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Orientation to Patient Care

Knowing your Patient

Understanding Your Patient

●​ All people have the same basic needs, but specific situations create unique needs, but
specific situations create unique needs.
●​ Understanding different age groups and cultures is key to effective patient interaction

The Core of Patient Care

●​ Genuine caring is an active, not passive, endeavor.
●​ Patient care is about more than just producing a diagnostic-quality exam.
●​ It means actively working to do no harm.

Practical Ways to Prevent Harm

●​ Use proper technique to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure.
●​ Practice thorough hand washing to prevent the spread of infection.
●​ These actions apply to all patients.

Adapting Your Approach

Patient interaction should vary based on individual characteristics consider differences in:

●​ Age
●​ Physical condition
●​ Gender
●​ Culture

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Infants
●​ Infants are in the earliest period of life.
●​ They are naturally afraid of two things: falling and loud noises.
●​ Safe, gentle handling is the top priority.
●​ Securely holding and speaking to them in a low, soothing voice helps them feel safe.

Infant Communication & Reflexes

●​ Infants use facial expressions to communicate their needs.
●​ They are born with several reflexes, such as the grasping reflex, which are not learned.
●​ These reflexes and movements (like kicking and squirming) are signs of normal nerve and muscle
development.

Critical Safety Precautions

●​ The most significant safety concerns are physical harm and unnecessary radiation exposure.
●​ Infants are more sensitive to radiation than any other age group. This is due to the Law of
Bergonie and Tribondeau, which states that rapidly dividing cells are most susceptible to the
effects of ionizing radiation.
●​ Infancy is a period of extremely rapid cell growth.
●​ Always use radiation protection devices and only expose the specific body part being examined

Children 1 to 3 Years
Toddlers Patients
●​ Toddlers are beginning to develop a sense of right and wrong.
●​ They understand the concept of personal property.
●​ Their behavior can be inconsistent, but they can follow instructions.

Communicating with Toddlers

●​ Toddlers can form sentences and speak, but they may choose not to follow instructions.
●​ Their reasoning ability isn't fully developed, so they may not understand why certain behaviors
are unacceptable.
●​ A previous negative medical experience can cause a fearful or negative response.

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The Role of the Parent
●​ The accompanying parent or guardian is often your greatest asset.
●​ They can help to calm and restrain the child.
●​ While gaining the child's trust is ideal, the parent will likely be more successful at getting them to
cooperate

Children 3 to 12 Years
●​ Children in this age group are developing a strong sense of self and identity.
●​ Their names become very important to them as a sign of their individuality.
●​ Love and esteem are crucial, as they are now interacting with non-family members in school and
social settings.

Communication and Development

●​ Communication is generally not a problem with this age group.
●​ They have learned to postpone instant gratification and have a developed concept of time.
●​ They can often tolerate some pain during an exam, understanding it will lead to them feeling
better time

Child Abuse
●​ Healthcare providers have a special responsibility when examining traumatized or abused
children.
●​ You must know your state's laws regarding reporting child abuse.
●​ Be vigilant and recognize injuries that are inconsistent with the explanation provided by the
caregivers.

Adolescents
Understanding Adolescent Patients
●​ Adolescence is a time of conflict and frustration.
●​ Teens are seeking independence but lack the skills and maturity to achieve it.
●​ They are also under pressure to make major life decisions, like choosing a career.
●​ Treating them with an adult approach will most likely get a cooperative response.

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Adolescent Characteristics
●​ Adolescents are heavily influenced by their peer group, sometimes more so than by their parents.
●​ As they mature, they become more realistic, capable of evaluating different viewpoints, and begin
to accept societal expectations.
●​ They may become critical of institutions and organizations as they recognize human failings.

Legal Authority
●​ It can be a challenge to determine who has the legal authority to make medical decisions for a
minor (typically under 18 years old).
●​ Parental or legal guardian consent is usually required.
●​ Situations where a school employee, relative, or friend brings the patient for care present a legal
dilemma.
●​ Religious beliefs can also complicate treatment decisions, but these issues are beyond the scope
of a basic guide

Young Adult (Ages 21-45)

●​ Young adulthood is a time of great responsibility and creative effort.
●​ Most people in this group have a partner, a family, a career, and a place in their community.
●​ This is a stressful and demanding period as they are now responsible for the welfare of others,
not just themselves.

Understanding Their Concerns

●​ Young adult patients with a life-threatening illness may seem overly concerned about their
health.
●​ This anxiety is due to their worry about their dependents and the impact their illness will have on
their family.
●​ They are concerned not only for their own welfare but also for the financial and emotional
well-being of those who rely on them.

Interaction and Communication

●​ Young adults are generally cooperative and able to understand and follow instructions.
●​ Being a good listener is an essential part of interacting with this age group, as they may need to
express their anxieties and concerns.

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Middle-Aged (Ages 45-65)
Middle-Aged Patient
●​ This age group has a settled life pattern with family and community.
●​ Their children are likely becoming independent, leading to the "empty nest" phase.
●​ They may seek new roles in civic life or pursue personal interests like travel.

Concerns and Values

●​ They have a well-defined value system and a strong sense of self.
●​ Their primary concerns may be maintaining their independence and preparing for retirement.
●​ Interacting with them is similar to interacting with young adults: they are generally cooperative
and able to understand instructions.

Senior Citizens 65+ Years

Patient consent
●​ Always treat senior patients with dignity and respect, just like any other adult.
●​ Be prepared for them to move more slowly and require extra support.
●​ Communication may be challenging due to potential hearing or vision difficulties. Speak
clearly and audibly.
●​ For patients who are terminally ill or unable to respond, handle them gently and make them as
comfortable as possible.

Elder Abuse
●​ The increasing responsibility of caring for seniors has led to a rise in elder abuse, which can be
physical, financial, or psychological.
●​ Unlike with child abuse, the patient must often consent to having the abuse legally reported.
●​ Healthcare professionals should be aware of their state's laws regarding elder abuse and recognize
signs that may not be consistent with the given explanation.

Diverse Conditions and Populations

Caring for Diverse Patients
●​ You will encounter patients with needs that go beyond the "average."

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 ●​ These include people from different cultures, those with language barriers, and those with a
history of substance abuse.
●​ It is your duty to respect their beliefs and provide compassionate care

Special Patients Conditions

●​ Be prepared to treat patients with:
●​ Communicable diseases
●​ Trauma
●​ Medical devices like catheters, tubes, or orthopedic equipment
●​ These situations require knowledge, skill, and sometimes, innovation. There is no
one-size-fits-all solution

Principles of Interaction
●​ Remember that all patients are likely dealing with pain, anxiety, and fear.
●​ Your interactions must always be respectful, courteous, and professional.
●​ When faced with a language barrier, seek translation assistance to ensure a safe and effective
examination.

Basic Principles of Patient Care

Guiding Principles of Patient Care
●​ Prevention is always better than treatment.
●​ Regardless of the circumstance, the fundamental principles of patient care and protection remain
constant

Five Requirements for Optimal Care :

1.​ High-Quality Radiography: Use proper techniques and radiation safety to avoid further injury.
2.​ Disease Prevention: Prevent the spread of illness and injury to others.
3.​ Complication Avoidance: Prevent hazardous or debilitating complications from injuries or
illnesses.
4.​ Alleviating Suffering: Comfort the patient to prevent emotional complications.
5.​ Efficiency and Quality: Provide care as economically and timely as possible while maintaining
consistent diagnostic quality.

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Verification of Patient

Identification and Procedures Requested

Responsibilities for Procedures and Records
●​ Always verify patient identity by matching the information on the exam request form to the
patient's wristband upon their arrival.
●​ For patients without identification, assign an emergency control number and cross-reference it
with their hospital chart.
●​ The radiology physician director, hospital administrator, and radiology administrator are
jointly responsible for:
●​ Establishing procedures for radiographic service requests.
●​ Maintaining radiographic images and patient records

Patient Transfer
●​ Students or radiology staff involved in patient care must be qualified in Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR).
●​ Transport equipment like wheelchairs and stretchers must be in proper working order.
●​ Always assess the patient's condition and verify their identification before moving them.

Safety Transport Procedures

●​ Inform the patient about their destination and provide assistance for a safe transfer.
●​ Never move a patient alone if assistance is needed; wait for additional trained staff.
●​ Be sure to advise the patient's unit personnel of their destination

Proper Body Mechanics

●​ Can be practiced to prevent injury to yourself and the patient.
●​ The most important point to keep in mind is that, at all times , human action influences by gravity
●​ gravity line is an imaginary vertical line that passes through the center of gravity
●​ broaden your base to increase stability.
●​ lowering the center of gravity also increase stability.

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Handling Medical Emergencies
Be prepared to manage sudden medical events that may occur during
transport or an exam, Common emergencies include:

●​ Fainting: Sudden drop in blood pressure with loss of consciousness.

●​ Shock: A severe drop in vital functions, often from a serious injury.
●​ Seizures & Convulsions: Involuntary muscle contractions.
●​ Cardiac Arrest: The heart stops functioning.
●​ Loss of consciousness & bleeding.

Vital Signs
●​ All radiology staff and students must be able to monitor vital signs:
●​ Blood Pressure
●​ Temperature
●​ Pulse
●​ Respiration
●​ You should know how to use a stethoscope, thermometer, and sphygmomanometer.
●​ Always record vital signs on the hospital chart, requisition, or incident report form.

Isolation Techniques
●​ These are known as Health care-acquired infections are a serious risk to patients.
●​ They cause thousands of deaths each year.
●​ Special care must be taken to prevent patients from contracting these infections
in the hospital environment.

Pathogens
●​ Research conducted on 2002 by Dr. Mary Loritsch & Sonya Lawson of Virginia Western
Community College
●​ Research shows that pathogens can live and colonize on radiographic equipment.

Handling Equipment in an Isolation Unit

> Patients should not be at risk so all radiographic equipment and accessories should be wiped
down with a disinfectant solution after every single patient exam.

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 ●​ Disinfectants: Substances used to destroy or inactivate pathogens (disease-causing
agents like viruses or microorganisms).
●​ Antiseptics: Substances that prevent or slow the growth of microorganisms. Alcohol
is a common example.

Types of Isolation Procedures

Strict isolation is used for highly contagious diseases that can be spread by droplet or airborne
routes, like:

●​ Chickenpox
●​ Tuberculosis
●​ Measles
●​ Mumps
●​ Diphtheria
●​ Smallpox
●​ Contact isolation is for diseases transmitted by direct or indirect contact, such as
bacterial and viral infections like Salmonella spp and Escherichia coli

Sterile or Aseptic Techniques

Sterile or Aseptic Techniques are crucial, especially in surgical environments. The goal of
sterilization is the complete removal or destruction of all microorganisms. As a technologist,
you must be constantly vigilant to avoid contaminating sterile objects and the sterile space
around the operating table.

The following items are based on the major principles of the techniques and
are offered as a guide:

1.​ An item is either sterile or unsterile. If there is any doubt about its sterility, it must be
treated as unsterile.
2.​ Sterile articles must remain covered until they are ready to be used.
3.​ When opening a sterile package, only touch the outside of the wrapper or cover.
4.​ Use a sterile instrument or sterile gloves to handle sterile articles.
5.​ Once an item is removed from a sterile container, it cannot be returned to that container
6.​ Use the provided forceps to remove items. Only the parts of the container and forceps
submerged in the disinfecting solution are considered sterile. Always hold the forceps
with the tip pointing downward. Hold the container cover while removing the item, and if
you must set the cover down, place it upside down.

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 7.​ Immediately dispose of any contaminated container. If you cannot dispose of it right
away, turn the cover to indicate it is no longer sterile.
8.​ Never reach over a sterile field, as you could compromise its sterility.
9.​ The edges of sterile towels are considered contaminated if they touch an unsterile
surface.
10.​ Keep the handles of instruments out of the sterile field
11.​ When pouring a sterile solution, ensure the bottle does not touch the sides of the
container to maintain sterility.

Conclusion
As a radiographer, you'll learn specific ways to interact with various patients, but
remember, the very young and the very old often require the most gentle care. Your role
is not just about taking diagnostic images; it's about using good judgment and logic to
ensure the safety of both the patient and the healthcare team. The main goal of patient
care and management is to use proper techniques to prevent injury, the spread of
disease, and other complications for everyone involved.

submitted by :

Alimen, Vannah Jen D.

Borja, Lealyn N

Dela Cruz, Prince Tyron

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