Child Life Corner
The Keys to Assessing and Preparing a Non-sedated Patient for CT and MRI
By Laura Katz, CCLS
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite
- Be sure that patient is of appropriate age (i.e. developmentally appropriate 8 year old for brain MRI)
- Interact with patient by getting on his/her level (physically, developmentally and emotionally)
- Explain to patient that they will be having pictures taken and that the camera is big but it doesn't touch them or hurt them
- During preparation explain the sequence of events
- Explain to patient that their "job" is to remain still during the scan and explain why (to prevent motion)
- Remind the patient that they can breathe normal and blink their eyes during the scan
- Prepare patient using:
- a picture of the scanner
- demonstrating on the actual scanner and/or a mock scanner
- actual scanner sounds
- Allow patient to explore on actual scanner or mock scanner (encourage patient to look around before being asked to remain still)
- Have patient practice remaining still while on the actual scanner or the mock scanner for an appropriate amount of time
- While the patient is practicing assess how they are coping and cooperating
- When possible include caregivers in preparation as well as utilizing them to provide support during the scan
- Younger CT patients (ages 2-4) may initially be hesitant or upset when they practice on the scanner and/or mock scanner, but many times they calm down after practicing once they realize that the scanner is not going to touch them or hurt them
- If a patient is able to watch a movie during their MRI, explain how this works and ask them if they can get focused on TV at home. If they can, they will most likely be able to focus on a movie during the scan and this will help them remain still
- For CT introduce distraction items as needed (i.e. video on iPad, snoozelen projector, bubbles, spinning light up toy)
- If you have a child life specialist, consult them to assist you with the assessment, procedural preparation and procedural support
