Child Expectations during Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Essay Example

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Number Introduction and Definition MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a contemporary technique of diagnosis that observes the internal tissues of the body without employing X-rays. It is a highly essential technique for ascertaining deviations in joints, the vessels of blood, the spinal cord and brain, and other organs in the body. When in use, the machine takes images of the target organ in various angles which are then processed using a computer to yield a picture of high detail of the area selected for observation. Basically therefore, the technique makes use of a computer, an antenna, radio waves and a bid magnet to produce the pictures. As long as metals that are Ferro magnetic are not in the magnetic field area during use, the radio waves and the magnetic fields are relatively harmless and pose no serious impacts during normal procedures. Child Expectations during MRI The scanner for MRI resembles a huge box that is square shaped and with a tunnel-like hole running through the middle. The user requests the child to lie down on a table that is cushioned with aids such as soft traps and foam cushions employed to ensure the child remains still during the process. A unique frame which slightly resembles a helmet is placed on the part of the body of the child that has been earmarked for observation. When the child has been set in a comfortable and appropriate position, the table begins to move by default into the tunnel of the MRI. At this point, it is crucial that the child maintains relative stillness since any movements will cause blurring of the images and hence poor results. The examiner then departs from the room but remains in constant communication with the child using an intercom. Upon starting the process of MRI, the child may experience sounds that are loud, knocking and thumping in nature that may stay for many minutes at times. Therefore, ear protections such as ear plugs or headphones are availed to protect the hearing of the child. A parent/ guardian can come along with the child’s favorite DVD so that they can watch during the process through the video goggles of the MRI or even music CDs that they can listen to during the process. Parents/ guardians who opt to remain with their children in the operation room are also given ear protection devices to lower the noise emanating from the scanner. Intravenous Contrast In order to yield better image details of the MRI, intravenous contrast could be pumped into the vein of the child. Intravenous contrast is often termed a dye but is basically a liquid without color and not similar to the kind utilized in CT scans and X-rays. In case there is need for injections, the region of the body where the injection is to be made is numbed using an anesthetic cream. One of the MRI personnel discusses with the parent/ guardian the use and any likely side effects of the procedure before commencing operations and in addition, agreement to use contrast media must be signed by the parent/ guardian before beginning the process. Possibility of Remaining with Child during Procedure As long as the stipulated precautions for MRI are adhered to, a guardian/ parent is free to stay with the child during the process. However, for pregnant parents and care-takers, one may simply escort the child into the procedure room but are prohibited from staying with the child during the scan. Furthermore, one guardian/ parent is allowed to stay with the child in the room where anesthesia is administered but once the anesthesia has been injected into the child, the parents is then allowed out of the MRI room. Cases of Frightened and Physically Restless Children For older children, infants and certain adults who may find the tunnel of the MRI frightening or may have problems staying still, a general anesthetic may be employed. The parent is advised to contact the doctor of the child or the department of MRI if the child is claustrophobic, if one is uncertain whether or not the child will remain still during the procedure and also if the parent is not sure whether the child is having general anesthesia for the procedure. Prohibited Items Even the tiniest objects that are metallic can be attracted into the machine by its magnetism since the scanner of MRI is a strong magnet with a field of magnetism that is usually constantly active and on. Such objects can fly into the scanner through air and result in injuries for the parent or the staff at hand. To avoid destruction of the belongings of the child and the parent and the MRI equipment jewelry such as body piercing, spectacles, watches, dentures, aids for hearing, hair spray, hair clips, make up, dressing with studs and zippers, mobile phones, keys, coins, credit cards, pens, pagers, CD players, radios, and so on, must be removed from the body of the child and anyone accompanying them into the procedure room. This is a very important step that ensures the safety of all involved in the endeavors. Whether the Child needs To Fast The department of MRI will offer information regarding whether or not the child should fast in instances where the child requires to be sedated or anesthesia used for the process. These information are also present on the website for MRI for access by all but when the parent/ guardian is not sure about fasting, they are to promptly seek verification from the department of MRI. However, no fasting is necessary for those children that do not need to be sedated or injected with anesthesia. Requirements of GA (General Anesthesia) for the Process The presence of drinks or food in the stomach can be risky during or following the process of anesthesia administration since the substances in the stomach may enter into the lungs. Because of this, children who are to undergo or are undergoing anesthesia must not eat. Those older than six months are required to abstain from milk or food for 6 hours and in this case, water/ cordial may be fed to the child up to 3 hours before the commencing of the scan. For children below 6 months of age, they should be abstained from formula or milk for 4 hours with water or clear/ sweet fluids allowed up to 2 hours before the scan begins. But a child’s particular situation may warrant a deviation from this established norm and the parent may then be advised on the fasting regime to implement before the process of MRI. Times of Discharge Children are often released 60-120 minutes after the procedure of MRI but this may depend specifically on how well the child recuperates from the anesthesia used and the entire process of MRI. Reports/ Results of the MRI The results of the MRI of the child are sent to the physician who required the MRI conducted in a few days. This is done either via email or by fax. The technologist of the MRI does not divulge the results of the MRI with the parent upon completion of the procedure and staff secretary is not allowed to issue reports to the parent via the telephone. The parent can arrange with the doctor regarding the receiving of the reports of the MRI. Duration of the MRI Process The process of MRI basically takes around half an hour to one and a half hours. Whether the Child can Eat or Drink The child is not suppose to eat or drink if they are to take an MRI scan and for the recommendations regarding whether a child should or should not eat or drink, the case is discussed in the previous sub-heading ‘Requirements of GA (General Anesthesia)’ above. Sedation and feeding habits have also been highlighted in earlier sections of this essay. For MCRP no drink or food is accepted four hours leading to the procedure. However, MRI the processes that are done without anesthesia do not require any fasting and it is a must for safety questionnaires for MRI to be filled before starting the process of the scan. What to Carry A parent/ guardian/ patient must have with them a fully filled safety questionnaire for the procedure. They can also bring relevant and useful material tied to the present condition such as Ct scans, films of MRI, X-rays, Ultrasound, among others. In addition, there is the necessity to sign the forms of consent by the guardian/ parent before the process begins. This signing can only be performed by a parent or a legal guardian. Benefits of MRI MRI has numerous benefits. Since it is a non-invasive method of imaging, it does not cause unneeded contact to damaging radiation. In addition, MRI is an essential means of evaluating and diagnosing a number of tumors and lesions that are focal since its images of structures of soft tissues such as those of the liver and the heart in some cases yield more accurate results that aid in correct and prompt identification of ailments than other techniques of imaging. Also, the technique has been shown to be excellent in the diagnosis of several types of diseases like the abnormalities of bones and muscles, cancers and vascular and heart ailments. Furthermore, the procedure permits users to non-invasively evaluate the billiary system and minus contrast injection too and the process further allows the finding of abnormalities that may be invisible to other techniques of imaging. Also, unlike contrast substances that are iodine based that are used in procedures such as CT scans and X-rays, the material for contrast for MRI is not likely going to elicit allergies. And for the diagnosis of blood vessel and heart ailments, MRIs offer a non-invasive technique and a suitable substitute to CT scans, angiography and X-rays. The process of examination poses virtually no threats to the patients when recommendations and safety measures are well adhered to. Risks of MRI In as much as MRI is a good technique, there are also certain risks associated with it. For instance, there is the threat of over-sedation in cases that require the same. However, the personnel conducting the scan are there to check on the patient’s vital signs to alleviate this threat. Also, in as much as the powerful magnetic field of the machine does not pose any serious risks, it may damage any medical devices that were previously implanted into the patient that are metallic and retard their consequent functions or make the process of MRI tedious and erroneous. There are the chances of allergies in case of the employment of contrast materials also. However, such allergies are normally weak and can be checked with appropriate prescriptions. Furthermore, medical practitioners are always present in such cases to immediately and effectively help out. Finally, injection of large amounts of contrast substances that are gadolinium based in patients with sickly or weak kidneys can evoke a new complication called the nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. However, this condition is rare and good evaluations of the state of the patient kidneys before the use of such types of contrast material considerably reduces the chances of such unpalatable occurrences. Read More