Palpation and consent

Question 1

define palpation

Answer 1

the process of applying light pressure with fingertips directly on the skin of a patient to locate positioning landmarks

Question 2

Rules for palpation

Answer 2

1. Obtain permission from patient or guardian
2. Explain the process of palpation to the patient
3. Palpation must be gentle.

Question 3

Causes of involuntary movement of muscles

Answer 3

• Heart pulsation
• Chill
• Peristalsis
• Tremor
• Spasms
• Pain

Question 4

Causes of motion unsharpness

Answer 4

a. involuntary movements of smooth and cardiac muscles
b. voluntary movements of striated muscles

Question 4

How to reduce motion unsharpness due to involuntary muscle movement

Answer 4

i. Use of short exposure time (primary method)
ii. Reassuring the patient to minimize anxiety

Question 5

Justification of X-ray examination( quests to ask)

Answer 5

1. will the procedure the patient’s clinical management
2. Is the benefit of the examination outweighing the risks
3. are all the local protocols followed on request form, identity of referrer
4. Are previous treatments indicated
5. Is there any alternative imaging modality.

Question 6

Patient identity

Answer 6

• done by asking about the age, name, regi #, and what the problem is, while cross-referencing with the request form.

Question 7

Informed consent

Answer 7

A process of communication between the health care provider and the patient or guardian about the procedure to be taken including the risk and benefits of the procedure and agrees voluntarily verbally or in writing to the health care provider to carry on with the procedure.

Question 8

the 10- day rule

Answer 8

in child bearing women10 days following the onset of menstrual period they’re not allowed to undergo x-ray examination of the waist going downwards.

Question 9

Factors that would make the Radiographers ignore
the rule

Answer 9

1. If the woman is on contraceptive pills
2. Has had hysterectomy
3. Has tubal ligation
4. Has had an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) fitted
5. If the woman’s husband has had vasectomy
6. A woman who has had no sex the past 4 weeks

Question 10

To minimize the risks when exposing pregnant woman, the
following strategies must be employed

Answer 10

i. Use of the fastest imaging systems available.
ii. Limiting collimation to area of interest
iii. Use of shielding
iv. Use of minimum number of exposure to establish a
diagnosis
v. Use of projections that give the lowest doses
vi. Use of pregnancy tests if doubts exists.