70 CARE OF PATIENT IN DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY

will accept such a mixture more readily. However, the system has little
to recommend it. The fat present in milk leads to flocculation of the
barium sulphate and visualization of the alimentary tract is impaired.
Secondly the combination of barium sulphate and water with the dried
milk powder usually employed often seems to result in a thickly viscous
consistency,more solid than fluid, which the patient cannot take.
A preferable method is to replace the child's ten o'clock feed with a
normally prepared barium drink administered in a feeding bottle of
conventional type. A baby who is hungry will generally show little
reluctance to take it.
The most difficult patient is the toddler who has to be persuaded to
drink from a cup an unusual drink which, even if he is hungry, he will
probably find that he does not like. His mother or father, if present, may
or may not prove an asset to the radiographer. Sometimes in these
circumstances children are found to respond better to the ministrations of
a stranger with whom there is no emotional link, but it is as well for the
radiographer to discover from his parents as much as possible about the
child.
The correct use of his name or nickname is an obvious beginning. If he
enjoys drinking through a straw, to allow him to take the barium in this
way may be adequate encouragement. If he is averse to milk, the appear
ance of the barium sulphate will be off-putting at the start, and in this case
colouring agent might well be added.
a suitable
In of babies and young children cleanliness in the preparation
the case
of the meal is particularly important. After use, feeding bottles should be
rinsed in cold water, washed with warm soapy water, rinsed well and
finally boiled. Teats also should be well washed, using a soft brush; they
should be rinsed likewise in cold water, boiled and then stored in a

covered jar. Common salt rubbed inside and over the outside of each teat
after the initial washing is said to be a helpful cleansing agent.

Preparation of the Trolley

Before the beginning of each fluoroscopic list a 'barium trolley' should be
made ready containing all that will be needed for the complete session of
'meals'. A 'barium preparation' room is a feature of many departments.
Here the 'meal' is mixed in accordance with the requirements of the
radiologist concerned and poured ready for use into the appropriate
number of beakers or tumblers set ready on a tray.
In general use at the present time are proprietary preparations of barium
sulphate in suspension form. These require further dilution with water in