Advice regarding fluroscopy exposure to patients and staff

Nurses Safety

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I'm seeking advice regarding a matter that seems to be a sticky point between myself and a radiation tech. Prior to a pain management procedure, the radiation tech exposes the patient and staff to fluroscopy in order to position the fluro unit for the procedure. I have brought this to her attention, about the increase exposure, but insists that she isn't doing anything wrong. She simply stated she does this in other centers she worked in. But as a courtesy, I asked her to wait until the physician is in the room and patient prepped, ready to be injected to start fluroscopy. Other techs do not fluro before patient is prepped and physician is in the room. I brought my concerns to my director, who has swept this issue under the rug. Any advice??

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Specializes in Psych, LTC/SNF, Rehab, Corrections.

I used to shoot xrays. It was a while ago but I know good and well that you dont have to hit the fluoro button to move the tower to position.

Its not even an issue of prof courtesy. Its radiation safety...especially if this pt rec'vs rad procedures often. In general, you let ppl lead up or give them a chance to get clear. Then, announce 'xray' when youre about shoot. You dont just run about exposing everyone's gonads.

...and thats just routine xray. We rarely did fluoro. The doc did. Any time that we did fluoro? The doc was in the room. Upon instruction.

Maybe you should slap a lead gown on yourself and the pt. Is it a new machine? Maybe she doesnt know how to work the thing. Is she a new tech?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

The general positioning should be able to be done with shooting fluoro, and it's really up to the MD to decide if they like the positioning under fluoro so the first shot should be done by the MD, but even then only after everyone is properly leaded up.

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

Contact the rad. tech's supervisor. This is bad practice.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

OSHA?

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https://rpop.iaea.org/RPOP/RPoP/Content/InformationFor/HealthProfessionals/4_InterventionalRadiology/fluoroscopy-operating-theatres/fluoroscopy-patient-protection.htm

Guidelines for use of fluoroscopy to decrease patient and staff exposure. No unnecessary exposure is acceptable.

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