01.03 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRIs are perfect for getting a clearer look into the body for a proper diagnosis. Organs may be viewed like the brain and spinal cord for a clear neurological assessment. Vessels may be viewed even more clearly with contrast injection to light them up during the scan. MRIs can diagnose disease and infection in the bone like osteomyelitis in this picture. Infection and abscesses are visualized as well to help make decisions on patient treatment. 

So when the doctor orders an MRI for your patient, you will notify the patient of the test and why they are having it done. For example, if the patient has severe cellulitis in the abdomen and the doctor wants to make sure there isn’t an abscess forming. Your facility will have an MRI form that needs filled out by asking the patient questions related to metal exposure or placement in the body. A patient signature will be provided on the form as a consent that the information is right and they are willing to have the test.  Ask the patient if they’re claustrophobic because they may need medication to help them to relax as the MRI can take a while and is in a tight space. If the doctor orders an MRI with contrast, the patient will have to sign a consent because it is invasive. Fax the form to MRI so that the radiology tech may review and make sure there aren’t any contraindications. If there aren’t any, you will disconnect any IV lines before taking the patient to the scan. No metal may be brought into the MRI room. 

When you get to the radiology room, you will position the patient on the MRI board here according to the body part being viewed. Ask the patient to stay still during the scan so that a clear picture may be taken. Remember to remove all metal from the room because the scan uses magnetic forces that may cause shifting of metal resulting in damage. 

After the MRI scan is over, transfer the patient back from radiology. Check the IV for patency with a saline flush before reconnecting the lines. The radiology will interpret the scan for results and the doctor will explain the results to the patient. Let’s touch on patient education.

It’s super important that you emphasize the importance of no metal during the MRI, including jewelry and piercings. If the patient had contrast during the test, let them know they need to hold metformin for 48 hours after to protect kidney function.