MRI MRI Patient Care and Positioning 3

Question 1

Which coil configuration is used to image the entire spine in a single acquisition with uniform SNR?

Accepted Answer

Phased-array spine coil spanning cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions

Answer

A multi-element phased-array spine coil allows large FOV imaging with high SNR throughout the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine in a single or stitched acquisition.

Question 2

For MRI of the knee, the standard patient position is:

Accepted Answer

Knee extended in slight external rotation (5–15°), patient supine in dedicated knee coil

Answer

The knee is imaged supine with slight external rotation (5–15°) to align the ACL parallel to the sagittal plane for optimal visualization within a dedicated knee coil.

Question 3

A patient develops nausea and vomiting during IV gadolinium infusion. The most appropriate immediate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Stop the infusion, assess the patient, and administer antiemetic if needed while monitoring for escalation

Answer

Nausea and vomiting may be physiologic reactions to GBCA; the injection should be stopped, the patient assessed, symptoms treated, and the reaction monitored for potential escalation to a more serious event.

Question 4

Which patient positioning accessory is routinely used to reduce hand and wrist movement during an MRI wrist examination?

Accepted Answer

Dedicated wrist coil with the patient prone and arm extended overhead ('Superman position')

Answer

The 'Superman position' with the arm extended overhead minimizes the distance from wrist to isocenter and uses a dedicated wrist coil, optimizing SNR and reducing motion artifact.

Question 5

Which MRI-compatible monitoring device is used to detect heart rate and trigger cardiac-gated sequences?

Accepted Answer

MR-conditional ECG with carbon or fiber-optic leads free of conductive loops

Answer

MR-conditional ECG systems with non-conductive or carbon fiber leads detect the R-wave for cardiac gating without creating conductive loops that could cause burns.

MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Practice Test

MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Practice Test

MRI MRI Patient Care and Positioning 3