# Medical Imaging --- **Medical imaging** is a collective title for a bunch of different techniques that can be used to "see" inside someone's body without actually opening them up. ![[brain imaging.png]] ## X-Ray **[[X-ray]]** is the workhorse of medical imaging, providing fast, easy, and relatively low-radiation images. ## MRI **MRI** (magnetic resonance imaging) machines are like CT scanners but with magnets instead of radiation. ## PET **PET** (positron emission tomography) scans are used in conjunction with safe, radioactive substances to see physiological activity. **✓** PET imaging is primarily used to detect cancers, assess the treatment response, and evaluate the extent of metastasis. Malignant tissue uses a substantial amount of glucose, and if the radioisotope is metabolized in the body, similar to glucose, it will accumulate in the most active areas. - The client is instructed to be NPO 4-6 hours before this exam. - The client should be instructed to refrain from vigorous exercise 24- hours before the exam. - After the injection of FDG, the client must lie in a quiet room for 60 minutes before the scan. **✓** PET scans are valuable in various medical fields, particularly in oncology, neurology, and cardiology. In oncology, PET scans help in cancer diagnosis, determining the stage of cancer, evaluating the effectiveness of treatments like chemotherapy, and detecting cancer recurrence. In neurology, PET scans are used to diagnose conditions like Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy, while in cardiology, they aid in assessing myocardial viability and blood flow to the heart muscle. **✓** Nurses play a vital role in preparing clients for PET scans. They need to ensure that clients understand the procedure, including the need for fasting before the scan and the importance of following specific dietary guidelines, especially for diabetic clients. Providing clear instructions and addressing any concerns the client may have is crucial. ## Ultrasounds **Ultrasounds** use high-frequency sounds to generate an image using the sound's echos. It's the least invasive and has no radiation. •Uses sound waves to show an image of fetus •Sound waves bounce off the fetus and the echo is analyzed by computer •May be done in early pregnancy to confirm due date or as part of genetic screening •Standard of care: 18-20 week ultrasound to assess growth & development of fetus, placenta, amniotic fluid •Often repeated in context of complications •Can also be used to assess gestational age, diagnose ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy viability, diagnose multiples, watch growth •The midwife performs a first trimester ultrasound in the office •The baby’s crown-rump length is consistent with a 7w5d fetus •This is consistent with Thuy’s LMP, establishing excellent pregnancy dating ___