Stage 8: section 1

Define x-ray

A high energy stream of electromagnetic radiation. Basically x-rays are a form of energy that, unlike light, can penetrate living tissues, allowing a radiologist to take a physical image of the inside of the body.

What is the abbreviation and description for the anatomical direction anterior

A, toward or facing toward the head or front of the body. On top of the limb

List three common radiographic views

Abdomen, thorax, pelvis or hips and stifle which is the knee.

Describe how you would view the thorax under a radiograph

By viewing the thorax it will allow visualization of the heart, lungs, bronchi, trachea, and esophagus. The animals thoracic cavity must be parallel with the x-ray table. The two most common views are lateral and ventrodorsal.

What is the abbreviation and description for the anatomical direction caudal

Cd, toward or closer to the tail from the point of origin

Explain how cells and organs can be damaged by radiation

Cells that are less sensitive to radiation are those that do not reproduce once they are fully mature. Generalized damage is done to body cells but not all body cells are equally susceptible to the harmful effects of radiation. The most sensitive and susceptible cells are those that multiply rapidly and continuously such as the immature blood cells of bone marrow, cells in the layers of the skin, the unborn fetus, bone marrow itself, and intestinal epithelium.

Describe how you would view the pelvis (hips) or stifle (knee) under a radiograph

Commonly radiograph together. Must be restrained indoor somewhere come and see. Most common ways to view are in ventrodorsal or lateral

What is the abbreviation and description for the anatomical direction cranial

Cr, toward or closer to the head from the point of origin.

What is the abbreviation and description for the anatomical direction dorsal

D, toward the spine. The other parts of the body including the top of the head, neck, back, and tail.

What is the abbreviation and description for the anatomical direction distal

Di, away from the body or trunk. Any point on the limb farther away from the trunk from the point of origin

List six donts when it comes to the dosimeter badge

Don't wear the badge when receiving an x-ray for your own healthcare, don't wear it away from the workplace, don't wear it under your apron, don't leave the badge in direct sunlight, don't share badges, don't tamper with your badge or anybody else's.

What is the abbreviation and description for the anatomical direction lateral

L, away from the midline. The outer surface of the limb away from the center of the body.

Identify four items used to protect yourself against radiation

Lead apron, lead gloves, let it thyroid shield, glasses with leaded lenses.

What is the abbreviation and description for the anatomical direction left

Lt , the patient's left side or left limb

What is the abbreviation and description for the anatomical direction medial

M, Toward the midline. The inner surface of the limb toward the center of the body

List five precautionary steps to keep a safe distance from the x-ray beam

Maximize the distance between staff member in the primary beam by a minimum of 6 feet, unneeded staff members should leave the room, all staff members must avoid the primary x-ray beam, look away during exposure, should be an unexpected border around each film to reduce x-ray scatter.

Explain the function of the radiation dosimeter or film badge

Measures the amount of and the type of exposure you receive, thus making it an effective safety tool. The badge is designed to measure the radiation exposure of aware, does helping to keep the where is radiation exposure within the safety limits set by the government.

List five precautions to limit time of exposure to radiation

Minimize time all staff members and patients are exposed, rotate veterinary personnel conducting radiological procedures, play in the radiographic procedure carefully, measure patients properly, utilize technique charts to avoid repeat exams.

List six common sense precautions to stay safe while working with radiation

Never allow any part of your body to cross into the primary x-ray beam, never allow pregnant women in the radiology room at any time, do not allow anybody under 18 to enter the room, keep a 1 inch unexposed area around the periphery of the radiograph, maintain badges accordingly, think safety at all times

What is the abbreviation and description for the anatomical direction oblique

O, at a 45° angle, between a horizontal and perpendicular angle

What is the abbreviation and description for the anatomical direction proximal

P, Toward or closer to the body or trunk. Any point on the one closer to the trunk from the point of origin.

What is the abbreviation and description for the anatomical direction posterior

P, toward or facing toward the tail or behind the body. The back or bottom of the limb.

What is the abbreviation and description for the anatomical direction Rostral

R, Toward the nose in reference to the parts of the head located closer to the nostrils or tip of the nose from the point of origin.

Explain the importance of safety and accuracy in radiology

Relation is considered a hazardous government by the department of health at the state level. Safety standards are strict to protect all of the staff patience and equipment. Accuracy is essential in creating an image that the vet can decipher and derive information from.

What is the abbreviation and description for the anatomical direction right

Rt, The patient's right side or right limb

List for principles of patient positioning for radiography

The welfare comfort and safety of the patient, the effective restraint and immobilization of the patient, the most precise complete and clear image possible, the least risk of exposing those assisting with the examination to radiation.

Explain the danger of exposure to radiation for pregnant women and the fetus

They are especially affected by radiation because developing DNA is easily mutated when radiated. Essentially radiation exposure to a fetus can cause permanent birth defects.

Describe how you would view the abdomen under a radiograph

This allows of use of the intestines, stomach, liver, bladder, and kidneys. You would place them in either lateral or ventral dorsal to be able to view the abdomen properly.

List three precautionary steps in handling patients undergoing x-rays

Use tape sandbags foam wedges and other restraint devices such as route to position patients so manual positioning is limited, determine whether the vet can tranquilize or anesthetize patients so they do not have to be manually restrained, position the patient properly the first time.

What is the abbreviation and description for the anatomical direction ventral

V, toward the sternum. The lower parts of the body including the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and tail

List six dos of the Dosimeter badge

Where are your badge when taking an x-ray, take your badge off and leave it at the facility before leaving for the day, turn your badge in on time, use a controlled Badge in the radiology area, report lost or damaged badges

Explain the function of the radiology log

A legal requirement that allows the veterinary staff to record pertinent information each time a patient undergoes a radiological examination. The benefit of maintaining a radiology logs that the information can be used to compare techniques for future radiographs of the same patient. This can help the staff produce images with better clarity and precision during subsequent radiographs. Intern this reduces repeat x-rays in this keeps both the patient and staff safe from unnecessary exposure to radiation.

List 12 responsibilities of the veterinary assistant in radiology

Have a general understanding of how radiology works, ensure that proper safety is adhered to it all times, ensure that the appropriate PPE is worn at all times, position patients properly using the appropriate type of restraint and positioning aids, measure the anatomical part of the patient to be radiographs correctly, read the technique charts properly, adjust the settings on the x-ray machine according to the information derived from technique charts, label and identify films appropriately, develop and process film sufficiently, maintain the dark room properly, file or films accordingly, refill cassettes during development.

Explain the application of three types of restraint in preparing the patient for radiography

Sometimes they may require using chemical restraints which would be tranquilizers or anesthesia. Helpful positioning aids include foam rubber cushions including blocks and wedges sandbags blocks of wood be chops and ropes. If not using chemical restraint a combination of physical and supplemental psychological restraint should be used. The vet assistant will apply both lead gloved hands on restraint and positioning aids to keep the patient in proper position. The nervous patient should be reassured through petting in a soft voice.

State the amount of safe exposure to radiation for radiology professionals

The annual occupational does limit for adult professionals is approximately 50 mSv or .05 Sv per year including occupational and natural exposure.

State the amount of exposure to natural radiation

The average person receives an effective dose of about three millisieverts or .003 sieverts per year from natural incurring radiation.

Explain the risk associated with radiation

The effects of x-rays on living tissues are always harmful. X-rays produce changes within living cells when they are absorbed. These changes calls either death or mutation to the soul. The degree of harm inflicted on the tissue depends on the amount and characteristics of the radiation as well as the type of tissue in question.

Identify data types recorded in the typical radiology log

The measurement of the anatomical part to be radiographed is also recorded before the actual radiograph takes place. The technique chart is used to record the kilovolts and Millamperage of the procedure in the log