Stages Of An X-ray Examination

Question 1

Stages of an x-ray examination

Answer 1

1. Preparation of the x-ray examination
2. Undertaking the examination
3. After care and post-examination

Question 2

Preparation of the x-ray examination

Answer 2

Involves the following factors
* The request form/procedure
* The x-ray room
* The patient - consent and identity check

Question 3

Requested procedure

Answer 3

• review the request form
• Justification and authorization
• Check previous radiographs
• Consider infection risk
• Consider radiation protection requirements

Question 4

X-ray room

Answer 4

• Room safety and tidy
• Equipment set-up for the procedure
• X-ray tube set for correct procedure
• Accessories available

Question 5

Patient

Answer 5

• introduce yourself
• Communicate effectively
• Identify patient
• Check pregnancy status if female
• Explain the procedure, let the patient rehearse and get consent
• Are there any special needs for the patient.

Question 6

Undertaking the examination

Answer 6

Factors to be considered
* Patient care
* Radiographic procedures itself
* Radiation protection

Question 7

Patient care

Answer 7

• Visibly clean your hands
• Communicate effectively
• Be friendly and smile
• Explain what you’re doing
• Ensure the patient is positioned comfortably.
• Invite questions

Question 8

Radiographic procedure

Answer 8

• Ensure correct procedure
• Use a precise technique
• use of immobilizing devices
• Be quick and efficient
• Get it right the first time.

Question 9

Radiation protection

Answer 9

• follow local rules
• Correct protocol.
• Only Essential people in the room.
• Optimum exposure for the examination

Question 10

Aftercare and post-examination

Answer 10

Consider the following factors
* Image quality
* Patient aspects
* Image informatics

Question 11

Image quality

Answer 11

• Identification parameters
• Area of interest included
• Markers and legends
• Correct projection
• Correct exposure
• Optimum definition
• Collimation to the area of interest.
• Artefacts obscuring image

Question 12

Patient

Answer 12

• wash hands following the procedure
• Communicate effectively
• Explain what they need to do next
  *Invite questions and answers within your role

Question 13

Image informatics

Answer 13

• request card completed
• Radiographer comment
• Check images in the correct folder
• Images and data sent to PACS local archives immediately for reporting