Definition
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive scanning technique that provides visualization of internal organs and structures by means of magnetic forces rather than by ionizing radiation.
Key Uses of MRI-Scans
- Diagnosing Conditions:
- Brain and spinal cord disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, tumors, or injuries.
- Joint and soft tissue issues, including ligament tears, cartilage damage, or muscle injuries.
- Organ abnormalities, such as liver disease, kidney problems, or heart conditions.
- Detection of tumors or cancers in various parts of the body.
- Monitoring Disease Progression:
- Tracking changes in chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis or cancer.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery.
- Guiding Procedures:
- Assisting in planning surgeries or biopsies by providing precise anatomical details.
- Specialized Imaging:
- Functional MRI (fMRI) assesses brain activity by measuring blood flow changes.
- Cardiac MRI evaluates heart structure and function.
Contraindications
- Presence of implanted devices, such as heart valves, surgical and aneurysm clips, plates, internal orthopaedic screws and rods, pacemakers, etc.
- Presence of prosthetic devices.
- Patients on respirators.
- Pregnancy.
- Patient with epilepsy.
Procedure
| Nursing action | Rationale | |
| 1. | Explain the procedure to the patient and inform him what he has to expect during the course of the procedure. | Helps in obtaining cooperation from the patient. |
| 2. | Assess whether the patient has signed informed consent form. | Minimizes institutions’ legal risk. |
| 3. | Assess patient’s weight. | Procedure is contraindicated in patients with over 300 pounds body weight. |
| 4. | Assess patient for any contraindication. | Procedure is contraindicated in the above conditions. The magnet may cause movement of metal or electric objects inside the body. |
| 5. | Assess patient for claustrophobia. | Sedation may be needed in these patients. If patient has severe claustrophobia, procedure may be contraindicated. |
| 6. | Assess patient’s ability to remain still throughout the procedure. | Any movement may produce artifacts. Patients must remain still for 30-90 minutes. |
| 7. | Assess for allergies to dye and contrast medium. | Avoids anaphylactic reaction. |
| 8. | Tell the patient to empty bladder before the procedure. | Helps in non-interruption of the procedure. |
| 9. | Remove all metallic objects from the patient, such as watch, jewelry, coins, keys, hairpins, credit cards, and dentures containing metals. | Metallic objects will create artifacts on the scan and some metal objects may be damaged by the magnetic field. |
| 10. | Assist patient onto padded table and position comfortably. | Provides for correct positioning and for patient’s comfort. |
| 11. | Place special helmet around head if it is to be scanned and secure patient on table with velcro straps. | Allows for accurate imaging and helps to keep patient from moving during the procedure. |
| 12. | Provide patient with ear plugs and intercom or earphones. | Decreases sound of images and allows for communication between patient and technologist. |
| 13. | After examination, assist patient to sitting and then to standing positions slowly. | Decreases possibility of orthostatic hypotension. |
| 14. | Evaluate patient’s status after the procedure. | Verifies patient’s comfort after the procedure. |
| 15. | Record in patient’s chart time and site where MRI was performed. If contrast medium was used, record patient’s tolerance of the procedure. | Provides documentation of the procedure in record. |
| 16. | Report duration of the procedure and patient’s response to nurse in-charge. | Ensures follow-up. |
Special considerations
- Certain types of eye make-up and permanent eyeliners that contain metallic fragments cause discomfort during MRI.
- Common metallic equipment, such as scissors, oxygen tanks, and electronic devices can become lethal when exposed to strong magnetic fields. Therefore, a thorough screening of all visitors and staff is mandatory, before entering the room.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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