Question

While working the 3:30 p.m. to midnight shift at an acute care hospital, you are getting ready to perform skull radiographs on a 34-year-old male patient named Tony. Tony is an outpatient who had been waiting in the waiting room for almost 30 minutes by the time you came on shift and called him back for his exam. He seems to follow directions well and complies with requests to lie on the table on his back. However, when you ask that he turn over onto his stomach for the last two images, Tony suddenly starts shouting that you are trying to kill him by excess radiation to his brain.

QUESTIONS 1. What is the first response you should make? 2. As you are soon to be the only technologist in the department, what should you do? 3. How should you end this examination?

Answer 1

1. The first response should be reassuring and providing hope and confidence to the patient that he is no being over exposed to radiation. Explain him gently about the procedure and the the number of position required to complete the imaging procedure.Do not argue with the patient this can trigger anger and lead to a mess up with the procedure.

2. Some of the things which can be done immediately are

• Stop the procedure
• Explain the procedure to patient to gain knowledge about it
• Give time to calm the patient by self
• Ensure that the right technique is followed and to fear

3.If the patient cooperates after explanation and reassurance ,the x Ray can be proceeded, otherwise reasure the patient and schedule another day as per patient convenience.