d. If the patient is receiving oxygen, ensure you use care in preparing the patient
and the bed for the examination. Do not disconnect the oxygen. If you need to remove
an oxygen mask, obtain a nurse's permission before removing the mask. If possible,
have the nurse turn off the oxygen and remove the mask. While oxygen alone does not
e. When positioning the patient, make modifications in accordance with his
condition and the limitations of the portable unit. For example, to project a lateral knee
on a patient who cannot rotate the leg into the ordinary position, raise the knee slightly
and support it with a pillow; then place the cassette on edge and align the tube from a
horizontal position.
f. When a bedside examination is accomplished on a patient in isolation, the
portable unit and all accessory equipment must be cleaned afterwards. The ward will
provide the solution, a hospital-approved disinfectant.
a. General. On occasion, radiographic procedures are part of a surgical routine.
Such surgical procedures as cholecystectomy (removal of the gall bladder) or the
reduction and/or mechanical fixation of a fracture usually require radiographic support.
In such cases, the radiographic examinations are conducted in the operating room
under sterile conditions.
b. Location of Power Source. The power source in the operating room is
located between 4 and 4 1/2 feet above floor level to provide an added safety factor.
The anesthetic gases are heavier than air and, in case of leakage, settle to the floor. An
electrical spark at floor level, as would be the case with conventionally placed floor-level
receptacles, could produce a devastating explosion or fire.
c. Surgical Attire. When working in the operating room, the x-ray specialist
must be clean and as free from bacteria as possible, short of sterilization.
Consequently, he changes into surgical clothes, which consist of shirt, trousers, cap,
mask, and conductive boots. Female attire consists of a one-piece cotton dress that
snaps up the back and is belted by cotton ties. Since one purpose of the cotton dress is
to prevent the build-up of static electricity, nylon undergarments are not worn.
d. Cleaning the Machine. The portable unit must be cleaned before it is taken
into the operating room. This cleaning consists of washing it down with an antiseptic
agent. Wescodyne or 70 percent isopropyl alcohol may be used. When washing the
unit, give special attention to the tube housing, the accessory devices on the tube
housing, and to the tube arm. These portions of the machine will be over the sterile
field, so they must be completely clean.
MD0959
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