Standard

Posted: 03/12/08

R State Standard         £ Institutionally Developed          College: N/A

 

RAD 138 - Clinical Radiography VII

Course Description

Provides a culminating hospital setting work experience which allows the students to synthesize information and procedural instruction provided throughout the program.  Topics include: patient care; behavioral and social competency; equipment utilization; exposure techniques; participation in and/or observation of routine and special radiographic procedures;, and final completion of all required clinical competencies. Execution of radiographic procedures will be conducted under direct and indirect supervision.

 

Competency Areas

Hours

Patient Care

Class

0

Behavioral and Social Competency

D. Lab

4

Equipment Utilization

P. Lab/O.B.I.

24

Exposure Techniques

Credit

10

Participation in and/or Observation of Routine and Special Radiographic Procedures

 

 

Final Completion of All Required Clinical Competencies

 

 

 

Prerequisite:

RAD 137

Corequisite:

 

 

Course Guide

 

Competency

After completing this section, the student will be able to:

Hours

Class

D.Lab

P.Lab/

O.B.I.

Patient Care

0

0

25

 

Observe and/or participate in manage interactions with the patient and family in a manner that provides the desired psychosocial support.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in evaluating the patient’s status and condition before, during and following the radiologic procedure to demonstrate competence in assessment skills.

 

 

 

 

Demonstrate skills in assessment and evaluation of psychological and physical changes in the patient’s condition and carry out appropriate actions.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in assessing the patient and recording patient histories.

 

 

 

 

Assess the patient and record patient histories.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or Participate in Documenting care in the patient’s record.

 

 

 

 

Perform principles of transferring, positioning, immobilizing and restraining of patient.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in assessing patient using the ABC’s of CPR and demonstrate basic life support procedures.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in differentiating between emergency and non-emergency procedures and respond appropriately.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in differentiating between normal ECG rhythms and abnormal ECG tracings.

 

 

 

 

Examine procedure orders for accuracy and follow-up to make corrective changes when applicable.

 

 

 

 

Adapt procedures to meet age-specific, disease-specific and cultural needs of patients.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in Integration of the radiographer’s scope of practice and practice standards into clinical practice settings.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in adhering to national, institutional and/or department standards, policies and procedures regarding care of patients, provision of radiologic procedures and the reduction of medical errors.      

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in Integration of the radiographer’s scope of practice and practice standards into clinical practice settings.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in adhering to national, institutional and/or department standards, policies and procedures regarding care of patients, provision of radiologic procedures and the reduction of medical errors.      

 

 

 

Behavioral and Social Competency

0

0

5

Cultural Diversity

Examine gender, cultural, age and socioeconomic factors that influence patient compliance with procedures, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up patients.

 

 

 

Ethical Behavior and Moral Reasoning

Demonstrate and support safe, ethical and legal practices

 

 

 

Professional Communication

Demonstrate and integrate the use of appropriate and effective written, oral and nonverbal communication with patients, the public and members of the health care team (peers, physicians, nurses, administration, etc.) in the clinical setting.

 

 

 

Patient Education

Observe and/or participate in choosing patient and family education strategies appropriate to the comprehension level of patient/family

 

 

 

Patient Confidentiality

Act consistently to maintain patient confidentiality standards.

 

 

 

Equipment Utilization

0

0

50

Equipment inspection

Perform safety checks of radiographic equipment and accessories (e.g., lead aprons and gloves, collimator accuracy).

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or Participate in applying the principles of total quality management.

 

 

 

 

Perform safety checks of radiographic equipment and accessories (e.g., lead aprons and gloves, collimator accuracy).

 

 

 

 

Recognize malfunctions in the radiographic unit (including table, tube, and accessories).

 

 

 

 

Note difficulties experienced which might assist in locating the cause of the malfunction.

 

 

 

 

Report malfunctions in the radiographic unit (including table, tube, and accessories).

 

 

 

 

Inspect and clean screens and cassettes regularly to identify and remove causes of artifacts.

 

 

 

 

Perform "start up" and/or "shutdown" procedures on the automatic processor (e.g., adjust water, removal and cleaning of "cross-over" bars).

 

 

 

 

Recognize malfunctions in the automatic processor.

 

 

 

 

Note difficulties experienced which might assist in locating the cause of the malfunction.

 

 

 

 

Report malfunctions in the automatic processor.

 

 

 

 

Monitor the performance of the automatic processor using sensitometry.

 

 

 

 

Clean, wash, disinfect, and/or sterilize facilities and equipment (e.g., cassettes, tabletops) and dispose of contaminated items in preparation for the next examination.

 

 

 

X-ray tube warm-up

Warm-up the x-ray tube to achieve proper operating conditions by following the manufacturer's prescribed sequence of steps.

 

 

 

Exposure Techniques

0

0

50

Film storage and processing

Store film/cassette in a manner which will reduce the possibility of accidentally exposing or re-exposing the film.

 

 

 

 

Imprint proper identification information onto the film using either the radiographic, photographic, or light imprinter method.

 

 

 

 

Process exposed film by unloading the cassette and feeding it into the automatic processor.

 

 

 

 

Reload cassettes by selecting film of proper size and type.

 

 

 

 

Record required information on the request form following performance of examination (may include technologist identification, patient data, billing codes, number and size of films, technique, or other information as required by department protocol).

 

 

 

 

Combine radiographic requisition and radiographs for interpretation and filing.

 

 

 

Technique development

Determine appropriate exposure factors using calipers, technique charts, and tube rating charts for guidance.

 

 

 

 

Modify exposure factors for circumstances such as voluntary and involuntary motion, plaster casts, pathological conditions, and/or the patient's inability to cooperate.

 

 

 

 

Restrict beam to limit exposure to area of interest and to improve image quality.

 

 

 

 

Set kVp, mA, and time or automated exposure system to achieve optimum image quality, safe operating conditions, and to minimize radiation exposure.

 

 

 

Technique evaluation

Evaluate radiographs using view box to make certain that radiographs contain proper identification and are of diagnostic quality.

 

 

 

 

Determine corrective measures if the radiograph is not of diagnostic quality.

 

 

 

Participation in and/or Observation of Routine and Special Radiographic Procedures

0

0

100

Body cavities, shoulder girdle, and upper extremities

Observe and/or participate in the positioning of patients undergoing routine radiographic procedures involving the thoracic cavity.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in routine radiographic procedures involving the thoracic cavity.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the evaluation of thoracic cavity radiographs in terms of positioning accuracy, image quality, and anatomical structures visualized.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the positioning of patients undergoing routine radiographic procedures involving the abdominal cavity.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in routine radiographic procedures involving the abdominal cavity.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the evaluation of abdominal cavity radiographs in terms of positioning accuracy, image quality, and anatomical structures visualized.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the positioning of patients undergoing routine radiographic procedures involving the upper extremities.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in routine radiographic procedures involving the upper extremities.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the evaluation of upper extremity radiographs in terms of positioning accuracy, image quality, and anatomical structures visualized.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the positioning of patients undergoing routine radiographic procedures involving the shoulder girdle.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in routine radiographic procedures involving the shoulder girdle.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the evaluation of shoulder girdle radiographs in terms of positioning accuracy, image quality, and anatomical structures visualized.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the positioning of patients undergoing routine radiographic procedures involving the lower extremities.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in routine radiographic procedures involving the lower extremities.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the evaluation of lower extremity radiographs in terms of positioning accuracy, image quality, and anatomical structures visualized.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the positioning of patients undergoing routine radiographic procedures involving the pelvic girdle.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in routine radiographic procedures involving the pelvic girdle.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the evaluation of pelvic girdle radiographs in terms of positioning accuracy, image quality, and anatomical structures visualized.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the positioning of patients undergoing routine radiographic procedures involving the spine.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in routine radiographic procedures involving the spine.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the evaluation of spinal radiographs in terms of positioning accuracy, image quality, and anatomical structures visualized.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the positioning of patients undergoing routine radiographic procedures involving the bony thorax.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in routine radiographic procedures involving the bony thorax

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the evaluation of bony thorax radiographs in terms of positioning accuracy, image quality, and anatomical structures visualized.

 

 

 

Gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and biliary systems

Observe and/or participate in patient preparation procedures for radiographic/fluoroscopic examinations of the gastrointestinal system.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the positioning of patients undergoing radiographic/fluoroscopic procedures involving the gastrointestinal system.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in routine radiographic/fluoroscopic procedures involving the gastrointestinal system.

 

 

 

 

Evaluate the quality of radiographs and photospots of the gastrointestinal system in terms of positioning accuracy, image quality, and anatomical structures revealed.

 

 

 

 

Identify the special considerations for gastrointestinal procedures relating to the avoidance of repeated procedures.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the identification of and care for acute reactions to contrast media.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in patient preparation procedures for radiographic/fluoroscopic examinations of the genitourinary system.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the positioning of patients undergoing radiographic/fluoroscopic procedures involving the genitourinary system.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in routine radiographic/fluoroscopic procedures involving the genitourinary system.

 

 

 

 

Evaluate the quality of radiographs and photospots of the genitourinary system in terms of positioning accuracy, image quality, and anatomical structures revealed.

 

 

 

 

Identify the special considerations for genitourinary procedures relating to the avoidance of repeated procedures.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the identification of and care for acute reactions to contrast media.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in patient preparation procedures for radiographic/fluoroscopic examinations of the biliary system.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the positioning of patients undergoing radiographic/fluoroscopic procedures involving the biliary system.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in routine radiographic/fluoroscopic procedures involving the biliary system.

 

 

 

 

Evaluate the quality of radiographs and photospots of the biliary system in terms of positioning accuracy, image quality, and anatomical structures revealed.

 

 

 

 

Identify the special considerations for biliary system procedures relating to the avoidance of repeated procedures.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the identification of and care for acute reactions to contrast media.

 

 

 

Cranial and facial radiography

Observe and/or participate in the positioning of patients undergoing routine radiographic procedures involving the cranium.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in routine radiographic procedures involving cranial procedures.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the evaluation of cranial radiographs in terms of positioning accuracy, image quality, and anatomical structures visualized.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the positioning of patients undergoing routine radiographic procedures involving facial structures.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in routine radiographic procedures involving facial structures.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the evaluation of facial radiographs in terms of positioning accuracy, image quality, and anatomical structures visualized.

 

 

 

Special procedures

Observe and/or participate in special minor radiographic procedures such as CT of head, thorax, abdomen and pelvis, arthrograms,  endoscopic retrograde  cholangio- pancreatograms (ERCPs), myelograms, sialograms, and venograms.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the preparation for use, operation, and maintenance of equipment used to perform special minor radiographic procedures such as CT of head, thorax, abdomen and pelvis arthrograms, endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatograms (ERCPs), myelograms, sialograms, and venograms.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the use and maintenance of special radiographic equipment such as image intensifiers, magnification radiographic equipment, biplane equipment, recording equipment, rapid film changers, injectors, program selectors, and other miscellaneous radiographic equipment.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the preparation of patients undergoing special minor radiographic procedures such as CT of head, thorax, abdomen and pelvis, arthrograms, , endoscopic retrograde  cholangio-pancreatograms (ERCPs), myelograms, sialograms, and venograms.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the post-procedural care of patients who have undergone special minor radiographic procedures.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the evaluation of special minor procedure radiographs in terms of positioning accuracy, image quality, anatomy visualized, and pathologies revealed.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the selection and administration of contrast media used for special radiographic procedures.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in the diagnosis of and treatment for adverse reactions to contrast media.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in special radiographic procedures such as cerebral, visceral, peripheral, and digital subtraction angiograms.

 

 

 

 

Observe catheterization techniques.

 

 

 

 

Observe the Seldinger technique.

 

 

 

 

Observe and/or participate in interventional techniques such as infusion therapy, extractions, embolizations, PTA/PTLAs, and percutaneous needle studies.

 

 

 

Final Completion of All Required Clinical Competencies

0

0

10

Competency completion planning

Develop a plan in conjunction with on-site clinical supervisors and technical institute faculty to outline future completion and mastery of the clinical competencies contained in this and previous clinical courses.

 

 

 

Continuing education

Identify the benefits associated with participation in continuing education for radiographers.

 

 

 

 

Develop a tentative plan for participation in continuing education for student radiographers.

 

 

 

 

Suggested Resources

 

Adler, Arlene and Carlton, Richard. (2007). Introduction to Radiography and Patient Care. (4th  ed.) Philadelphia:  W.B.Saunders/Elsevier.

Frank, Eugene, Long, Bruce, Smith, Barbara  (2007). Merrill's Atlas of Radiographic Positions and Radiographic Procedures. (11th ed.). Mosby/Elsevier

Bontrager, Kenneth., Lampignano, John (2005). Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy .(6th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.

Ehrlich, R. A., & McCloskey, Ellen, Daly, Joan. (2004) Patient Care in Radiography. (6th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.

Greathouse, Joanne. (2006) Delmar’s Radiographic Positioning and Procedures.  Albany, NY:  Delmar.

Gurley, LaVerne, Callway, William. (2006). Introduction to Radiologic Technology. (6th ed.) Mosby, Elsevier.

Torres, L. S., & Morrill, C.  (1997). Basic Medical Techniques and Patient Care for Radiologic Technologists. (5thed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott.