Radiography Patient Care Objectives

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Questions and Answers

What is the advantage of using a pull sheet when transferring a patient?

It increases the risk of injury.

It reduces friction during the transfer. (correct)

It restricts the patient's movement.

It requires more personnel to assist.

Which of the following is a recommended practice when transferring a patient?

Encourage the patient to remain inactive.

Lock all wheels on transfer equipment. (correct)

Assist the patient from their weak side only.

Transfer across the longest distance possible.

What should be assessed to determine a patient's ability to help in the transfer process?

The patient's previous medical history.

The patient's diet and nutritional status.

The patient's personal likes and dislikes.

The patient's mobility and responsiveness. (correct)

Why is it important for a patient to wear shoes during standing transfers?

Slippery slippers can increase the risk of falls. Signup and view all the answers

What factor should be considered regarding the patient's response to the transfer?

The patient's fear or resentment of the move. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following commands is advisable to use when assisting a patient during transfer?

Use simple and short commands. Signup and view all the answers

What should be prioritized when assisting a patient during a transfer?

Giving only the necessary assistance for comfort and safety. Signup and view all the answers

What type of equipment is NOT mentioned as a method for transferring patients?

Ambulance stretcher. Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial step to take when moving a patient from a trolley to an x-ray table?

Determine any abnormalities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following could be a reason for a patient’s difficulty in walking?

Trauma Signup and view all the answers

What should be used to support affected limbs or body parts during patient movement?

Pillows and sandbags Signup and view all the answers

How can a pull sheet be utilized effectively in patient transfers?

By folding it and placing it close to the patient Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor to assess before determining a patient's ability to walk?

The condition of respiratory diseases Signup and view all the answers

How many caregivers are often required to assist in moving a patient efficiently?

Two on either side with one to support legs Signup and view all the answers

What can emotional disturbances in a patient potentially lead to during movement?

Increased likelihood of fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What final step should be taken when using a pull sheet to transfer a patient?

Cross the patient's arms across the chest Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step for transferring a patient from the x-ray table to a wheelchair?

Turn the patient from supine to sitting position Signup and view all the answers

During the three carrier lift method, how many persons are required to assist with the transfer?

Three Signup and view all the answers

What position should the wheelchair be in prior to the transfer?

Parallel to the table with wheels locked Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how to position your arms to assist the patient during the transfer?

One arm under the buttocks and another across the knees Signup and view all the answers

Which step should NOT be included in the transfer procedure from the x-ray table to the wheelchair?

Remove the patient's arm from across their chest Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to support the patient while helping them stand and pivot?

Maintain a straight back and bend your knees Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for the radiographer to use during the patient transfer process?

Proper body mechanics Signup and view all the answers

Which action should be taken when preparing to assist the patient into the wheelchair?

Explain the transfer procedure to the patient Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in assisting a nonambulatory patient to stand from a wheelchair?

Stand facing the patient. Signup and view all the answers

Which action should NOT be taken when transferring a patient from a wheelchair to an X-Ray table?

Leave the patient unattended for a moment. Signup and view all the answers

What should the assistant do with their knees when lifting a nonambulatory patient?

Lift with knees bent to ease strain. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is recommended for assisting a patient in standing from a wheelchair?

Utilize the face-to-face method for assistance. Signup and view all the answers

When should the patient's lap be covered with a sheet during transfer?

Before transferring the patient to maintain dignity. Signup and view all the answers

What should an assistant do to prepare a patient who is able to stand?

Assist them to a standing position and ensure stability. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in easing a nonambulatory patient down to the sitting position?

Lift the patient directly without any prior positioning. Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to ensure during the transfer of a confused or unconscious patient?

Have a second assistant present. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for not leaving an unstable patient alone on a wheelchair?

To avoid risk of falls or injuries Signup and view all the answers

When preparing a patient for transfer, what is the first step to check their identity?

Check the identification bracelet Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if a patient is moved over a rough surface?

It can cause friction and skin breakdown. Signup and view all the answers

What is important to consider when positioning patients with drainage tubes?

Avoid twisting the tubes to prevent kinks Signup and view all the answers

What does the Semi-Fowler’s position help to reduce?

Respiratory distress Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following positions minimizes the risk of decubitus ulcers most effectively?

Changing positions every two hours. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of patient comfort, what should be done to support a patient's arms in Semi-Fowler's position?

Ensure they are properly supported to prevent shoulder strain Signup and view all the answers

What is a major risk of allowing urine or fecal matter to remain on the skin?

It can act as an irritant and damage the skin. Signup and view all the answers

What is a proper technique for handling a wet cast to avoid skin pressure?

Sliding hands under the cast with open fingers. Signup and view all the answers

What should be evaluated regarding the patient’s condition before transfer?

Presence of nausea and ability to breathe Signup and view all the answers

Which positioning helps a patient who is lying on their left or right side?

Sims’ position Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the body is MOST susceptible to decubitus ulcers?

Scapulae Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to prevent when positioning feet in Semi-Fowler's position?

Foot drop and plantar flexion Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a cast becomes too tight?

It may cause circulatory impairment. Signup and view all the answers

How often should a patient be repositioned to minimize the risk of decubitus ulcers?

Every 2 hours. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of allowing a patient to lie on a damp sheet?

It can lead to moisture-related skin damage. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Basic Patient Care in Radiography - Objectives

List three safety measures for transferring patients between hospital wards and the radiology department.
List three situations in radiology that may damage patient skin and how to prevent them.
Demonstrate plaster cast patient movement.
List four signs of circulatory impairment in plaster cast patients.
Demonstrate assisting patients with bedpans/urinals.

Dressing/Undressing Patients

When a patient comes to radiology from outside the hospital, they often need to remove some or all clothing.
The radiographer (RT) is usually the one who receives and tells the patient what to remove.
Courteous and professional behaviour from RT can lessen patient discomfort.
The patient is taken to a designated dressing room.
The RT explains the process and how to close the door/curtain.
Patients are directed to the examination gown and where to place their belongings.
Some gowns open in the back.
Patients are supplied with hangers for their clothing.
Patients are informed where to leave their clothing.
Valuable items like purses, jewelry and watches are carefully handled.
Metal items like jewelry should not be worn for certain exams. Security envelopes can be provided.
Item logs of valuables are kept.

Correct Body Postures in Moving/Transferring Patients

Safe body mechanics are essential when moving patients to avoid injury to both the patient and the mover.
Good posture is key to safe body mechanics. This involves balanced alignment and efficient musculoskeletal use.
Good posture reduces musculoskeletal strain on joints, muscles and tendons.
Correct posture includes: upright chest, extended waist, erect head and chin, parallel feet shoulder-width apart, slightly bent knees, tucked in abdomen and buttocks.
When moving patients, keep heavy objects close to your body.
If an object is too heavy, seek assistance.
Reduce friction by reducing surface area or using assistance from the patient.

Moving and Transferring Patients

Assess patient's ability to assist in the process.
Identify abnormalities in body alignment and determine their cause (poor posture, trauma, muscle issues, malnutrition, etc).
Support affected limbs with pillows/blocks/sandbags.
Assess mobility and joint limitations.
Assess patient's gait/walking ability.
Evaluate respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine health conditions.
Evaluate the patient's overall condition.
Determine if the patient is experiencing pain.
Assess if movement will fatigue the patient.
Determine if the patient is alert and cooperative.
Rules for safe patient movement include assisting only as needed, maintaining a shorter distance as possible, locking wheels on beds, trolleys and wheelchairs, moving toward the patient's stronger body side, ensuring proper footwear if a standing transfer is to be done. Inform patients about the plan for movement and get their help where possible. Give simple instructions and help patients comply.

Methods of Patient Transfer

Methods include using gurneys/trolleys/wheelchairs/walking.
Pull sheets & three-carrier lifts are used for transferring patients from one surface to another.
Log roll technique is used to turn injured patients to the side. This involves placing pillows for support and two people assisting the patient.
Turning a patient to a lateral position with a log roll prevents excessive bending of the neck and spine.
Three-person carrier lift procedure is detailed for transferring patients from trolleys/carts to tables.

Care of Severely Ill Patients

Patients should be covered with blankets/sheets.
Patients who are disoriented/unconscious should not be alone on a trolley or table.
Patients with IV lines/tubes/drains are handled with special care.
Attention is needed for patients with various tubes (urinary catheters, IC tubes, Colostomy tubes etc).

Patient Transfer Details

Check patient identification before transfer.
Confirm patient's information if possible.
Explain the procedure to gain cooperation and reduce fear.
Proper body mechanics are essential.

Patient Comfort

Evaluate patient's condition to be able to properly position them for comfort.
Position pillows/sponges to avoid interference with procedures and to provide support.

Protective Positions/Skin Care

Supine, Semi-Fowler's, Sims, Trendelenburg positions are described.
Skin breakdown (pressure sores, decubitus ulcers) is explained. The duration of time a patient is in particular position is one of the key factors for skin breakdown.
Mechanical factors like immobility, pressure, shearing force and friction contribute to skin breakdown and are detailed for prevention.

Care of Patients with Wet Casts

Wet casts still contain water and can be compressed.
Compression on the cast can create pressure on the skin resulting in decubitus ulcers.
Instructions for handling casts to avoid unwanted pressure are provided.

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Description

This quiz focuses on basic patient care principles in radiography, covering safety measures during patient transfers, skin damage prevention techniques, and appropriate movements for assisting patients with plaster casts. Additionally, it addresses professional conduct during patient dressing and undressing processes.