Final answer:
Pretest teaching for an MRI scan should include informing the patient about the strong magnetic field used to create detailed images, the need to remove metallic objects, potential noise and enclosed space during the scan, and the importance of remaining still for the duration of the procedure. Screening for metal implants that could be affected by the magnetic field is also crucial for patient safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient is scheduled for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, pretest teaching is essential to prepare them for the procedure. It is important to inform the patient that an MRI utilizes a superconducting magnet that creates a powerful magnetic field to produce detailed images of the body's structures and functions, without the use of ionizing radiation. As the procedure involves lying in a narrow, enclosed space, patients with claustrophobia need to be made aware of the environment and potentially offered strategies to manage anxiety. They should be notified about the loud noises produced by the machine, although earplugs or headphones are typically provided to minimize discomfort.
Additionally, patients need to be screened for any metal objects or implants, such as pacemakers, that may pose a risk due to the strong magnetic field. They should remove all metallic belongings before the scan to prevent any interference with the imaging or danger to the patient. It might be helpful to explain that the protons in their body (primarily in water molecules) will be aligned by the magnetic field and then knocked off axis by pulses of radio waves. When the protons realign back into the magnetic field, they send out radio signals that are converted into images.
Lastly, patients should be advised that the process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour and they must remain as still as possible for the best quality images. Understanding these aspects of the MRI process can greatly ease the patient's mind and improve compliance during the scan.