Course Description
The goal of this course is to provide a comprehensive review for radiologic technologists (RTs) and other healthcare professionals of all aspects of radiography and radiological imaging-focused patient care. This includes, but is not limited to, ethics, interpersonal communication, ergonomics/patient assistance and monitoring, medical emergencies, infection control, handling and exposure of hazardous materials, and pharmacology/contrast media as it relates to patient care in radiological imaging. This course will begin by discussing professional ethics, healthcare rights of patients, legal matters, and civil and criminal law as it relates to healthcare delivery and the practice of radiography. An in-depth review of all aspects of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) policies and procedures, protected health information (PHI), and patient privacy will be given. Types of communication, communication challenges, and cultural differences in communication will also be covered. Monitoring and assessing a patient's health status, identifying and responding to medical emergencies, and recognizing and responding to allergic reactions to iodinated contrast media during radiologic examinations and procedures will be addressed. Infection control and the cycle of infection, asepsis, standard precautions, transmission-based precautions, and the handling and disposal of hazardous material will also be discussed. Pharmacology as it relates to patient history, laboratory test values, medicinal and contrast administration, and venipuncture will be covered as well. The course will conclude with an in-depth discussion about contrast media, both enteral and injected, possible reactions, and how to handle emergency situations. Communication of this information is provided in text, videos, and audio interviews with experts in the field.

Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content, the participant should be able to:

• EXPLAIN the professional ethics that guide a radiologic technologist (RT) in performing their professional responsibilities when caring for patients.
• OUTLINE patients' healthcare rights pertaining to confidentiality, privacy, use of protected health information (PHI), informed consent, access to medical information, extent of care, and considerate and respectful medical care.
• SUMMARIZE all aspects of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) policies and procedures and patient PHI.
• IDENTIFY legal issues that can arise in the practice of radiography if RTs do not execute medical imaging examinations with competence and excellent patient care.
• LIST the criminal and civil laws that govern and guide the ways in which RTs deliver healthcare and practice radiologic imaging.
• CATEGORIZE the different types of communication, communication challenges, and
• EXPLAIN how societal factors, cultural differences, and cognitive impairments can impact direct patient care.
• OUTLINE how best to transfer and transport patients safely via wheelchair, stretcher, or bed.
• INTERPRET how to monitor and assess a patient's health status including skin tone and temperature, level of consciousness, breathing, and vital signs.
• IDENTIFY emergencies that can occur during medical imaging examinations and procedures, including cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, diabetic emergencies, seizures, and physical trauma, and EXPLAIN how best to respond.
• IDENTIFY and DEFINE mild, moderate, and severe allergic reactions to iodinated contrast media.
• DEFINE infection control and RESTATE the cycle of infection.
• EXPLAIN asepsis as well as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s standard precautions and transmission-based precautions for infection control.
• RECALL best practices of handling and disposal of toxic and/or hazardous materials.
• EXPLAIN pharmacology as it relates to patient history, laboratory test values, medicinal and contrast administration, and venipuncture.
• IDENTIFY and ANALYZE contrast media types (oral and intravenous), their properties, complications and reactions, and appropriateness for radiological imaging studies.
• OUTLINE assessment, response, treatment, and documentation for adverse reactions to contrast media in adults.
• RECALL the American College of Radiology's suggested treatment options for patients' allergic reactions to iodinated contrast media and the minimum emergency equipment and medications that should be available anywhere contrast media are administered.

Categories: Professional Development/Patient Quality Care, Ethics

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 86 out of 114 questions correctly to receive CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 14.25 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for Technical credits). 

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.