NCM 116

Skull and Spine

Radiology
PRESENTED BY Latada, Christiane Kyla G.
Skull X-ray Spine X-ray
Skull X-rays are performed to
examine the nose, sinuses, and various regions of spine is to
facial bones. These studies may identify fractures, anomalies
also be referred to as sinus X- or possibly tumors
rays.
X-rays studies produce films, also
known as radiographs, by aiming
X-rays at soft bones and tissues
of the body.
X-ray beams are similar to light
waves, except their shorter
wavelength allows them to
penetrate dense substances,
producing images and shadows
on film
 Purpose
Skull X-ray Spine X-ray
Skull X-ray A lumbosacral spine X-ray is a picture of
To identify skull fracture the small bones (vertebrae) in the lower
To detect the position of pineal part of the spine, which includes the
body lumbar region and the sacrum, the area
To identify the unusual that connects the spine to the pelvis
calcification To diagnose wedging of collapsed
To conform the shape and size of vertebra
skull bones To detect erosion of bone called by
To detect bone erosion neoplasm
To identify abnormal vascularity To identify irregular calcification as a
result of inflammatory process
To detect vertebral fractures and
dislocations
To detect spondylosis and spurs
To identify trauma to vertebral; column
Description
Skull or sinus X-rays
may be performed in In many instances, The X-ray tube is in
a doctor’s office that particularly for sinus front of the patient
has X-ray equipment views, the patient will and may be moved to
and a technologist sit upright in a chair, allow for different
available. The exam perhaps with the positions and views. A
may also be head held stable by a patient may also be
performed in an foam vise. A film asked to move his or
outpatient radiology cassette is located her head at various
facility or a hospital behind the patient. angles and positions.
radiology department.
Description
In some cases,
technologists will ask the
The technologist will
patient to lie on a table
The length of the test usually ask a patient
and will place the head
will vary depending to wait while the films
and neck at various
on the number of are being developed
angles. In routine skull X-
views taken, but in to ensure that they
rays, as many as five
general, it should last are adequate before
different views may be
about 10 minutes. going to the
taken to allow a clear
radiologist
picture of various bones
and tissues.
General
Instruction
Some clients with neurological
disorders require nursing support
throughout the X-ray study,
Client preparation: there is no
especially clients who are
preparation for the patient prior to
confused, combative or ventilator arriving at the radiology facility.
dependent Patients will be asked to remove
If the client has suspected spinal jewelry, dentures, or other metal
fracture the neck is immobilized objects that may produce artifacts on
prior to moving the client to make the film. The referring doctor or X-ray
technologist can answer any
X-ray films
questions regarding the procedure.
Metal items should be removed
Any woman who is or may be
from body parts pregnant should tell the technologist.
General
Instruction
Explain the procedure to the client
in simple words
Remove jewelry, dentures,
hairclips and glasses
Send the client to X-ray
department in wheelchair or
stretcher
Spinal precautions that are
cervical collar and strict
maintenance of head alignment
done for suspected neck fracture
Procedure
Place the client in proper positioning
A lateral view of the cervical spine is taken
first with minimal movement to determine
whether fracture has occurred
A C1 –C2 view is obtained by taking the X-
ray through the open mouth of the client
For C6-C7 views adequate visualization
often requires the nurse or technician to
pull down firmly on the client’s arms while
the film is being taken

After Care
Transfer the client to the bed
Monitor the vital signs and neurological
status
Collect the X-ray and inform to the
consultant
Record the procedure in the nurse’s
record.
Normal results: normal results should
indicate sinuses, bones, tissues, and other
observed areas are of normal size, shape,
and thickness for the patient’s age and
medical history. Results, whether normal or
abnormal, will be provided to the referring
doctor in a written report.
Abnormal results: abnormal results may
include:
Sinusitis: air in sinuses will show up on a
radiograph as black, but fluid will be
cloudy or white (opaque). This helps the
radiologist to identify fluid in the sinuses.
In chronic sinusitis, the radiologist may
also note thickening or destruction of the
bony wall of an infected sinus
Fractures
Tumors
Other: changes in bone structure, such as
Paget’s disease of the bone or
acromegaly. Areas of calcification or
gathering of calcium deposits, or
destruction may indicate a condition such
as an infection of bone or bone marrow
(osteomyelitis)
 NCM 116

CT Scan & MRI

Radiology
PRESENTED BY Latada, Christiane Kyla G.
 MRIs
MRIs use a large, powerful magnet
and radio waves to create a similar
picture. The radio waves cause the
molecules in your body to line up in
a certain way, and they send out
signals when they revert to their
normal positions. This gives us
information about the different
types of tissue in your body.
CT Scan
A CT scan is like a series of X-
rays taken very quickly in a circle
around you. When combined and
looked at together, they provide
a detailed, three-dimensional
image of your body.
 MRIs
MRI stands for magnetic resonance
imaging. This imager uses radio waves and
strong magnets to create a view of your
bones, tissues and organs. MRI scans are
ideal for getting a detailed, in-depth look at
your tissues or organs. Doctors use MRIs to
diagnose several conditions including:
Breast cancer
Tumors
Joint abnormalities
Blood vessel irregularities
Brain problems
Inflammatory bowel conditions
Liver disease
Bone disorders
CT Scan
CT stands for computed tomography.
Sometimes, these are referred to as CAT
scans, which stands for computerized axial
tomography. CT scans use x-rays to create
multiple cross-sections of your body.
Most often, CT scans are used to look for
problems in your bones, tissues, brain or other
organs. Doctors typically use CT scans to
identify the following conditions:
Circulation problems
Abdominal abnormalities: Unknown masses in the
liver, pancreas or kidneys can be identified as tumors
or not.
Urinary bleeding causes
Lung issues
Skeletal system problems
Head conditions
 During MRIs
Before the scan, you may need a contrast
agent. Sometimes, you will have one scan
without the contrast dye followed by an MRI
with the dye. Depending on what parts you are
having scanned, you may drink the solution or
have it injected into a vein. After removing all
clothing and jewelry, you’ll dress in medical
scrubs (top and pants) or a hospital gown. Next,
you’ll lie on the scanner table, which slides into
the device. You will have earplugs or
headphones to wear. The MRI machine makes a
lot of noise while running.
During the scanning process, you may be
required to hold your breath for specific scans.
Even the slight movement of breathing can
affect the results. MRIs are painless and last up
to an hour, though some may take slightly more
time.
During CT Scan
For the computed tomography scan, if your
doctor requested a contrast, you will have the
fluid injected into your system. If you need a
scan of your digestive tract, you might be
asked to drink contrast. After putting on
medical scrubs (top and pants) or a hospital
gown, you will lie down on a table, very similar
to the one used for an MRI. The table slides
into the scanning device, which is much quieter
and faster than an MRI. You should not feel any
pain during the exam. Nothing touches your
body during the scan. Most scans finish in 10
minutes.
The difference between MRI and CT Scan
Cost: CT scans are almost
half the price of MRIs.
Speed: CT scans take much
less time than MRIs. The
exact time required depends
on whether you need a
contrast dye for the
procedure, but MRIs always
require more time for the
scan. A typical CT scan lasts
10 minutes whereas MRIs can
take up to an hour or longer.
Sound level: MRIs
Images: MRIs will
tend to be very noisy,
produce sharper,
and you will get
more detailed results,
earplugs or
especially of soft
headphones to
tissues and behind
reduce the effect on
bones, which may
your ears. CT scans
block views on CT
are much quieter than
scans.
MRIs, and you won’t
need ear protection
during the procedure.
Who MRI scans pose low levels of risk, but they are not for
everyone. The intense magnetic field generated during
should not the MRI could cause problems for those with metallic
implants in their body. Have a conversation with your
have MRI? primary care provider about whether you should have
an MRI if you have any of the following:
An IUD
Artificial joints
A pacemaker
Eye implants
Aneurysm clips
Shrapnel
Orthopedic hardware
Dark tattoos
Who
should not
Not everyone should have a CT scan. While the
scans are relatively benign, they do expose you to

have CT
radiation. Too much exposure to radiation in
childhood could lead to cancer as an adult, doctors
tend to not recommend CT scans for children or
Scan? those who require multiple scans.
allergic to iodine contrast dyes, which are often
used for CT scans. If you are, you may be a better
candidate for an MRI.
Pregnant women who need abdominal imaging
may risk exposing their unborn child to radiation
during a CT scan.
Reference
Page Spine & Skull X-ray
https://nurseinfo.in/skull-and-spinal-x-ray/

MRI & CT Scan

https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/ct-
scan-vs-mri--what-is-the-difference.h00-
159616278.html#:~:text=A%20CT%20scan%20is%
20like,to%20create%20a%20similar%20picture.
https://www.healthimages.com/mri-vs-ct-scan/
Thank You!