Session Abstracts JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY NURSING

relationship that develops between these departmentsand radiology can be beneficial, or toxic. This presenta-tion will address the relationship between the interven-tional radiology department of a large teachinginstitution, and the ten dialysis centers that send theirpatients for treatment. Discussion topics include the ex-planation of the creation of a nurse liaison role, the in-credible changes this has made both in improvedpatient care and outcomes, the improved staff satisfac-tion on both ends, and the keys for the creation of a suc-cessful relationship. Objectives are to describe the roleof nurse liaison; discuss how a nurse liaison can facili-tate changes in practice, policy, and procedure to im-prove daily practice; explain how a nurse liaison canimprove patient outcomes within the radiology depart-ment; and to describe different tools that can be used toincrease communication between departments.

Volume or Vesicant: The Unique Complication ofExtravasation in Radiology

Katherine Duncan, RN, CRN, EMT

Clinical Nurse III, AHA Instructor, UNC Hospitals, ChapelHill, NC

Co-Presenters: Jessica Edwards, BSN, RN; WilliamWendt IV, RN, CCRN

Extravasation in Radiology offers unique complexitiesdue to the high-volume nature of CT and MRI-contrasted studies, the pressure extreme of power injec-tions, the radioactivity involved in nuclear materials,and the vesicant nature of chemotherapy agents usedin cancer treatments in VIR. The aim of this presenta-tion is to provide a comprehensive review of extravasa-tion literature and case studies, with the goal ofproviding guidance and materials toward nursing andpatient education. Currently, protocols vary or donot exist throughout Radiology departments. A stan-dardized approach or template will provide Radiologynurses with an evidence-based approach to care of thepatient experiencing extravasation. Objectives are tolearn the signs and symptoms of extravasation, treat-ments and outcomes; consider steps to take to reducethe risk of extravasation; discuss the differences and re-sults of extravasation of contrasts and medications; de-scribe the unique problem of volume that poses forpower infusions and the vesicant nature of the chemo-therapy drugs used in radiology; summarize the litera-ture and discussions with plastic surgeons on treatingcompartment syndrome and necrosis; review casestudies of extravasation in radiology; consider how todevelop and implement protocol for handling extrava-sation in Radiology departments; and to take homesample educational material and ideas to develop pa-tient education on managing extravasation.

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Making Your Pre-Calls Count

Sandra Schwaner, MSN, RN, ACNP

NP, University of Virginia, Charlotteville, VA

One of the radiology nurse’s responsibilities is to callpatients prior to their exam or procedure to ensure theyknow what to expect. This contact also provides an ini-tial encounter with the department and is essential tothe impression the patient has of their experience. Aneffective pre-call creates a positive encounter that re-sults in a prepared patient. This lecture will discusswhere pre-calls can go wrong, and explain a numberof tools to enhance your patient contact program, aswell as giving tips for implementing them in your prac-tice. Objectives are to identify outcomes desired whenmaking pre-calls, describe three barriers to effectivepre-calls, explain how having an effective pre-call pro-cess will enhance productivity and improve patientcare; and discuss at least three techniques to standard-ize and enhance the pre-call process.

Is the Use of the MRI Immobilizer with Neonates andYoung Infants as Effective as Sedation in MRI Imaging?

Amy Byrne, MSN, RN, CRNP

Nurse Practitioner, Department of Sedation, Children’sHospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

Co-Presenter: Lorie Reilly, MSN, RN, CRNP

MRI imaging provides key clinical and diagnostic in-formation for care of neonates and young infants.However, in order to obtain quality images, they needto be motionless in the scanner, often with the aid of se-dation medications. This vulnerable population is atrisk of sedation complications, and sedation recoverytime requires an overnight hospital stay for infants lessthat sixty weeks post-conceptual age. At The Children’sHospital of Philadelphia, we have been successful withobtaining quality MR imaging with the use of an im-mobilizer as an alternative to sedation with this popu-lation. The immobilizer is an air-tight, chambereddevice that safely and securely fastens around the infantwithout applying pressure. The infant is fed prior to thescan, and the immobilizer allows the infant to feel snugand warm, sleepy and motionless, eliminating the needfor sedation to successfully complete the MRI scanwith acceptable image quality. Decreasing the needfor sedation for neonates and young infants can resultin decreased costs (medications, nursing time, recoverytime); time (to sedate and recover); and sedation com-plications (oxygen desaturation, hypoventilation, bra-dycardia). The immobilizer offers a safe and effectiveoption to successfully obtaining MRI imaging in thispopulation without the need for sedation.

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