FINAL 46,44,45,53,54

Radiologic Studies

• Radiologic technology, also known as diagnostic imaging, is a significant role in diagnosis and monitoring diseases and injuries.
• As a medical assistant, the role might involve assisting a radiology technologist or directly taking X-rays and operating equipment (with appropriate licenses).
• Duties also include scheduling patients for radiology procedures at facilities.
• Routine screenings for mammograms and chest X-rays are common, while other tests are used for diagnosis.

Safety

• Any person working in a facility performing radiologic tests is at risk for excessive radiation exposure.
• Standard safety precautions must be followed to protect workers and patients.
• All staff working in the radiology department or taking radiographs must wear a personnel monitoring device.
• Each worker has a maximum permissible dose.

Radiologic Procedures

• Providers order many imaging tests for condition or injury diagnosis.
• Some procedures require special patient preparation or contrast media.
• The evolution of radiology has resulted in lower doses now used in many procedures.
• Patient education includes a description of the procedure, preparation and what to expect.

X-Rays and Radiation Therapy

• X-rays (roentgen rays) are high-energy electromagnetic radiation produced by electron collisions with a metal target in an X-ray tube.
• Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered X-rays in 1895.
• X-ray photographs are taken of requested body parts to create permanent images.
• Some electronic medical records systems upload results and reports directly to the provider's desktop and the patient's electronic chart.
• Results and reports from outside organizations may be imported using scanning and importing features.

Preparing Patients for X-Rays

• Patients may need preparation depending on the specific radiology study.
• This preparation often involves a prior preparation, including diet restrictions, and is extremely important to follow to ensure the images are clear and accurate, avoiding any delays.

Gallbladder Imaging

• The gallbladder stores bile to digest fats, for breakdown.
• When the gallbladder functions abnormally, patients experience abdominal discomfort and pain.
• Cholecystogram is a technique used to diagnose the cause of patient distress.
• Cholecystogram also referred to as a gallbladder series and a double-dose gallbladder series.
• Gallstones are often seen on cholecystogram images.
• Abdominal ultrasound is an alternative imaging technique used by some in place of cholecystogram.

Upper GI Series-Barium Swallow

• For an upper GI series study, the patient drinks contrast medium containing barium.
• The radiologist observes the substance's flow directly using a fluoroscope.
• Images are taken of the upper digestive tract.
• Patient education should address clear liquid evening meal, nothing to eat or drink after midnight and any medication restrictions as advised.
• Some types of examinations that may be included require a mixture, of barium and air in the stomach.
• The tests are made with care of the patient’s well-being in mind.

Lower GI Series-Barium Enema

• Patients are usually instructed in accordance with the guidelines of Table 46–1.
• Avoid all dairy products before the study for better visualization of the colon.
• Adequate preparation is very important for the study as improper preparation might result in needing to repeat the tests.

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

• The IVP allows the provider to define the structures within the urinary system.
• In preparation for the test the patient must follow laxative or enema preparation and fasting.
• IV injection of iodine, the contrast medium, is necessary.

Nuclear Medicine

• Nuclear medicine uses radionuclides for disease diagnosis and treatment.
• Procedures record organ and tissue function by the uptake of radioactive materials.

Sonographic Studies

• Sonography records the reflections of ultrasonic sound waves directed into tissues to get a visual of internal structures.
• The use of a transducer (handheld instrument) is common.
• The technique is considered safe as it doesn't use radiation.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) enables the visualization of internal body structures without using X-rays or surgery.
• The technique uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce images.
• Sometimes the procedure is done with the use of a sedative or an open MRI.
• In some situations, the image quality may not be as clear as with a traditional MRI.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

• PET uses a radioactive substance (tracer) to identify disease or view organs.
• A computer processes data from the scanner to provide a three-dimensional image of the scanned body structures.
• The patient is instructed to lie still to prevent image blurring.

Mammography

• Mammography detects breast masses, and lesions, as small as 1 centimeter.
• Regular practice of self-examinations and examinations by providers are beneficial.
• Screening is recommended annually for women.
• The procedure involves compression of the breasts during the test to produce a clearer image of the mammary structures
• Patients need to avoid deodorant and perfumes on exam day.

CT Scans

• CT (computed tomography) uses rapid scanning of single-tissue planes to provide cross-sectional images of the body, with slices about 1cm thick.
• CT scans help with diagnosing diseases and disorders of the breast, brain, and internal organs.

Hematology Testing

• Hematology tests measure red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood and hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• A complete blood count (CBC) is a common test in healthcare.
• It measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• The ratios and percentages of blood cells, such as lymphocytes, monocytes, or granulocytes, help assess certain conditions.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

• A modified form of hemoglobin that is elevated when the blood glucose levels are high.
• This test gives an assessment of the control the patient has maintained on the blood sugar over the past two to three months.

Cholesterol Testing

• Cholesterol is a steroid, and high cholesterol(hypercholesterolemia) may lead to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
• A fasting specimen is required for this blood test.
• Testing equipment and procedures are available to measure cholesterol levels rapidly.

Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)

• The GTT is used to diagnose diabetes mellitus or hypoglycemia.
• The test is done to assess a patient's ability to metabolize glucose over a certain timeframe.
• Blood sugar level checks are done periodically during this evaluation.

PKU Testing

• PKU (phenylketonuria) testing is done on a newborn infant using a blood sample from the heel.
• The test is used to detect defects in the metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine in a newborn infant.

Testing Outside the POL

• A series of related tests can be consolidated into a panel or profile.
• These are often performed at outside facilities.
• The types of tests are tailored for each panel, and the way results and forms are handled frequently differs from one facility to another.

Other Cardiovascular Equipment

• Defibrillators (AEDs) are essential equipment used in medical offices and clinics.
• They are required for responding to emergency cardiac events.
• These and other devices enable quick action, to potentially save lives in event of emergencies.

Emergencies in the Medical Office

• Medical emergencies may arise within the medical office or the surrounding area.
• Procedures for managing these situations include obtaining appropriate detailed information, determining the severity of the incident, and summoning the help according to the office emergency protocol.

Emergency Supplies and Equipment

• Medical offices should have a readily accessible emergency kit or crash cart.
• The kit supplies common and crucial equipment for emergency situations, such as gloves, alcohol wipes, oxygen source, etc.

Recognizing and Responding to Emergencies

• Recognizing patients with certain symptoms of a medical emergency is essential for prompt care.
• The symptoms of these events may include:
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Respiratory arrest
• Cardiac Arrest
• Shock
• Significant burns
• Severe chest pain
• Head or neck injuries
• Loss of consciousness
• Certain intoxications.

Foreign Bodies

• Foreign bodies can lodge in various parts of the body (eyes, ears, nose, etc.).
• Removal methods vary according to location of the foreign body and the material.

Strained and Sprained Injuries

• Strains occur when a muscle or tendon is overextended.
• Sprains result in torn or stretched ligaments surrounding a joint, typically in the ankle
• The RICE and RICER principles should aid in the treatment while awaiting a healthcare provider.

Dislocations

• Partial or total displacement of a joint.
• The first aid recommended is immobilization, ideally with a splint, for later care. Waiting for a practitioner who is more qualified for a diagnosis is extremely important, and you cannot attempt any realignment of the bones yourself.

Fractures

• Fractures are bone breaks that are classified as either open or closed.
• First aid to control any bleeding, immobilize the fracture (with a splint), and transport the victim as quickly as possible, is essential.
• A provider is the only authorized person to attempt reduction of the fracture.

Cleaning Wounds

• Cleaning wounds involves using antiseptic solutions, warm water, and friction; apply an antimicrobial solution following the cleaning to ensure that there are no remaining germs left on the wound.
• Cleaning the affected area as well as any debris, is vital for avoiding infection.

Bandaging Wounds

• Applying a bandage involves appropriate types and sizes of dressings, with the aid of an applicator, for a more efficient and appropriate application.
• Applying multiple turns and securing with tape, for different shapes of appendages.

Applying Heat and Cold Treatments

• The application of heat and cold is commonly used in the care of injuries and conditions such as strains, sprains, burns, bruises.
• The application of heat increases blood circulation; the application of cold reduces blood flow and inflammation.

Animal Bites and Stings

• Cleaning an animal bite thoroughly, with antiseptic soap or solution, water, and rinsing.
• Applying a dressing and a pressure bandage, while taking the victim to the hospital, in cases involving injuries requiring more care.
• Removal of any remaining stinger is advised, as multiple punctures can occur with stings from wasps, bees etc.

Other Cardiovascular Equipment

• Medical offices or emergency centers commonly have defibrillators, a device that delivers a shock to the heart to reestablish regular rhythm.

Emergency Phone Numbers

• It is important to have readily accessible emergency phone numbers for various services, like the police, fire department, hospitals, poison control centers, etc.
• Emergency procedure should have a listing of crucial numbers for instant access during an emergency event.

Accidents and Injuries & Foreign Bodies

• Emergency situations like accidents and injuries are frequent.
• Knowing the correct first aid procedures might help in treatment.
• Objects lodged within the body (foreign body) require immediate treatment by an appropriate health care professional.

Testing for HIV

• HIV testing is performed by immunoassays that detect antibodies to the virus.

Testing for PKU

• PKU (phenylketonuria) tests are done by obtaining blood from an infant's heel.
• It's required by law in most regions for the early detection and subsequent treatment of PKU.

Exercise Stress Tests and Echocardiography

• Exercise ECG (electrocardiography) is a test used in evaluating cardiac response to activity.
• Echocardiography is a procedure involving sound waves to examine the heart structures and function.

Holter Monitor

• The placement of ECG electrodes should be assessed and checked.
• This ambulatory ECG (ECG) is a portable device that monitors heart function continuously.