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Medical Emergencies in the Imaging Department - Coggle Diagram
Medical Emergencies in the Imaging Department
Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)
Signs and symptoms
Slurred speech
Facial drooping
One-sided weakness
Severe headache
Radiographer's role
Recognize FAST signs immediately
Stop imaging procedure
Ensure patient safety
Appropriate actions
Call Code Blue / Rapid Response
Monitor vital signs
Keep patient still
Relevance to imaging department
Immediate transport to CT or MRI
Differentiates ischemic vs. hemorrhagic
Syncope (Fainting)
Signs and symptoms
Dizziness and pallor
Cold, clammy skin
Progressive loss of consciousness
Radiographer's role
Anticipate falls
Support patient physically
Assist to safe position
Appropriate actions
Place in recumbent position (elevate feet)
Loosen tight clothing
Apply cool, moist cloth to forehead
Patient safety considerations
Prevent head trauma from falls
Seek help if consciousness is not regained quickly
Shock
Signs and symptoms
Restlessness and anxiety
Tachycardia (rapid, thready pulse)
Hypotension (low blood pressure)
Cold, clammy skin
Radiographer's role
Monitor high-risk patients (IV contrast)
Note early behavioral changes
Appropriate actions
Stop contrast administration immediately
Elevate patient's legs
Maintain body temperature with blankets
Prepare emergency crash cart
Patient safety considerations
Call immediate medical emergency team
Check airway and breathing continuously
Hypoglycemia
Signs and symptoms
Intense hunger and shakiness
Profuse sweating and irritability
Confusion or rapid heartbeat
Radiographer's role
Identify diabetic patients fasting for exams
Monitor for sudden mood/cognitive changes
Appropriate actions
Administer quick-acting glucose if conscious
Do not give anything by mouth if unconscious
Patient safety considerations
Seek immediate medical help if patient loses consciousness
Vomiting
Signs and symptoms
Nausea and retching
Abdominal discomfort
Radiographer's role
Protect patient's airway
Prevent aspiration of vomitus into lungs
Appropriate actions
Turn patient into lateral recumbent position
Provide emesis basin and tissues
Clear airway if necessary
Patient safety considerations
Critical focus for recumbent or immobilized patients
Seek assistance if projectile or continuous
Cardiac Arrest
Signs and symptoms
Sudden loss of consciousness
Absence of pulse and respiration
Dilated pupils
Radiographer's role
Immediately initiate emergency response system
Begin lifesaving interventions
Appropriate actions
Call Code Blue
Initiate CPR immediately
Locate and utilize Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Patient safety considerations
Require continuous chest compressions until team arrives
Choking
Signs and symptoms
Inability to speak
Clutching throat (universal sign)
Cyanosis and gasping
Radiographer's role
Recognize airway obstruction quickly
Intervene to clear airway
Appropriate actions
Assess if patient can cough or speak
Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) if fully obstructed
Patient safety considerations
Modify to chest thrusts for pregnant or obese patients
Call emergency help if object is not cleared
Wounds
Signs and symptoms
Hemorrhage (bleeding)
Skin laceration
Pain and swelling
Radiographer's role
Control bleeding
Maintain sterile field during interventional procedures
Appropriate actions
Apply firm, direct pressure with sterile dressing
Elevate affected extremity above heart level
Patient safety considerations
Do not remove dressings once applied (add layers instead)
Seek assistance for severe arterial spurting or shock signs