Deck 14: Immobilization Techniques

Question 1

An inflatable air splint is used under what circumstances?

A)Severe head trauma
B)Lower extremity trauma
C)Spinal injury
D)Newborn infant AP chest radiography

Answer 1

B
An inflation or air splint is an inflatable plastic cuff that is slipped over the affected limb and inflated to provide stability for transport by the emergency team.

Question 2

When using a sheet to "mummify" an infant,the sheet should first be formed into a

A)triangle.
B)square.
C)rectangle.
D)rectangle the size of pillowcase.

Answer 2

A
One of the most effective,simple,inexpensive,and reliable methods of restraining or immobilizing a child is a mummy wrap.Basically,the child is wrapped in a triangular-shaped sheet,which effectively limits the movement of the extremities and also gives the technique its name.

Question 3

When obtaining cervical spine images on a patient with a cervical collar,complete

A)the AP and lateral projections with the cervical collar in place.
B)the lateral projection and then remove the collar.
C)the AP projection and then remove the collar.
D)all spine projections with the collar removed and replaced with a head clamp.

Answer 3

A
All projections should be taken with the cervical collar in place and removed only after the physician has reviewed the radiographic images and determined that it is safe to move the patient without the collar.

Question 4

The technique of wrapping a patient in a sheet

A)is known as mummification.
B)is appropriate for young adults and teenagers.
C)is appropriate for a child who can cooperate and understand your instructions.
D)should be used only with parental approval.

Question 5

When tape is used as an immobilization tool with an infant,

A)use liberal amounts of tape to hold the infant tightly.
B)place the tape with the adhesive side in touch with the infant's skin to hold better.
C)wrap the tape around the patient tightly to create an awareness of the importance of radiation protection.
D)twist the tape so the nonadhesive side is against the infant's skin.

Question 6

When immobilizing neonates and young infants,

A)communication with the patient is vitally important.
B)using a sheet for mummification can prove to be very effective.
C)having a fellow radiographer hold the patient should be your first strategy.
D)patient motion is generally not a concern because the infant is typically sleeping.

Question 7

Patient immobilization methods contribute significantly to a patient's x-ray exposure.The desirable features of an immobilization device,from a radiation protection standpoint,would be

A)a lead shield built into the device design.
B)a reliable device that results in no repeat images from movement.
C)made from radiolucent materials to lessen exposure and artifacts.
D)all of the above.

Question 8

A patient arrives at the medical imaging department for a skull series after being hit in the head by a softball.The patient comes to you with a cervical collar,but it is apparent that the collar may not be needed because the patient is turning his head to converse with you as the examination starts.A professional imaging technologist would

A)remove the cervical collar because it appears to be unnecessary.
B)complete the skull images with the collar in place using the positioning flexibility of your equipment.
C)call the emergency department nurse and ask her to remove the cervical collar.
D)immobilize the patient's head and then remove the cervical collar so it's not in the image.

Question 9

Patient immobilization is a critical part of achieving optimum image quality.Even the smallest,undetectable involuntary motion can degrade the final image.Effective methods to reduce the amount of patient motion include

A)giving clear,concise instructions to the patient before the exposure.
B)assessing the amount of patient cooperation you can expect and making adjustments in immobilization.
C)explaining how important it is to hold still during the exposure so that a good image can be obtained.
D)all of the above.

Question 10

All of the following are examples of simple immobilization techniques EXCEPT

A)wrapping a child in a sheet (mummy wrap).
B)using a positioning sponge.
C)laying a sandbag across the patient's anatomy.
D)using a Velcro strap to stabilize the anatomy.

Question 11

To achieve extreme dorsiflexion of the ankle,the most effective immobilization method uses

A)sandbags.
B)tape.
C)a draw sheet.
D)Velcro straps.

Question 12

The ideal patient immobilization device would be

A)made of radiopaque materials.
B)elaborate in design and disposable.
C)expensive and flexible in application for positioning.
D)radiolucent,durable,and easy to use for the radiographer.

Question 13

You have received an examination request for a pediatric wrist and hand radiograph.The examination history states that the child caught her hand in a fan.The child's hand shows soft tissue swelling but no cuts or abrasions.The patient is brought to you with her mother,who is quite distraught and upset over her child's injury.As you proceed to image the daughter,how would you effectively handle the parent in this situation?

A)Refer to departmental policy on parents in the examination room and use your best experience to deal with the mother,which may include having her leave the room as you do the examination.
B)Ask the mother to hold the child if the child appears to be moving.
C)Inform the mother that her crying is not helping with the examination.
D)Delay the examination until the mother has regained her composure.

Question 14

All of the following are true of the Pigg-O-Stat infant immobilizer EXCEPT

A)it can be used for supine abdominal studies of the child.
B)its design provides for lead protection over the child's gonads.
C)it is made of contour-shaped,clear acrylic restraining forms.
D)the patient can be rotated 360 degrees for various oblique projections.

Question 15

When radiographing a patient with severe abdominal trauma and possible hemorrhagic shock,it is important to

A)remove the patient's trousers to prevent artifacts.
B)radiograph the patient through the antishock garment the patient is wearing.
C)slowly remove the air in the antishock garment to decrease its radiolucency.
D)add air to the antishock garment if you believe it has leaked out.

Question 16

When performing a lumbar spine series on an elderly patient,

A)move very quickly and deliberately from one position to the next to expedite the examination.
B)remove the radiolucent table pad to improve image quality.
C)allow the patient to bend hips and knees between exposures to lessen back strain.
D)provide a warm blanket for comfort and remove it for each exposure.

Question 17

Effective techniques to use when radiographing children include

A)standing up over the child to show your compassion.
B)communicating with the parents exclusively and letting them work with their child.
C)getting down to eye level with the child and establishing rapport.
D)asking a security officer to be in the room to show your authority.

Question 18

Establishing a rapport with a patient contributes greatly to a successful immobilization exercise.To establish patient rapport,the imaging professional should

A)tell the patient you need to hurry to get the examination done.
B)pull out all your immobilization tools in front of the patient to show you know what you are doing.
C)gently tell the patient what you need to accomplish and how you would like to move forward with the examination.
D)ask for two or three other technologists to come into the room as you begin the positioning.

Question 19

When using sandbags as immobilization devices,

A)refill any sand that leaks out of the bag before the examination begins.
B)make a note for the radiologist,as the sandbag is radiopaque and may leave an artifact.
C)place the sandbag over the area of interest,so the radiologist knows you used one.
D)do both b and c.

Question 20

The Octostop immobilization device is used

A)on adults.
B)in conjunction with infant mummification.
C)on infants and children younger than 1 year.
D)for upright imaging studies only.