Medlantis

Nuclear Medicine

This module is an overview of common nuclear medicine studies. Specifics of nuclear medicine are outlined, as well as nuclear medicine safety for the patient and staff. Patient preparation for testing is also defined.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss how the use of radioactive isotopes
  allow for imaging of the body at a functional
  level.
  
• Describe safety requirements for floor staff as
  they relate to the patient having a diagnostic
  nuclear medicine study.
  
• State patient preparation requirements for at
  least 3 nuclear medicine studies.

PET

PET has many different uses in diagnosis of patient symptoms, not just cancer screening. This module discusses the specific preparation for various PET scans, along with safety  and teaching considerations for the patient and the staff. 

Learning Objectives

• Discuss how PET uses radioactive sugar to
  create images.
  
• Describe safety requirements for floor staff as
  they relate to the patient having a PET study.
  
• State patient preparation requirements for all
  PET scans. 

Lumbar Procedures

Various Imaging exams involving the spine are discussed in this module, from diagnostic procedures such as a lumbar puncture to interventional procedures for pain relief or vertebral fracture. Meningeal irritation signs are discussed, as well as care of a lumbar drain.

Learning Objectives

• Describe 3 types of exams that are performed
  using a spinal access.
  
• State usual laboratory exams to be performed
  pre-spinal procedures.
  
• Define and describe several signs of meningeal
  irritation.

Neuro Imaging

There are many areas of Imaging involved in neurological evaluation, ranging from plain x-ray films to complicated neurological interventional  procedures. A discussion of computed tomography (CT) versus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows the differences and indications for each imaging modality. The role of Imaging in a stroke alert is reviewed.  

Learning Objectives

• Describe types of scans and tests used to
  diagnose neurological problems.
  
• Discuss patient prep and patient education for
  neuro exams.
  
• Discuss how Imaging is part of a stroke alert.