Medical Imagery

Medical imagery is the window into the body when the outside doesn’t tell the full story. Whether you’re ruling out fractures, spotting internal bleeding, or confirming a collapsed lung, imaging helps translate symptoms into visible evidence.

X-Ray

Basic internal pictures of bones, chest, and more using invisible rays.

  • Bring the patient to the X-ray Room.
  • Have the patient lay flat on the table.
  • Put on a lead apron to protect yourself from radiation.
  • Begin the scan with the machine.
  • Take the image from the machine once done.
  • Place the image on the projector to review.
  • Use /ME to ask the patient what the image reveals (fractures, infection, etc.).

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Detailed scan using magnets and radio waves—great for soft tissue, brain, spine, etc.

  • Make sure the patient removes all metal items.
  • Move them to the MRI/CT Room.
  • Lay them on the bed inside the tube-shaped scanner.
  • Tell them you’ll be in the next room and to stay still.
  • Go to the control room.
  • Begin the scan.
  • Use /ME to get results from the patient (e.g., brain swelling, spinal damage).
  • Move them to an exam room, then explain your findings.

⚠️ DO NOT use MRI if the patient has metal implants or objects.

CT Scan (Computed Tomography)

A 3D scan showing clear cross-sections of bones, organs, and tissues.

  • Bring the patient to the CT/MRI Room.
  • Have them lie on the bed inside the donut-shaped scanner.
  • Explain the procedure, let them know you’ll be in the next room.
  • Move to the control area.
  • Start the scan.
  • Use /OOC or /ME to get the results from the patient (e.g., internal bleeding, fractures).
  • Move the patient to an exam room, then describe your findings based on the scan.

Note: The CT scanner can double as an MRI machine in RP.

Sonogram / Ultrasound

Real-time internal images using sound waves—good for soft tissues, heart, kidneys, and more.

  • Can be done in an exam room or OR.
  • Apply ultrasound gel to the hand-held device (transducer).
  • Rub the transducer over the area you’re checking.
  • Use it to look for organ damage, fluid, pregnancy, etc.
  • Use /OOC or /ME to let the patient describe the findings.
  • Wipe off the gel and clean the device.
  • Explain the results to the patient.