Bsrt III

Rad. Pathology
Dinio, John Dominique P.
1. What is Pathology?
a. Pathology is the study of the causes and effects of disease or injury. The
word pathology also refers to the study of disease in general,
incorporating a wide range of bioscience research fields and medical
practices. Pathology is a branch of medical science that involves the study
and diagnosis of disease through the examination of surgically removed
organs, tissues (biopsy samples), bodily fluids, and in some cases the
whole body (autopsy). 
2. Define the following terminologies:
3. Signs and Symptoms - Signs and symptoms are abnormalities that can indicate
a potential medical condition. Whereas a symptom is subjective, that is, apparent
only to the patient (for example back pain or fatigue), a sign is any objective
evidence of a disease that can be observed by others (for example a skin rash or
lump).
4. Syndrome - A syndrome is a set of medical signs and symptoms which are
correlated with each other and often associated with a particular disease or
disorder. The word derives from the Greek σύνδρομον, meaning "concurrence".
5. Hemorrhage - An escape of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, especially when
profuse.
6. Inflammation - Inflammation refers to your body's process of fighting against
things that harm it, such as infections, injuries, and toxins, in an attempt to heal
itself. When something damages your cells, your body releases chemicals that
trigger a response from your immune system.
7. Purpura - Purpura, also called blood spots or skin hemorrhages, refers to purple-
colored spots that are most recognizable on the skin. The spots may also appear
on organs or mucous membranes, including the membranes on the inside of the
mouth. Purpura occurs when small blood vessels burst, causing blood to pool
under the skin.
8. Cellulitis - Cellulitis (sel-u-LIE-tis) is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin
infection. The affected skin appears swollen and red and is typically painful and
warm to the touch. Cellulitis usually affects the skin on the lower legs, but it can
occur in the face, arms and other areas.
What are the different manifestations of a disease process?
a. The five periods of disease (sometimes referred to as stages or phases)
include the incubation, prodromal, illness, decline, and
convalescence periods. 
Differentiate the following:
1. Hereditary - Heredity is the biological process responsible for passing on
physical traits from one generation to another.
2. Congenital - (of a disease or physical abnormality) present from birth. (of a
person) having a particular trait from birth or by firmly established habit.
3. Iatrogenic - relating to illness caused by medical examination or treatment.
4. Nosocomial - (of a disease) originating in a hospital.
Bsrt III
Rad. Pathology
Dinio, John Dominique P.
What are the five signs of disease process?
a. The incubation period occurs in an acute disease after the initial entry of
the pathogen into the host (patient). It is during this time the pathogen
begins multiplying in the host. However, there are insufficient numbers of
pathogen particles (cells or viruses) present to cause signs and symptoms
of disease. Incubation periods can vary from a day or two in acute disease
to months or years in chronic disease, depending upon the pathogen.
Factors involved in determining the length of the incubation period are
diverse, and can include strength of the pathogen, strength of the host
immune defenses, site of infection, type of infection, and the size
infectious dose received. During this incubation period, the patient is
unaware that a disease is beginning to develop. The prodromal period
occurs after the incubation period. During this phase, the pathogen
continues to multiply and the host begins to experience general signs and
symptoms of illness, which typically result from activation of the immune
system, such as fever, pain, soreness, swelling, or inflammation. Usually,
such signs and symptoms are too general to indicate a particular disease.
Following the prodromal period is the period of illness, during which the
signs and symptoms of disease are most obvious and severe. The period
of illness is followed by the period of decline, during which the number of
pathogen particles begins to decrease, and the signs and symptoms of
illness begin to decline. However, during the decline period, patients may
become susceptible to developing secondary infections because their
immune systems have been weakened by the primary infection. The final
period is known as the period of convalescence. During this stage, the
patient generally returns to normal functions, although some diseases may
inflict permanent damage that the body cannot fully repair.
1. Bronchitis: an inflammation of the bronchi
2. Otitis media: an inflammation of the middle ear
3. Dermatitis: a disease where the skin is inflamed
4. Signs of an inflammation
5. There are five symptoms that may be signs of an acute inflammation:
6. Redness
7. Heat
8. Swelling
9. Pain
10. Loss of function

What is trauma radiography?

a. Trauma radiography is an art. The vast majority of radiographs that a
trauma radiographer must perform have to be improvised. You must know
theory involved for procedures performed and the ability to critically think
through the procedures to make the necessary positioning adjustments to
accommodate the condition of the patient.
Bsrt III
Rad. Pathology
Dinio, John Dominique P.

Give examples of trauma radiography? Define each and specify the particular
area where they usually occur. Show radiographic illustrations, the possible
treatment and the imaging modalities which can be used to diagnose that
particular trauma.

Common Radiography Trauma:

1. Blunt Trauma - a condition resulted from a blunt force from a mechanism and
the surface of the skin remains intact. Examples are: Motor Vehicular Accidents
(MVA), Collisions with pedestrians, falls, and aggravated assault.
2. Penetrating Trauma - a condition or injury in which the skin is pierced by an
object and reaches in tissue of the body, resulted an open wound. Examples are:
Gunshot wound, stab wounds, impalement injuries, and foreign body ingestion or
aspiration.
3. Explosive Trauma - it is also known as “blast injury”, this injury is caused by a
direct or indirect exposure to an explosion and several mechanisms, including
pressure shock wave, high velocity projectiles, and Burns. Burns may be caused
by a number of agents including fire, steam and hot water, chemicals, electricity,
and frostile.
Best Practices in Trauma Patients
4. A routine position is necessary to achieve the right radiographic images of the
anatomy of interest. But radiography of the trauma patient is seldom allowing the
use of routine position and projections. Because these traumatized patient
requires special attention to patient care techniques, while radiologic technologist
performing difficult radiographic imaging procedures. Enumerated below are
Technician’s best practices and provided with some universal guidelines for the
trauma radiographer.

5. Speed - Trauma technician must take a quality radiograph in the shortest period
of time. Performing Quick or rapid diagnostic examination is critical to saving the
patient’s life. 

6. Accuracy - Technician must provide an accurate image with a minimal amount

of distortion and the maximum amount of recorded detail. Also, the central ray,
the part, and the image receptor must be accurately placed and aligned it is also
applying in trauma radiology. The use of shortest exposure time is important to
minimize possibility of imaging involuntary and uncontrollable motion.

7. Quality - The quality of a radiograph does not have to sacrifice to produce an

image quickly. The patient’s condition is not an excuse for a careless positioning
and not providing more high quality radiographic images.

8. Positioning - Careful precaution for a trauma radiographer must be taken to

ensure the performance of the radiographic imaging technique does not worsen
the patient condition or injuries. The two projections at the right angles from one
Bsrt III
Rad. Pathology
Dinio, John Dominique P.
another (the “golden rule” of technicians) still applies. As often as possible, move
the tube and IR, rather than the patient, to obtain the desired projections.

9. Practice Standard Precautions -Blood and body fluids should be expected

scene in trauma radiography. Gloves, mask, and gown must be properly worn by
the technician. Protect the IR and sponges from body fluids by placing it on a
nonporous plastic before an x-ray exam and keep all equipment and accessory
devices clean and ready for use. Wash hand frequently, especially between
patients.

10. Immobilization - Never remove any immobilization device without physician’s

order. Provide proper immobilization and support to increase patient comfort and
minimize risk of motion.

11. Anticipation - Anticipating required special projections or diagnostic procedure

for certain injuries makes the radiographer a vital part of the emergency room
(ER) team. Ex. If patients requiring an x-ray of the chest. Fractures of the pelvis
is often requiring a cystogram to determine the status of the urinary bladder.
Being preferred to perform these examinations quickly and understanding the
necessity of these additional images instills confidence in, and creates an
appreciation for, the role of the radiologic technologist in the emergency setting.

12. Attention to Detail - When performing an imaging procedure never leave the
trauma patient or any patient unattended because the patient condition may
change at any time, and it’s the radiographer’s responsibility to note these
changes and report them immediately to the attending physician. During film
processing, an eye contact with your patients is impossible, call for help.
Someone must be with the trauma patient at all times.

13. Attention to Department Protocol and Scope of Practice - Radiographer must

know the department protocols and practice only within your competence and
abilities. This scope of practice for radiologic technicians varies from state to
state and country by country. Understand and study the scope of your role in the
emergency setting. Do not provide or offer a patient anything by mouth. Always
ask the attending physician before giving the patient anything to eat or drink no
matter how persistent the patient may be.

14. Professionalism - Ethical conduct and professionalism in all situations and with
every person is a requirement of all health care professionals, but the conditions
encountered in the emergency room can particularly complicated. Adhere to
Code of Ethics for Radiologic Technologist and the Practice Standards. Be aware
of the people present or nearby at all times when discussing a patient’s care. The
ER radiologic technician is exposed to a myriad of tragic conditions. Emotional
reactions are common and expected, but must be controlled until the emergency
care of the patient is complete.