KeepingKidsStillDuringExams · oh i n gs more fri ht ein f rap nt than to have a sick child,...

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This patient education pageprovides general informationconcerning the radiologic sci-ences. The ASRT suggests thatyou consult your physician forspecific information concern-ing your imaging exam andmedical condition. Health careprofessionals may reproducethese pages for noncommer-cial educational purposes.Reproduction for other reasonsis subject to ASRT approval.

A Pigg-O-Stat immobilizer.

asrt-For more information,contact the American Societyoj Radiologic Technologists,15000 Central Ave. SE,Albuquerque, NM87123-3909,or visit us online atwww.asrt.org.

PATIENT PAGE

Keeping Kids Still During Examsothing is more frightening for a parent

than to have a sick child, especially if yourchild has to go through a series of tests. Forthe radiologic technologist who performsmedical imaging examinations, nothing ismore important than delivering the bestpatient care, and this means producingthe highest quality medical images of yourchild. Increasingly, medical imaging proce-dures such as x-ray examinations, computedtomography (CT) scans or magnetic reso-nance (MR) imaging are key to making adiagnosis and beginning treatment.

Radiologic technologists are skilledmedical professionals who have specializededucation in the areas of radiation protec-

tion and medical imagingpositioning and procedures.

Before the exam, theradiologic technologist willexplain the procedure toyour child if he or she is oldenough to understand andwill answer any questions youmight have. One importantthing your child must under-stand is that he or she can'tmove during the procedure.

Most medical imagingexaminations require thatthe patient hold completelystill during the imagingprocess. Any movementcan cause the image to beblurred, making it difficultfor the radiologist (a physi-cian who specializes in inter-preting medical images) toreview the image.

Common ImmobilizationTechniques

Radiologic technologists use a varietyof age-appropriate methods to immobilizeor help your child hold still. The followingtechniques are very common and will notharm your child.

• Pigg-O-Stat. Although this devicelooks funny, it is one of the best meth-ods to help children remain in a still,upright position for chest x-ray exams.

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY July/August 2008, Vol. 79/No. 6

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The child sits on a small, adjustableseat and two plastic supports fit snug-ly around his or her sides, keepingthe anns raised. An adult may helphold the arms above the child's head.

• Velcro straps. Often, bands of Velcroare used not only to immobilize yourchild's body, but also to prevent himor her from rolling off the table. Thestraps are attached to the table ora board and drawn snugly over thebody. Tape and bandages also maybe used to keep a body part still.

• Swaddling. Very young children maybe wrapped tightly in a sheet to keepthem from wiggling. Although somechildren don't like the feeling ofbeing confined, the sheet provideswarmth, and infants may fall asleepwhile swaddled.

• Sandbags. Long sandbags may beused to keep a child's arms or legs inone place. The weight of the sandbagkeeps the body part still and remindsyour child not to move.

• Holding techniques. At times, theradiologic technologist or other staffmembers may restrain your child orhold a limb or body part in the cor-rect position. Sometimes spongesare used to hold the child steady andavoid blocking the radiation beam.You may be asked to help hold yourchild, and the technologist will giveyou specific instructions on how bestto do this.

What You Can Do To Help• Your child may be upset or feel your

anxiety. Speak calmly and firmly toreassure your child.

• Praise him or her for being coopera-tive and helping the radiologic tech-nologist.

• Listen closely to the instructions thetechnologist gives your child. Askhow you can be of assistance.

If you remain in the examination roomwith your child during a procedure, besure to ask for special shielding to protectyou from the radiation beam. •

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