American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Certification (ARRT) Patient Care and Safety Syllabus

Patient Care and Safety syllabus: all 5 chapters

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics.

1. 1

   Patient Interaction and Management

   5 topics

   • Professional communication and patient assessment
     • Verbal and nonverbal communication techniques
     • Communicating with pediatric, geriatric, and impaired patients
     • Cultural competence and language barriers
   • Patient history and chart review
     • Obtaining relevant clinical history
     • Reviewing prior imaging and physician orders
     • Documentation and informed consent
   • Patient education and procedure explanation
   • Body mechanics and patient transfer
     • Safe lifting and moving techniques
     • Wheelchair and stretcher transfers
     • Assisting the immobile patient
   • Patient positioning aids and immobilization devices
2. 2

   Vital Signs and Patient Monitoring

   4 topics

   • Measuring and interpreting vital signs
     • Blood pressure, pulse, and respiration
     • Temperature and oxygen saturation
     • Normal ranges and abnormal findings
   • Monitoring equipment
     • Pulse oximeters and ECG monitors
     • Oxygen delivery systems
   • Recognizing patient distress and physiological changes
   • Pediatric and geriatric monitoring considerations
3. 3

   Medical Emergencies and Response

   4 topics

   • Recognition of common medical emergencies
     • Cardiac and respiratory arrest
     • Shock, syncope, and seizures
     • Diabetic and allergic reactions
   • Basic life support and CPR principles
   • Crash cart contents and emergency equipment
   • Role of the technologist during a code
4. 4

   Infection Control and Aseptic Technique

   4 topics

   • Cycle of infection and modes of transmission
     • Direct and indirect transmission
     • Airborne, droplet, and contact precautions
   • Standard and transmission-based precautions
   • Medical and surgical asepsis
     • Hand hygiene and PPE
     • Sterile field maintenance
     • Disinfection and sterilization methods
   • Isolation procedures and healthcare-associated infections
5. 5

   Pharmacology and Contrast Media

   5 topics

   • Contrast media types and properties
     • Iodinated ionic and nonionic agents
     • Barium sulfate preparations
     • Osmolality and viscosity
   • Routes of medication and contrast administration
     • Oral, rectal, and intravenous routes
     • Venipuncture technique and site selection
   • Contrast reactions and management
     • Mild, moderate, and severe reactions
     • Contraindications and patient screening
     • Renal function and contrast-induced nephropathy
   • Drug categories used in imaging
   • Dose calculation and documentation

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Certification (ARRT) Patient Care and Safety flashcards — 51 questions with answers

1. What are the four elements of effective therapeutic communication a radiologic technologist should use with patients?

   Verbal clarity, nonverbal cues (eye contact, posture, facial expression), active listening, and empathy/respect for the patient's dignity and privacy.

2. What does the acronym SOAP stand for when reviewing or documenting in a patient's chart?

   Subjective (patient-reported), Objective (measurable findings), Assessment (clinical impression), and Plan (treatment/next steps).

3. Before an imaging exam, what key items should the technologist verify during patient history and chart review?

   Correct patient identity (two identifiers), the ordered exam, pertinent clinical history, allergies, pregnancy status, renal function/labs for contrast, and informed consent when required.

4. What are the two patient identifiers required by The Joint Commission before any procedure?

   Two of: full name, date of birth, or medical record number — never the room number or physical location.

5. When explaining a procedure to a patient (patient education), what should the technologist communicate?

   What the exam involves, approximate duration, sensations they may feel, breathing/positioning instructions, any prep, and answers to questions — using plain, non-technical language.

6. What are the principles of proper body mechanics when lifting or moving a patient?

   Keep a wide base of support, bend at the knees/hips (not the waist), keep the load close to your body, use the strong leg muscles, keep the back straight, and avoid twisting.

7. What type of patient transfer is used for a patient who can bear weight and cooperate, versus one who cannot?

   A cooperative weight-bearing patient uses an assisted standing/pivot transfer; a non-weight-bearing or unconscious patient requires a draw-sheet/slide-board or mechanical (Hoyer) lift transfer.

8. What is the purpose of patient positioning aids and immobilization devices in radiography?

   To maintain the correct position, reduce voluntary and involuntary motion, improve image quality, ensure patient safety/comfort, and minimize repeat exposures.

9. Name common immobilization devices used for pediatric imaging.

   The Pigg-O-Stat, sandbags, tape, sponges/foam positioning blocks, Velcro straps/compression bands, and stockinette wraps.

10. What are the normal adult ranges for the four primary vital signs (T, P, R, BP)?

    Temperature ~98.6°F (37°C); Pulse 60–100 bpm; Respiration 12–20 breaths/min; Blood pressure ~120/80 mmHg.

11. What is the normal adult oxygen saturation (SpO2) range measured by pulse oximetry?

    95–100%; values below ~90% indicate hypoxemia requiring intervention.

12. Define systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

    Systolic is the pressure in the arteries during ventricular contraction (top number); diastolic is the pressure during ventricular relaxation/filling (bottom number).

13. What pulse points are most commonly used to assess heart rate?

    Radial (wrist) and carotid (neck) for adults; the apical and brachial pulses are common in infants/children.

14. What does an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) monitor measure?

    The electrical activity of the heart, showing rate and rhythm; the normal pattern is normal sinus rhythm (P-QRS-T).

15. What is the purpose of a pulse oximeter and where is the probe placed?

    It noninvasively measures arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate, with the probe placed on a fingertip, toe, or earlobe.

16. List common early signs that a patient is in distress during an imaging exam.

    Pallor or cyanosis, diaphoresis (sweating), nausea, dizziness, changes in breathing, restlessness/confusion, complaints of chest pain, and altered consciousness.

17. What are the classic clinical signs of shock?

    Hypotension, tachycardia, rapid shallow breathing, cool/clammy pale skin, weak pulse, confusion, and decreased urine output.

18. What special vital-sign considerations apply to pediatric patients?

    Infants/children have faster pulse and respiratory rates and lower blood pressure than adults; rates decrease and BP increases with age, so age-specific normal ranges must be used.

19. What monitoring considerations are important for geriatric patients?

    Increased risk of falls, fragile skin, hypothermia, orthostatic hypotension, impaired hearing/vision, slower responses, and comorbidities — requiring extra fall precautions and clear communication.

20. What are the signs and immediate response to a patient having a syncopal (fainting) episode?

    Signs: dizziness, pallor, diaphoresis, loss of consciousness. Response: lower the patient safely, place supine with legs elevated, ensure airway, monitor vitals, and call for help.

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Certification (ARRT) Patient Care and Safety FAQ