Some patients undergoing an MR procedure may experience feelings of fear, anxiety, or claustrophobia. The following techniques may help reduce or eliminate these sentiments. Use the following techniques for all patients, even if your patient does not exhibit signs of fear or claustrophobia. Larger patients can feel anxious due to a confined feeling in the magnet. Degradation of image quality can also occur. Verify that the patient’s weight does not exceed the table weight limit as defined in your MR system's documentation. Consult your system operator manual for details.
Step-by-step instructions
For safety reasons, patients must be thoroughly screened prior to scan preparation.
Screen for pertinent medical history and conditions that contraindicate scanning.
If proper screening cannot be performed, postpone the MR examination until screening can be done.
Determine scan protocol and enter the patient’s information in advance.
This saves time during the preparation for the procedure so the patient is not left waiting for the examination to begin.
Provide the patient an information booklet to read.
Educating the patient concerning specific aspects of the MR examination is an effective way to prepare for the situation and explain what is about to happen.
Have the patient use the restroom prior to the examination.
Fewer interruptions during the scanning procedure can help you stay on schedule and keep the patient focused on holding still during the examination.
Examine all patients with diapers or incontinence products, including adults, to make sure the patient has dry diapers and dry clothing on prior to the start of the scan.
Discuss the procedure with the patient.
The length of the examination
What can be seen during the examination
What can be heard during the examination
What can be felt during the examination
Transfer the patient to the MR table.
Refer to your specific MR system operator manual for patient transfer details.
CAUTION
Position the patient's limbs, hair, and clothes completely on the table to avoid risk of injury when the table is moving.
Let the patient see the MR system while you explain the features of the bore.
Soft lighting
Good ventilation
A microphone and speaker to enable the patient to hear and be heard at all times
Demonstrate the use and function of the Patient Alert System.
This system is patient-activated and allow the patient to signal for assistance during a scan.
Explain the use of straps. See your system operator manual for details.
Ensure the patient is comfortable.
Use sponges and wedges to relieve pressure points and support the body in the correct position.
Ask if a blanket is needed while being aware that once the scan begins, a blanket may increase patient warming.
Explain the need for hearing protection.
Use recommended earplugs (>/= 29dB NRR) to minimize the noise from the gradient magnetic field.
Alternatively, use recommended MR-compatible headphones (>/= 29dB NRR) to provide relaxing music to the patient and minimize the noise.
Stress the need for cooperation to attain a diagnostic study.
It is extremely important the patient not move during the examination.
Stay in constant verbal and visual communication with the patient throughout the examination.
Some patients may require the physical presence of an family member or nurse in the magnet room.
See the following procedures for details regarding:
