Chapter 14 Immobilization Techniques

Front

All of the following are examples of simple immobilization techniques except: wrapping a child in a sheet (mummy wrap), using a positioning sponge, laying a sandbag across the patient’s anatomy, using a Velcro strap to stabilize the anatomy.

Back

wrapping a child in a sheet (mummy wrap).

Answer explanation

The simplest immobilization techniques involve the use of a positioning sponge to support the anatomic area of interest or gently laying a sandbag across a patient’s forearm to minimize shaking caused by patient anxiety. A “mummy wrap” is regarded as a more complex technique.

Front

Effective methods to reduce the amount of patient motion include: giving clear, concise instructions to the patient before the exposure, assessing the amount of patient cooperation you can expect and making adjustments in immobilization, explaining how important it is to hold still during the exposure so that a good image can be obtained.

Back

all of the answers are correct

Answer explanation

One of the most effective means of reducing motion on images is good communication with the patient. Also required is an accurate assessment of the degree of cooperation the patient is able to provide.

Front

Establishing a rapport with a patient contributes greatly to a successful immobilization exercise. To establish patient rapport, the imaging professional should gently tell the patient what you need to accomplish and how you would like to move forward with the examination.

Back

gently tell the patient what you need to accomplish and how you would like to move forward with the examination.

Answer explanation

The patient is often capable of cooperation and would be more than willing to facilitate the examination if he or she were simply informed of what was going to happen and apprised of the importance of cooperation in producing an accurate diagnosis. A key component to effective communication with the patient is the establishment of rapport.

Front

A patient arrives at the medical imaging department for a facial bones series after being hit in the head by a softball. The patient comes to you with a cervical collar, but it is apparent that the collar may not be needed because the patient is turning his head to converse with you as the examination starts. A professional imaging technologist would

Back

complete the facial bone images with the collar in place using the positioning flexibility of your equipment.

Answer explanation

In many instances, examining the skull of a patient wearing a cervical collar or similar immobilization device is necessary. Because of the presence of the cervical collar, a radiographer must become versatile in the production of skull images. Instead of being able to rotate and tilt the head or flex and extend the neck so as to position the patient correctly, the radiographer must be able to manipulate the radiographic equipment to compensate for the patient’s lack of mobility.

Front

When using sandbags as an immobilization device,

Back

make a note for the radiologist, as the sandbag is radiopaque and may leave an artifact.

Answer explanation

Sandbags, unlike radiolucent positioning sponges, are radiopaque. As a result, they cannot be placed in such a way that diagnostic information is obscured within the anatomic area of interest. They must be placed gently on or against the areas adjacent to the anatomic area of interest so as not to injure or cause further damage.

Front

To achieve extreme dorsiflexion of the ankle, the most effective immobilization method uses

Back

Velcro straps

Answer explanation

An axial projection of the calcaneus requires extreme dorsiflexion of the ankle to produce an optimally diagnostic image. The use of the strap beneath the plantar surface of the foot allows the patient to maintain the extreme flexion required and at the same time reduces the possibility of motion that may result from maintaining an uncomfortable position.

Front

When radiographing a patient with severe abdominal trauma and possible hemorrhagic shock, it is important to

Back

radiograph the patient through the antishock garment the patient is wearing.

Answer explanation

An antishock garment is a pair of inflatable trousers applied to a trauma patient. This garment is used in instances in which the patient has sustained trauma to the abdomen, pelvis, or lower extremities and internal hemorrhage is suggested. Because the trousers are radiolucent, they can be left in place while the examination is being performed.

Front

When obtaining cervical spine images on a patient with a cervical collar, complete

Back

the AP and lateral projections with the cervical collar in place.

Answer explanation

All projections should be taken with the cervical collar in place and removed only after the physician has reviewed the radiographic images and determined that it is safe to move the patient without the collar.

Front

Effective techniques to use when radiographing children include getting down to eye level with the child and establishing rapport.

Back

getting down to eye level with the child and establishing rapport.

Answer explanation

Kindness, patience, honesty, and understanding are best conveyed to children literally on their level by dropping to one knee to talk with the children face to face. Other approaches can be intimidating to pediatric patients.

Front

The technique of wrapping an infant patient in a sheet

Back

is known as mummification.

Answer explanation

One of the most effective, simple, inexpensive, and reliable methods of restraining or immobilizing a child is a mummy wrap. Although this method can be used on children

4 or 5 years of age, it is beneficial for children who are still too young to understand cooperation.