LESSON 2
ORDER OF PROCEDURE
Section I. ORDER OF PROCEDURE (STEPS 1 AND 2)
2-1.
INTRODUCTION
a. This lesson covers procedures that are essential preparatory steps to
positioning the patient for any study. The lesson describes the order of procedure.
Steps 1 and 2 of the order of procedure are covered in section I; steps 3, 4, and 5 are
covered in section II.
b. Before you can effectively apply specific positioning techniques, you must
have a working knowledge of the sequence in which X-ray procedures, in general, are
performed. Another essential prerequisite is to understand the importance of
maintaining a professional image at all times. You must also know the relevant
specialized language (terminology) of positioning used in radiography and you must
know film sizes and options. Therefore, these topics are covered in this lesson. Actual
positioning, per se, begins in lesson 5 and continues in MD0962, Standard Positioning
Techniques II.
2-2.
COMPETENCE AND PROFESSIONALISM
No matter what the particular study you are performing and no matter what the
positioning technique involved, there is a professional image that you must maintain at
all times in order to function effectively. Projecting professionalism is important because
the way you act as an individual reflects not only upon yourself, but upon the field of
X-ray technology and the health care profession as a whole.
2-3.
PROJECTING A PROFESSIONAL IMAGE
The way you come across can also enhance or undermine the patient's
confidence in you and the entire team of health providers. It is not enough to know what
you are doing. Almost of equal importance is the matter of appearing to know what you
are doing by behaving in a professional fashion. You will project professionalism if you:
are technically competent, demonstrate a caring yet controlled attitude, and appear
well-groomed. (Taking a correspondence course like this one helps you maintain or
enhance your knowledge and skills. While, strictly speaking, a course relates to
competence, taking a course also contributes your professional image because it
bolsters your confidence. So, competence and professionalism are more subtly
intertwined than you might think.) As a professional, you must also project calm,
confidence, and control over your emotions in all dealings with both patients and
colleagues. Finally, you must look professional by being clean and well groomed. The
components of a professional image bear repeating. See the chart that follows.
MD0961
2-2