February 2016

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What's New at

Guardian Nurses?

Check Your Lips After that CT Scan

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What's New at
Guardian Nurses

Welcome to our newest RN,
Rebecca Czarkowski

Our team here at Guardian Nurses continues to grow thanks to the confidence that our clients have in our ability to guide their employees and members through their healthcare challenges.

Rebecca Rivkin-Czarkowski, RN, is the newest member of our highly talented and successful group of nurses.

Rebecca, who predominantly works with our District Council 21 members and their families, came to us after a case management position at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Prior to that, she worked in the Emergency Room at a suburban hospital.

Welcome Aboard, Rebecca!!!

In case you were wondering, besides being Heart Month,
February Is...

National Children's Dental Health Month
National Canned Food Month
National Wedding Month
National Embroidery Month
National Grapefruit Month
National Cat Appreciation Month

Last week I was walking through a hallway of a large hospital when a woman approached me and said, "Excuse me, can you direct me to the lobby. I just had a Cat Scan and I've gotten a little lost." Looking at her closely, I noticed she had what looked like the remnants of contrast liquid around her mouth. After I directed her to the right hallway, I offered her a tissue saying, "Looks like you have some leftover CT scan dye around your mouth." Grateful, she joked, "No wonder everyone's been looking at me strangely."

Besides the awful taste (and look) of contrast material, one of the more frequent complaints about getting tests done is how cold it is in the department----particularly when you're in your skivvies. Perhaps more than any other testing, the professional who is capturing the images has a lot more leeway than you might think. We've included some "tips" for the next time you might need to have a radiology test done.

Just 26 Days 'til Daylight Savings!!

Betty
Betty Long, RN, MHA

President/CEO

Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates

Some Things To Consider When Having a Study Done

Leave jewelry home. Jewelry interferes with most imaging tests so why take a chance yours might get lost? Take off your jewelry in the car and lock it in your glove compartment.
Ask for written instructions if you need to do something before the test. It's not a good idea to trust your memory with instructions given over the phone. If you miss a critical step, you may have to reschedule. Instructions can be mailed, faxed, or emailed. Some places even have their instructions on a website.
When you're scheduling, ask how long the test will take. Many tests require that you are injected with or drink a liquid called contrast which will highlight certain structures in your body. You may need to have some images taken, then wait and have more taken an hour later. Don't assume that everything can be done as quickly as a basic chest xray.
If your study requires a bowel prep and/or contrast, it will take a while and will likely wear you out. Plan on taking it easy the rest of the day.
Avoid wearing any clothing with metal because it will show up on the image. It's much easier to ask all patients to change into a gown so the technologist doesn't have to worry about a hidden metal bra hook, for example. But if you're going to be a while, or have arthritis, or are sensitive to cold, there is no law that says you must change.
A fashion 'do' for imaging includes:
- Women should avoid metal hooks or underwire bra. Wear an elastic sports bra or none at all.
- Wear regular underpants. Men, that means no boxers with snaps.
- For studies below the waist, wear pants with an elastic or drawstring (like sweatpants). Avoid pants with zippers or clips at the waist.
- White cotton socks and a sweatshirt can keep you warmer while you're chilling in the exam room.
Speak up! Medical imaging departments are cold because the machines often generate a lot of heat. If you're lying on the rock hard metal table in a thin gown, you'll be very uncomfortable and cold. Most tests can be done through blankets so make sure you ask for one (or two) if you're chilly.
Ask the technologist for ideas if the contrast liquid or barium tastes nasty. You need to figure out a way to swallow the minimum amount--without vomiting--so you don't have to repeat the test. If you can get the liquid cold, the taste won't be as strong. Try asking for a cup with a lid and a straw so you don't have to look at it. The straw will help you direct the liquid past your taste buds.
Keep yourself distracted. If you have the slightest anxiety about the walls closing in, ask the ordering physician if you can schedule at an open MRI. Bring a favorite CD-----today, all MRI machines have sound systems and headphones (or speakers). Music can be very relaxing in a strange place.
If you are having a long procedure--not in an MRI--bring your own headphones and music/book so you can mentally be someplace else.
If you are diabetic and had to fast for a study, be sure to carry your own sugar in case your blood sugar drops unexpectedly. The technologist will recognize the signs but a ready source of sugar is not necessarily in every room.
Getting ready to leave:
- Drink plenty of fluids for 24 hours after any medical imaging study that required contrast (drank or injected) to flush the contrast through your kidneys.
- Before you leave the department, check with the technologist to see if there are any post-test special instructions you need to follow at home.
- If you're anxious about the results, ask if you can review the study with a radiologist before you leave the department.
- And if you've had to drink anything for a test, take a look in the mirror before you leave. You don't want to frighten anyone! Your mouth and lips may be chalky white!

Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates
215-836-0260 | Toll Free 888-836-0260 | info@guardiannurses.com | GuardianNurses.com