Day in the Life of a Pediatric X-ray Tech

Summary

In this video, Sydney, a pediatric radiographer, takes viewers on a behind-the-scenes tour of a typical day at work. She demonstrates various procedures, such as setting up for baby chest X-rays and upper extremity exams, while explaining the equipment and techniques used. Sydney also shares the challenges and adjustments made to ensure patient comfort, like working with parents to accommodate their children's needs. Looking ahead, Sydney plans to transition into CT imaging and offers advice for aspiring radiographers. The video serves as both a glimpse into the field and a source of inspiration for future radiographers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sydney introduces herself as a pediatric radiographer and invites viewers to follow her through a typical workday.
• 😀 The video provides a detailed tour of the radiology department, showcasing essential equipment like the x-ray tube and image receptors.
• 😀 Sydney demonstrates the use of the wall bucky, which is employed for chest x-rays and upright abdominal exams.
• 😀 When performing a baby chest x-ray, Sydney explains the setup, including how to position the baby and use a strap to keep them still.
• 😀 The video illustrates the challenges of working with patients, like a parent who refuses to have their child lie down for the exam.
• 😀 Sydney highlights the use of the rolling shield to protect standing patients from radiation during exams.
• 😀 A cross-table lateral view is preferred for baby chest x-rays as it is more comfortable for both the baby and the parents.
• 😀 Sydney explains the setup for upper extremity exams, including hand, wrist, and elbow x-rays, and the use of sponges for positioning.
• 😀 For some patients, trauma views are used instead of traditional x-ray positions, such as substituting PA wrist and lateral elbow views.
• 😀 The KUB (Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder) exam is straightforward, and Sydney quickly demonstrates how to set up for this type of scan.
• 😀 Sydney reflects on her experience, mentioning her plans to move into CT over the summer and offers encouragement for aspiring radiographers.

Q & A

What is the primary profession of the person in the video?

The person in the video is a pediatric radiographer, which involves performing medical imaging procedures for children.

What equipment is mentioned for taking chest x-rays?

The equipment used for chest x-rays includes a wall bucky, which is used for upright chest x-rays, and an image receptor.

What does the term 'bucky' refer to in radiography?

In radiography, a 'bucky' refers to a device that holds the image receptor and allows for the positioning of the patient for certain types of x-ray exams, such as chest x-rays.

Why did the radiographer have to adjust the positioning for the baby’s chest x-ray?

The radiographer had to adjust the positioning because the child was older than usual for a baby chest x-ray, and the parent refused to have the child lay on the table due to a previous negative experience with that position.

What is the purpose of the rolling shield mentioned in the video?

The rolling shield is used to shield patients during x-rays when they are standing, without physically touching the patient, thus ensuring radiation safety.

What is the difference between a cross-table lateral chest x-ray and a regular lateral chest x-ray?

A cross-table lateral chest x-ray is performed with the image receptor placed horizontally, making it more comfortable for the patient and easier for parents to follow instructions, while a regular lateral chest x-ray typically involves the patient lying on their side.

What are some of the challenges when performing upper extremity exams on children?

Some children, especially babies, may have difficulty positioning their hands or arms correctly for x-rays. To assist with this, radiographers use positioning aids like sponges to ensure the proper alignment of the body for clear imaging.

Why might some patients need trauma views for upper extremity x-rays?

Patients who are unable to position their arm properly for a standard x-ray might need trauma views, where alternative projections like an AP wrist and lateral elbow are used instead of the standard lateral forearm view.

What does 'KUB' stand for in radiology, and what is it used for?

KUB stands for Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder. It is an abdominal x-ray used to assess the urinary system and identify conditions affecting the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

What future career move does the radiographer in the video plan to make?

The radiographer plans to transition into CT (Computed Tomography) over the summer to further their career in medical imaging.