MRIT 218 - MRI Imaging Procedures II

1. Demonstrate proper patient screening.
2. Demonstrate effective communication skills with patients, their family members and staff.
3. Demonstrate MR safety and protective practices associated with MR imaging procedures.
4. Demonstrate proper use of MR-safe monitoring devices.
5. Power up and shut down the system.
6. Describe the coils available for MR and their specific applications.
7. Explain the use of contrast media in evaluating pathology.
8. State positioning criteria for different areas of the body.
9. State advantages and disadvantages of axial, sagittal, coronal and oblique images (i.e., which structures are best demonstrated from each projection).
10. Describe common pulse sequences used to evaluate the different areas of the body.
11. Describe considerations in designing an imaging protocol and state the application of protocols in specific situations.
12. Identify when to modify a protocol and successfully perform the modification.
13. Describe common artifacts that occur during imaging.
14. Demonstrate proper windowing levels and widths.
15. Describe the criteria for imaging windows for different areas of the body.
16. Identify the probable cause of image quality problems and recommend an appropriate solution.
17. Describe the differences between adult and pediatric pulse sequences in mR.
18. Describe the differences in tissue signal characteristics between adult and pediatric examinations.
19. Evaluate images for appropriate positioning, anatomy, pulse sequences and overall quality.
20. Identify the common indications and pathology for body systems in the adult and pediatric patient.
21. Describe normal MR tissue characteristics of anatomical structures of interest.
22. Describe the MR tissue characteristics of select pathological processes.
23. Identify procedure considerations for contrast studies.
24. List technical and practical considerations for special procedures including functional techniques and procedures requiring the use of patient sedation.
25. Cite common pathologies seen in MR.
26. Describe signal characteristics displayed by abnormal tissues during various pulse sequences and imaging modes in illustrating pathological processes.
27. Recognize and explain changes in sizes and shapes of anatomical structures that can indicate pathology.
28. Describe the effect of contrast agents on visualizing common pathologies.
29. Distinguish between nonprescription drugs, prescription drugs and controlled substances.
30. Discuss different types of drug reactions that can occur.
31. Explain the process of reporting adverse reactions to the FDA.
32. Identify the six rights of drug administration.
33. Diagram the various routes of drug administration to include:
    • Importance of patient history
    • Proper preparation and administration of contrast
    • Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF)
34. Analyze the current practice standards regarding contrast administration.

• Pre-procedural Considerations
• Imaging Considerations
• Considerations for Routine MR Procedures
• Compliance
• Positioning & procedural Considerations for Adult and Pediatric Patients
• Procedural Considerations for
• Contrast Studies
• Procedural Considerations for Special Studies
• Central Nervous System
• Head and Neck
• Thorax
• Abdomen
• Pelvis
• Musculoskeletal
• General Vascular Disorders
• Drug Nomenclature
• Methods of Drug Classification
• General Pharmacological Principles
• Six Rights of Drug Safety
• Drug Categories of Relevance to MRI
• Classification of Contrast Agents
• (Adverse Effects, Uses and Impacts on Medical Imaging)
• Routes of Drug Administration
• Intravenous Drug Therapy
• MR Contrast Administration
• Current Practice Status

Considerations

Prior to introducing this educational content, students should have successfully completed patient care objectives (including CPR/BLS certification), as well as objectives related to anatomy and physiology of the circulatory and excretory systems. Although regulations regarding administration of contrast media and intravenous medications vary in different states and institutions, the skill should be included in the didactic and clinical curriculum with demonstrated competencies of all appropriate disciplines regardless of the state or institution where the curriculum is taught. In states or institutions where students are permitted to perform intravenous injections, the program has specific ethical and legal responsibilities to the patient and the student. The student shall be assured that:

• Legal statutes allow student MR technologists to perform this procedure.
• Professional liability coverage is adequate.
• Adequate supervision is provided.
• Appropriate, structured, laboratory objectives are identified.
• Competency is demonstrated and evaluated before the student performs this task under indirect supervision.

 
Course Addendum - Syllabus (Click to expand)