This is a discussion board post. Probable wont need all 3 pages, just wanted to make sure there was enough to cover the assignment, if you need more let me know. I\’ll pay the difference. You don\’t need 4 sources, one will probably be fine. I\’ll attach the rubric. Thanks, Rob
Choose one of the following assignments to complete this week:
Compare/Contrast the MRI, CT, X ray and Sonogram. You can use a flowsheet which should include strengths/weaknesses of each test.
Discuss how contrast enhanced imaging works and the circumstances where it may be of benefit. Discuss situations where contrast should not be used and why.
Discuss how you may approach a patient who is uninsured or underinsured. How would you manage a patient who could benefit from radiography for a chief complaint (non-emergency) but is unable to afford the tests. What resources could you use to assist this patient?
**You can use generalities when discussing a hypothetical patient as you don\’t have detailed information about a chief complaint or physical exam findings.
| Criteria | Unsatisfactory | Satisfactory | Points and Feedback |
| APA, grammar, mechanics, spelling, organization, sentence structure | Mistakes in grammar
No citation or incorrect citation No APA style or incorrect use of APA |
Acceptable spelling and grammar (5)
Appropriate sentence structure and use of punctuation (5) Appropriate use of current, relevant references (5) Correct use of APA style (5) (A minimum of 17 points must be earned in this area for to earn a satisfactory grade) |
20 |
| Demonstrates understanding of the material | No demonstration of or poor understanding of material
Use of inappropriate references (no use of peer reviewed journals or other academic works or website which issue reputable information) Information is plagiarized. |
Demonstrates understanding of material/concepts as evidenced by well paraphrased explanation of material (10)
Student cites relevant studies/books/websites works which relate understanding of topic/ material (10) Student presents thoughts clearly and thoroughly (10) (A minimum of 25 points must be earned in this area to earn a satisfactory grade). |
30 |
| Responds in a meaningful way to others with at least 2 responses | Less than 2 responses to peers over the course of the week
Responses do not further the topic Responses are not referenced. |
At least 2 meaningful responses to 2 different students that further the topic being discussed and contribute to the conversation (10)
Student brings new, evidence based, information to the DB (10) (a minimum of 25 points must be earned in this area to earn a satisfactory grade) |
30 |
| Timeliness | Late, brief/ incomplete
1 day late: 10 point deduction 2 days late: 0 points awarded for the DB |
On time
Initial response to the DB must be on time in order to earn all 20 points. |
20 |
Contrast-Enhanced Imaging
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliations
Contrast-Enhanced Imaging
Some medical conditions are best diagnosed using imaging techniques. Based on the patient’s health status and the medical condition to be evaluated, the physician usually selects the imaging technique that will generate useful results (American Academy of Family Physicians, 2020). Contrast-enhanced imaging is often the most appropriate technique to use in certain conditions. Since nurses work with doctors to ensure that imaging techniques are successfully performed, they need to understand the uses and contraindications of contrast-enhanced imaging (Tenant & Gutteridge, 2016). The purpose of this discussion is to describe how contrast-enhanced imaging works, circumstances where it is appropriate, and situations where it is contraindicated.
How Contrast-Enhanced Imaging Works
Physicians usually order contrast-enhanced imaging whenever they need to conduct imaging exams that require higher diagnostic values than those offered by other imaging techniques that do not apply contrast materials. Contracts materials are substances that cause temporary discoloration of internal body organs to allow enhanced visualization (Radiological Society of North America, 2022). The special feature of contrast materials is to change how imaging tools and rays interact with the body tissues. Contrast-enhanced imaging works by making some of the body tissues and structures appear differently than they would have appeared if contrast material was not used. Using contrast-enhanced imaging, the physician is able to distinguish some of the structures thereby gaining crucial information to make a diagnosis. The technique differs from other imaging techniques in that the use of a contrast material improves the visibility of the body tissues and organs (American Academy of Family Physicians, 2020). The most commonly used contrast materials include barium-sulfate compounds, iodine-based compounds, gadolinium, and saline. Contrast materials are usually administered in three different ways including; orally when swallowed through the mouth, rectally, and through intravenous injection (Radiological Society of North America, 2022). Contrast materials absorbed into the body are eliminated through bowel movements and through urine.
The Circumstances Where Contrast-Enhanced Imaging Might Be of Benefit
Contrast-enhanced imaging may be of benefit when diagnosing diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, and breast. In some instances, physicians normally use contrast-enhanced imaging to monitor how a person’s body is responding to chemotherapy (Radiological Society of North America, 2022). Cancers of the esophagus, small intestines, and colon have successfully been diagnosed using contrast-enhanced imaging. In such cases, a physician would prefer to use oral contrast material instead of rectal contrast materials. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound has successfully been used to assess abnormalities of the heart, inflammatory bowel disease, and myocardial infarction (Radiological Society of North America, 2022). Contrast materials are generally safe because they have undergone the necessary safety tests.
In addition to improved imaging offered by contrast-enhanced imaging techniques, the approach has other advantages. For example, when compared to other radiographic techniques, contrast-enhanced imaging is considered safe because it does not use ionizing radiation. Additionally, the procedure is relatively cheap and takes a short time to perform. Moreover, contrast-enhanced imaging is a simple technique to perform (Tenant & Gutteridge, 2016). However, it is important to note that a contrast-enhanced approach will be useful only when the provider is able to read and interpret the results.
Situations Where Contrast-Enhanced Imaging Might Not Be Used and Why
It is highly imperative that the provider understands situations when contrast-enhanced imaging might be contraindicated. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (2020), it is unsafe to use contrast agents in patients with a history of severe reaction to similar substances, pregnant women, patients who are receiving radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid disease, patients with severe renal diseases, and in those who are using metformin. Contrast agents are contraindicated in these groups of people to protect them from developing severe health complications (American Academy of Family Physicians, 2020). Although contrast agents can be used in patients with mild renal conditions, these substances are contraindicated in severe renal disease to prevent renal damage. Notably, contrast substances are eliminated from the body through renal movement and through urination. Due to the high chemical contents of contrast substances, patients with several kidney diseases are likely to suffer health complications when these substances are used on them (Chang, 2018). Healthcare providers need to know the nature of complications caused by contrast-enhanced substances in patients with diseases that the technique is contraindicated.
Conclusion
Medical advancements like contrast-enhanced imaging techniques make it possible for physicians to diagnose diseases that were initially difficult to detect with traditional approaches. Contrast-enhanced imaging is often used when the physician wants to obtain enhanced visualization of body tissues and organs. To ensure safety when using contrast materials during imaging procedures, the provider needs to know situations where the technique might not be used and why.
References
American Academy of Family Physicians. (2020). When to order contrast-enhanced CT. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0901/p312.html#:~:text=Possible%20contraindications%20for%20using%20intravenous,or%20acutely%20worsening%20renal%20disease.
Chang E. H. (2018). An introduction to contrast-enhanced ultrasound for nephrologists. Nephron, 138(3), 176–185. https://doi.org/10.1159/000484635
Radiological Society of North America. (2022). Contrast materials. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/safety-contrast
Tenant, S. C., & Gutteridge, C. M. (2016). The clinical use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the kidney. Ultrasound (Leeds, England), 24(2), 94–103. https://doi.org/10.1177/1742271X15627185