FREE MRSO Patient Screening and Implants Questions and Answers

Question 1

An unconscious patient from the emergency department requires an urgent brain MRI.
The patient is intubated and has no family present to provide a medical history.
What is the MOST critical initial step the MRSO must ensure is taken before the patient enters Zone IV?

Accepted Answer

Obtain plain film radiographs of the orbits, chest, and abdomen to screen for occult metallic objects.

Answer

Review the patient's electronic medical record for any documented implant history.

Answer

Perform a thorough physical examination, checking for scars and medical alert jewelry.

Answer

Consult the referring physician to confirm the urgency outweighs the potential unknown risks.

Question 2

According to the ASTM F2503 standard, what does the term "MR Conditional" signify for an implant or device?

Accepted Answer

The item has been demonstrated to pose no known hazards in a specified MR environment with specified conditions of use.

Answer

The item is made entirely of non-metallic, non-conductive materials and poses no known hazards in any MR environment.

Answer

The item is known to pose a clear and direct risk in any MR environment and its presence is an absolute contraindication for MRI.

Answer

The item requires deactivation by a manufacturer's representative before entering any MR environment.

Question 3

A patient presents for a 1.5T MRI of the lumbar spine. Their screening reveals they have two "MR Conditional" implants: a coronary stent rated for 1.5T and 3T systems, and a neurostimulator system with labeling that specifies conditions for a 1.5T head-only scan. As the MRSO, what is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Cancel the scan, as the conditions for the two implants are conflicting and cannot be met simultaneously for the requested exam.

Answer

Proceed with the lumbar spine scan, as both devices are conditional at 1.5T.

Answer

Contact the cardiologist and neurologist to get verbal approval to proceed with the scan.

Answer

Perform the lumbar spine scan but reduce the SAR limit below the neurostimulator's specified value.

Question 4

Which of the following represents the PRIMARY safety concern associated with scanning a patient who has an older, potentially ferromagnetic intracranial aneurysm clip?

Accepted Answer

Torque and translational forces from the static magnetic field (B0), which could dislodge the clip and cause a fatal hemorrhage.

Answer

Creation of a significant image artifact that renders the brain scan non-diagnostic.

Answer

RF-induced heating of the clip, causing thermal injury to the parent vessel wall.

Answer

Gradient-induced vibration of the clip, leading to micro-trauma and patient discomfort.

Question 5

A patient is scheduled for an MRI two weeks after receiving a new, non-ferromagnetic, MR Conditional peripheral vascular stent. The stent's labeling recommends waiting 6 weeks post-implantation before performing an MRI. What is the primary biophysical reason for this recommended waiting period?

Accepted Answer

To allow for tissue in-growth (endothelialization) to securely anchor the stent, mitigating any residual risk of movement or dislodgement.

Answer

To allow the stent's metallic components to become fully integrated and less magnetic over time.

Answer

To ensure the patient has fully recovered from the surgical procedure and can tolerate lying flat for the scan.

Answer

To prevent the time-varying gradient magnetic fields from inducing currents in the newly placed stent.

Question 6

A comprehensive written MRI screening form is a critical component of patient safety. Which of the following is the PRIMARY reason for having a patient complete this form before every MRI examination, even if they have been scanned previously at the same facility?

Accepted Answer

To identify any interval changes in the patient's medical history, such as new surgeries, devices, or implants.

Answer

To satisfy the hospital's legal and liability requirements.

Answer

To document patient consent for the imaging procedure.

Answer

To gather demographic data for departmental statistics.