Object ID: 00000018WIA304A2870GYZ
Topic ID: id_40025223 Version: 1.4
Date: Jan 29, 2022 11:35:02 AM

High-risk patients

Several conditions are associated with high-risk patients, who may be at a greater risk of developing complications during an MR examination. Observe these warnings and be prepared to manage the needs of such patients during the examination.

Warning

Patients with the following conditions are at the greatest risk of complications during MR scanning:

Patients likely to develop seizure or have claustrophobic reactions.
Greater than normal potential for cardiac arrest.
Patients who are unconscious, heavily sedated, or confused and patients with whom no reliable communication can be maintained.

Warning

Patient screening is required for patients who are going to be imaged on an MR scanner.

Some patients may experience feelings of fear or claustrophobia when undergoing an MR procedure. This could be related to the confining conditions of the magnet, the length of the examination, the acoustic noise, the placement of surface coils, or the temperatures within the bore of the magnet. Discuss the procedure with the patient and be prepared to manage the needs of the patient during the examination.

CAUTION

The confining conditions of the MR system can precipitate claustrophobia in some patients. To prevent injuries due to panic, provide instructions and comfort the patient as needed to alleviate anxiety.

Warning

Since direct observation from the operator’s console can be partially obscured by the magnet enclosure, be sure to more closely monitor these types patients at all times to quickly identify and respond to medical emergencies. In some cases, emergency personnel should remain with the patient or be on standby alert to help prevent serious complications or death.