Scheduling of Radiographic Examinations

A. General considerations

1. Schedule in an appropriate and timely sequence to

ensure patient comfort and fiscal responsibility

2. Sequence so that examinations do not interfere with

one another

3. Schedule barium studies last

4. Schedule several examinations in a single day if the

patient is able to tolerate them

5. Seriously ill or weak patients may be able to tolerate

only one examination per day or must have a rest

between examinations

6. If sedation is used, patient must be given time to

recover from sedation before beginning fluoroscopic

studies

7. Thyroid assessment must precede any examinations

involving iodinated contrast media

8. Schedule radiographic examinations not requiring

contrast agents first

9. Total doses of iodinated contrast media should

be calculated if they are to be used in a series of

examinations

10. Schedule patients who have been held NPO (nothing

by mouth) first

11. Schedule pediatric and elderly patients early

12. Schedule diabetic patients early because of their

need for insulin

B. Sequence of examinations

1. Fiberoptic (endoscopy) studies are conducted first in

a series

2. Radiography of the urinary tract

3. Radiography of the biliary system

4. CT studies should be scheduled before examinations

involving the use of barium sulfate

5. Lower gastrointestinal (GI) series (check for residual

contrast material from previous examinations before

proceeding)

6. Upper GI series

Patient Preparation

A. GI system or urinary system

1. Low-residue diet (e.g., low fiber) or clear liquid diet

(e.g., tea, gelatin, bouillon)

2. NPO for 8 to 12 hours before procedure

3. Cathartics and enemas are used to cleanse the GI system

4. If scheduled as an outpatient

a. Patient must clearly understand the routine for

proper preparation

b. Patient should be asked to explain the procedure

back to the radiographer to verify understanding

B. All procedures

1. Clothing is removed from area to be radiographed

and replaced by patient gown when appropriate

2. All radiopaque objects are removed from area of

Interest

Patient History

A. Provides information for the radiographer about the

extent of the patient’s injury and the range of motion

the patient can tolerate

B. Assists the radiologist during interpretation of the

radiographs

C. History should begin with the radiographer introducing

himself or herself and verifying the patient’s name

D. Types of questions asked to obtain a patient’s history

(depending on type and site of injury)

1. How did your injury occur?

2. When did your injury occur?

3. Where is your pain?

4. Do you have tingling or numbness?

5. Do you have any weakness?

6. Were you unconscious after your injury?

7. Why did your physician order this examination?

8. Have you experienced shortness of breath or been

coughing?

9. Have you experienced a fever or heart problems?

10. Have you experienced any nausea, vomiting, or

diarrhea?

11. Have you had previous surgery on this area?

12. Is there any family history of problems in this area