Report any implanted device, metal fragment, or shrapnel before the scan, as it may be an absolute contraindication.
Before you read
Test yourself first: 5 questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with major depressive disorder states, "I just can't go on anymore. I've decided everyone would be better off without me." Which is the nurse's priority action?
Answer: B. Any statement suggesting hopelessness and a wish to die requires immediate, direct assessment of suicidal ideation, plan, and means; safety is always the top priority. Asking directly about suicide does not plant the idea. Reassurance, distraction, and notifying family do not address the immediate safety risk.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse identifies a medication error after a client received the wrong dose. What is the nurse's priority action?
Answer: B. After any medication error, the immediate priority is to assess the client for adverse effects and ensure safety, then notify the provider and complete an incident/occurrence report. Hiding the error, delaying assessment, or only documenting later endangers the client and violates ethical and safety standards. Client assessment always comes first.
Question 3 of 5
A client is admitted with active suicidal ideation and a plan. Which intervention is the highest priority?
Answer: B. For an actively suicidal client with a plan, the priority is safety: providing one-to-one continuous observation and removing access to means of self-harm. All other care follows once safety is secured.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is teaching the family of a client with dementia about home safety. Which instruction is most important?
Answer: A. Removing or securing hazards such as firearms, medications, sharp objects, and lowering water heater temperature, plus securing exits to prevent wandering, are key safety measures. Leaving the stove accessible and the client alone, or restraining at home, are unsafe.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication. Which set of safety checks BEST reflects the rights of medication administration the nurse should verify?
Answer: A. The core rights of medication administration include the right patient, drug, dose, route, time, and documentation. Verifying name and date of birth confirms the right patient; checking these rights prevents the most common medication errors.
Keep the streak going with more questions like these, each with a full rationale.
What is mri safety?
Ferromagnetic items become dangerous projectiles and certain implants can malfunction or heat up. Memory aid: no metal in the magnet; screen everyone and everything.
Key points to remember
- Patients and staff must be screened and remove all metal objects, including jewelry, watches, hairpins, and credit cards.
- Certain implanted devices, such as some older pacemakers, cochlear implants, and ferromagnetic aneurysm clips, can be contraindications.
- The MRI scanner is a confined, loud tube that can trigger claustrophobia and anxiety.
- Gadolinium contrast may be used and carries a risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with severe renal impairment.
- The magnetic field is always on, so loose metal can become a high-speed projectile even when no scan is running.
- Transdermal medication patches with metallic backing should be removed to prevent skin burns.
Nursing priorities
- Complete a thorough MRI safety screening for implants, metal, and pregnancy before entry.
- Ensure the patient and staff remove all metal objects and electronic devices before entering the scanner room.
- Assess renal function before gadolinium contrast is given.
- Provide hearing protection and offer reassurance or prescribed sedation for claustrophobia.
- Use only MRI-compatible equipment such as oxygen tanks, IV poles, and monitors near the scanner.
Labs & values
Patient teaching
- Remove all metal items and tell the staff about any implants, pins, or metal in your body.
- The machine is loud and enclosed; you will get hearing protection and can speak to the technician.
- Hold still during imaging so the pictures are clear.
- Tell the staff if you have a pacemaker, cochlear implant, or any metal fragments from injury.
Red flags: report now
- Report any implanted device, metal fragment, or shrapnel before the scan, as it may be an absolute contraindication.
- Never bring ferromagnetic objects such as oxygen tanks, scissors, or standard wheelchairs into the scanner room.
- Report signs of a gadolinium reaction or worsening renal status.
- Report severe anxiety, chest pain, or difficulty breathing during the scan.
References
Clinical references for this topic
