects and scientists do not know ahead of time who received the actual drug or not.

• The FDA's role in drug control includes ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs before they are approved for use.

• OTC drugs are usually less potent than prescription drugs and are intended for short-term use.

• Prescription drugs are usually stronger and are intended for long-term use under the supervision of a doctor.

Medication Administration and Management for MRI Technologists

• MRI Technologists may be involved in medication administration for imaging purposes.

• Contrast agents, antianxiety, and sedation medications are commonly administered by MRI Technologists.

• Technologists must be able to quickly locate necessary medications in case of emergencies.

• Technologists are responsible for checking patient allergic history, preparing medications, and monitoring patients after administration.

• Verbal medication orders by physicians/radiologists should always be written or countersigned before leaving the area.

• A standing order is a written direction signed by a physician for a specific medication to be administered under specific conditions.

• Physicians may specify a different dose than the suggested dose for a medication.

• Dosage is generally done using the metric system.

• Medications can be administered through various routes, including oral, rectal, parenteral, inhalation, topical, sublingual, and buccal.

• The ideal vein for IV injections is at least twice the diameter of the needle or catheter.

• Medications administered by a physician or technologist must be recorded in the patient's chart or computerized charting system.

• The six rights of medication administration are: non-expired medication, right patient, right dose, right time, right route, and right documentation.Key Facts About Drugs and Medications

• Prescription drugs require a note from the doctor detailing dosage and instructions, while OTC drugs can be bought without one.

• It is still recommended to consult a doctor before taking any medication, even OTC ones, especially when there are other medical conditions or prescriptions being taken.

• The FDA regulates the production, safety, labeling, distribution, and other aspects of drug control in the US.

• The generic name of a drug is the chemical name, while the trade name is the brand name given by the manufacturer.

• Only the manufacturer of the drug with the patent can use the brand name, while others can only use the generic name.

• Placebos are used in double-blind studies to establish a control group and reduce bias in the results.

• A placebo lacks the active ingredient and is essentially nothing, or a 'sugar pill'.

• In clinical research, one group of test subjects is given a placebo, and the other group is given the drug being tested.

• The subjects and scientists do not know ahead of time who received the actual drug or not.

• The FDA's role in drug control includes ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs before they are approved for use.

• OTC drugs are usually less potent than prescription drugs and are intended for short-term use.

• Prescription drugs are usually stronger and are intended for long-term use under the supervision of a doctor.