Exam 1 Flashcards
why are children more sensitive to radiation?
Children’s cells divide rapidly and organs may be less differentiated than an adult, so they are more radiosensitive.
Where the severity of the result is the same but the probability of occurrence increases with radiation dose, there is no threshold
stochastic effects
stochastic effects of radiation
cancer, hereditary effects
where the severity depends upon the radiation dose, the higher the dose the greater the effects, there is a threshold
deterministic effects
deterministic effects of radiation
skin burns, cataract
long-term side effects that can occur months or years after being radiated
ex: skin or hair changes, ulcers, organ problems
latent effects of radiation
steps to reduce radiation dose
ALARA
equipment options to reduce radiation dose
collimation, AEC, higher kVp lower mAs
why are children of special concern in radiation protection?
because they are more sensitive to radiation
results of studies performed on descendants of Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors
no statistically significant increase in abnormalities were detected
ways to justify using radiological exams as a diagnostic tool for the pediatric population
Use of evidence based referral guidelines and local protocols
Use of clinical audit of justification (including appropriateness of examinations)
- 1 in 88 people
- more common in males
- developmental disabilities (spectrum)
- challenges: communication, behavioral issues, environmental concerns
autism spectrum disorder
universal expectations when interacting with children
- eye contact
- address fears
- set limits
communication with children and children with special needs
- make introduction to patient 1st and parent 2nd
- clear, simple language
- short sentences
- avoid body language without verbal instructions
- consider involving caregiver with communication
neonates (0-28 days)
- forming attachments
- sensitive
- like to be swaddled
- decrease noise & bright lights
- avoid quick movements
- involve caregivers
- use pt blanket, pacifiers, sucrose
infant (28 days to 18 months)
- separation anxiety
- involve parents when possible
- decrease stimuli
- eliminate loud noises
- swaddled
- trust: talk, smile
- distraction: pacifier, personal blanket
- safety: never leave unattended, cushion
toddler (18 month-3 years)
- operate on the “here and now”
- keep language brief
- be efficient
- distraction techniques: bubbles, computer applications
- reinforce good behavior: rewards, positive affirmations
preschooler (3-5 years)
- anxiety triggers
- possible separation anxiety
- establishing routines
- let them explore
- let them know what to expect
- demonstrate
- build trust
- don’t use open ended questions
- direct statements
school age (6-12 years)
- logical thinkers
- fear of failure
- curious
- very literal
- choices: gives them a sense of control
- don’t use open ended questions
- distractors
adolescent (12-18 years)
- privacy is important
- direct questions to them as opposed to their parents
- ask if they would like to have parents present if possible
- fear of being “different”
- help them prepare for the procedure
- put them at ease
age ranges for each pediatric age group
neonates: 0-28 days
infant: 28 days -18 months
toddler: 18 months - 3 years
preschooler: 3-5 years
school age: 6-12 years
adolescent: 12-18 years
ways to handle premature infants in the imaging department
- make sure room temp is appropriate
- ask nurse about any special considerations
- don’t move patient from warmer until you are ready to begin procedure
- discuss procedure plan ahead of time
- general precautions: hand washing, gloves, isolation precaustions
signs of autism that are relative to imaging
- sensitive to fluorescent lighting
- comfortable in dimly lit room
- tactile defensive or sensitive to touch
- sensitive to loud noises
- uncomfortable in cold or hot situations
