OBSERVATION REPORT ON

MAGNETIC RESONANCE
IMAGING SCAN
[Document subtitle]

SUBMITTED TO –
Madam Kalyani Saha
Professor SUBMITTED BY –
Apollo Gleneagles Nursing College, Kolkata
Shubhrima Khan
M.Sc. Nursing 2nd year
Apollo Gleneagles Nursing College, Kolkata
INTRODUCTION: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems provide highly detailed
images of tissue in the body. The systems detect and process the signals generated when
hydrogen atoms, which are abundant in tissue, are placed in a strong magnetic field and
excited by a resonant magnetic excitation pulse.

DEFINITION: An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a radiology imaging test

which uses radio waves, magnetism, and a computer to generate images of different body
structures. This is one of the safest and accurate imaging tests done for diagnosing different
diseases and medical conditions.

PURPOSES: MRI scan is one of the most accurate methods of detecting disease in the body.
MRI scan is the most commonly used imaging test after other testing methods have failed to
provide sufficient information for confirmation of a patient’s diagnosis.

TYPES:

MRI scan of the Head: Trauma/injury to the brain needs a MRI scan where it will help to
detect any swelling or bleeding. Other abnormalities which can be detected with a MRI scan
of the head include brain tumors, brain aneurysms, stroke and inflammation or tumors of the
spine.

MRI scan in Neurology: MRI scan is used by neurosurgeons in defining brain anatomy and
also in assessing the integrity of the spinal cord after any injury. MRI scan is also used to
detect or diagnose any problems related to vertebrae and the inter-vertebral discs of the spine.

MRI scan in Cardiology: MRI scan is also used for evaluation of the structure of the aorta
and heart, as it helps in detection of any tears or aneurysms. MRI scans however, are not the
first line of imaging test in case of trauma/injury.

MRI of the breasts: MRI can be used with mammography to detect breast cancer,
particularly in women who have dense breast tissue or who might be at high risk of the
disease.

MRI scan in other systems of the body: MRI scan provides valuable information regarding
organs and glands present inside the abdomen. MRI scan gives accurate information about
the structure of the soft tissues, joints and bones of the body. The results of the MRI scan give
valuable input regarding whether surgery can be performed or not.
COMPONENT OF MRI SCANNER: The MRI scanner looks like a tube which is
surrounded by a giant circular magnet. A moveable bed is present on which the patient is
made to lie down and this table then passes into the magnet. A strong magnetic field is
produced by the magnet that brings the protons of hydrogen atoms into alignment. All this
then gets exposed to a beam of radio waves which results in spinning of different protons of
the body. This produces a faint signal which is picked up by the receiver part of the MRI
scanner. A computer processes this receiver information which then leads to generation of an
image. The resolution of the image which is produced by MRI is very intricate and detailed
and can detect even minute changes of the structures inside the body. Contrast agents are
used in some MRI scan procedures to increase the accuracy of the images.

PROCEDURE:

Patient Preparation:

 Make sure the scanner can accommodate the patient’s weight and abdominal girth.
 Explain to the patient regarding the whole procedure, who will perform the test and
where it will take place.
 Explain that the test takes 30 to 90 minutes.
 Ask the patient to eat normally and continue to take usual medications unless
instructed.
  Instructed the patient to change into gown and to remove jewellery, hairpins,
dentures, watches, hearing aids, eyeglasses if the patient had any of these.
 If the patient is claustrophobic or if extensive time is required for scanning, explain to
patient that a mild sedative may be administered to reduce anxiety.
 Tell the patient that he must lie flat, and describe the test procedure.
 Explain to the patient that he or she will hear the scanner clicking, whirring, and
thumping as it moves inside its housing.
 Reassure the patient that he or she will be able to communicate with the technician at
all times.
 Stop I.V. infusion pumps, feeding tubes with metal tips, pulmonary artery catheters,
and similar devices before the test.
 Ask whether the patient has any surgically implanted joints, pins, clips, valves,
pumps, or pacemakers containing metal that could be attracted to strong MRI magnet.
 Note and report all allergies.
 Make sure that the patient or a responsible family member has signed an informed
consent form, if required.

During the test:

 The patient is placed on a narrow, padded, nonmetallic table that moves into the
scanner tunnel. Fans continuously circulate air in the tunnel, and a call bell or
intercom is used to maintain verbal contact.
 Remind the patient to remain still throughout the procedure.
 While the patient lies within the strong magnetic field, the area to be studied in
stimulated with radio-frequency waves.
 If the test is prolonged with the patient lying flat, monitor him for orthostatic
hypotension.
 Provide comfort measures and pain medication as needed and ordered because of
prolonged positioning in the scanner.
 In some cases, a contrast material, typically gadolinium, will be injected through an
intravenous (IV) line into a vein in hand or arm. The contrast material enhances
certain details.
 After the test, tell the patient that he may resume his usual activity.
  Provide emotional support to the patient with claustrophobia or anxiety over his
diagnosis.

PRECAUTIONS:
Be aware that MRI can’t be performed on a patient with a pacemaker, intracranial aneurysm
clip, or other ferrous metal implants. Ventilators, I.V. infusion pumps, oxygen tanks, and
other metallic or computer based equipment must be kept out of the MRI area.

If the patient is unstable, make sure an I.V. line without metal components is in place and that
all equipment is compatible with MRI imaging. If necessary, monitor the patient’s oxygen
saturation, cardiac, rhythm, and respiratory status during the test. An anesthesiologist may be
needed to monitor a heavily sedated patient.

COMPLICATION:

 Orthostatic hypotension
 Anxiety
 Claustrophobia
 Allergy
 Asthma

CONCLUSION:

A MRI is to visualize the body of a patient in a detailed form without having to cut it open. It
has a variety of purposes and uses. Its significance in both the biological and medical field is
unimaginable, as this machine uses its complex ways to save lives around the globe everyday.
Since it was invented by Dr. Damadian, the MRI machine has helped solve many biological
and medical mysteries. This technology has given a chance for people to live their lives to the
fullest, when they didn't have any hope left. The MRI machine continues to have great
impacts in the human life and with scientists continuing to improve this important device; it
seems that we may not have seen the full potential of the MRI scanners just yet.