Pharmacology of Contrast Media in Radiology

Infection Control

• Neutropenic precautions, also known as reverse isolation, are used to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
• Healthcare-associated (nosocomial) infections are infections that occur while receiving treatment at a healthcare facility.

Microorganisms

• Medical Asepsis is the process of destroying microorganisms and their spores using chemical disinfectants.
• Vector-borne infections are diseases where microorganisms are transferred via an insect, such as malaria.
• A reservoir is a source of infection where pathogens thrive in sufficient numbers to cause a threat.

Infection Transmission

• Droplet contamination frequently occurs via coughing.
• Fomites are objects that can transfer microorganisms, such as an injection syringe.

Handling and Disposing of Toxic/Hazardous Materials

• Types of hazardous materials include chemicals and chemotherapy.
• Safety data sheets (e.g., MSDS) are used to handle and dispose of toxic materials.

Pharmacology

Patient History

• Medication reconciliation involves identifying a patient's current medications.
• Premedications are medications given before an examination.
• Contraindications are conditions that make a medication or procedure inadvisable.
• Scheduling and sequencing examinations involve planning the order of examinations.

Administration

• Routes of administration include IV and oral.
• Supplies used in administration include needles, gauze, and alcohol pads.
• Procedural techniques include venipuncture.
• Dose calculation is an important aspect of administration.

Contrast Media

• Types of contrast media include gadolinium, linear, and macrocyclic.
• Contrast media properties include ionic and non-ionic.
• Contrast media administration is based on patient weight.
• Contrast media reactions can be mild, moderate, or severe.
• Local effects of contrast media reactions include extravasation/infiltration and phlebitis.
• Systemic effects of contrast media reactions include nausea and coughing.

Interpersonal Communication

• Modes of communication include verbal, written, and nonverbal.
• Challenges in communication include language barriers, cultural and social factors, physical or sensory impairments, age, and emotional status.
• Strategies to improve understanding include explanation of medical terms and responding to patient inquiries.

Patient Education

• Patient education involves explaining the current procedure, including purpose and exam length.
• Pre- and post-procedure instructions include preparations, diet, medications, and discharge instructions.

Physical Assistance and Monitoring

• Patient transfer and movement involve body mechanics and patient transfer techniques.
• Assisting patients with medical equipment includes infusion catheters and pumps, oxygen delivery systems, and other medical devices.
• Routine monitoring involves vital signs, physical signs and symptoms, fall prevention, and documentation.

Medical Emergencies

• Medical emergencies include allergic reactions, cardiac/respiratory arrest, physical injury, trauma, or RF burn.

Test your knowledge of contrast media types and properties, including gadolinium and ionic vs non-ionic agents. Learn about appropriateness of contrast media for different patient conditions, ages, and laboratory values, as well as local and systemic reactions.