Create patient education materials for imaging procedures and findings. Also use when developing handouts, FAQs, or educational content about radiology procedures, preparation, or conditions found on imaging.
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patient-education-material
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Create patient education materials for imaging procedures and findings. Also use when developing handouts, FAQs, or educational content about radiology procedures, preparation, or conditions found on imaging.
Patient Education Material
You are an expert in patient education for radiology. Your role is to create clear, accessible educational materials about imaging procedures, preparations, and conditions.
Education Material Types
Procedure Preparation
How to prepare for an imaging study.
Procedure Information
What to expect during and after imaging.
Condition Education
Information about findings diagnosed on imaging.
Preparation Guides
CT with Contrast Preparation
CT SCAN WITH CONTRAST
What to Expect and How to Prepare
ABOUT THIS TEST
A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of inside your
body. For your scan, we will use a special contrast dye (sometimes
called "dye" or "contrast") that helps show blood vessels and
organs more clearly.
CONTRAST SAFETY
The contrast we use is safe. It contains iodine, which helps
structures show up better on the images. The contrast is:
相关技能
Given through a small IV in your arm
Naturally eliminated from your body within 24 hours
Used millions of times each year in the US
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
4 hours before: Stop eating solid food (clear liquids OK)
2 hours before: Stop drinking anything
Medications: Take your regular medications with small sips of water
Tell us BEFORE if you:
Have ever had a reaction to CT contrast (X-ray dye)
Have kidney disease or reduced kidney function
Take metformin for diabetes
Have asthma
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
WHAT TO EXPECT
When you arrive, we will place a small IV in your arm
2.
You will lie on a scanning table
3.
The table will move slowly through the scanner (like a donut)
4.
You may feel warm or have a metallic taste when the contrast
is injected - this is normal and goes away quickly
5.
The scan takes 15-30 minutes
6.
You can return to normal activities after the scan
AFTER YOUR SCAN
Drink plenty of water to flush the contrast from your body
You can eat normally
Your results will be sent to your healthcare provider in 1-2 days
QUESTIONS?
Call us at [phone number] if you have questions or need to
reschedule.
MRI Preparation Guide
MRI SCAN
What to Expect and How to Prepare
ABOUT MRI
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses a strong magnetic field and
radio waves to create detailed pictures of inside your body. Unlike
CT scans, MRI does not use X-rays.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Medications: Take your regular medications as usual
Remove before entering the MRI room:
Jewelry and watches
Hairpins and clips
Eyeglasses
Dentures (if asked)
Hearing aids
Tell us BEFORE if you have:
A pacemaker or defibrillator
Metal implants or aneurysm clips
Cochlear implants
Insulin pumps
Any metal in your body from surgery or injuries
Claustrophobia (we have ways to help!)
WHAT TO EXPECT
You will lie on a scanning table
2.
The table slides into a tunnel (scanner) - you are never
fully inside for long
3.
The machine makes loud tapping/thumping sounds - we provide
earplugs or headphones
4.
You must stay very still during the scan
5.
The scan takes 30-60 minutes depending on the type
6.
A friend or family member can wait in the waiting room
FOR THOSE WITH CLAUSTROPHOBIA
Many people feel anxious in MRI scanners. Here's what we offer:
Open MRI machines (wider opening)
Sedation (you'll need someone to drive you home)
Talk with your provider about options
AFTER YOUR SCAN
You can return to normal activities immediately. There are no
side effects from the MRI itself.
QUESTIONS?
Call us at [phone number]
Condition Education Sheets
Lung Nodule Education
LUNG NODULE
What You Should Know
WHAT IS A LUNG NODULE?
A lung nodule is a small, round growth in the lung. It looks
like a spot or shadow on an X-ray or CT scan. Nodules are very
common - about 1 in 4 middle-aged adults have at least one.
ARE THEY CANCER?
Most lung nodules - about 95% - are NOT cancer. Common causes of
non-cancerous nodules include:
Old, healed infections
Irritation from air pollution or smoking
Non-cancerous tissue growths
Only a small percentage of lung nodules turn out to be cancer.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The doctor will look at:
The size of the nodule
The shape and edges (smooth or irregular)
Your risk factors (smoking history, family history)
Based on these factors, you may need:
Follow-up CT scan in 3-12 months
PET scan to check if the nodule is active
Biopsy to get a sample of tissue
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
Ask your healthcare provider
Visit radiopaedia.org (search for "pulmonary nodule")
Contact the American Lung Association
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR:
1.
What is the size of my nodule?
2.
What do you think is causing it?
3.
What follow-up do I need?
4.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Pulmonary Embolism Education
PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE)
Blood Clot in the Lung - What You Need to Know
WHAT IS A PULMONARY EMBOLISM?
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that traveled to the
lungs. This is a serious condition that requires treatment.
HOW DID I GET A BLOOD CLOT?
Blood clots can form when:
You are less active (bed rest, long travel)
Blood flow is slow
Blood vessels are damaged
Your blood clots more easily than normal
Risk factors include:
Recent surgery or injury
Cancer
Pregnancy
Birth control pills or hormone therapy
Family history of blood clots
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Sudden shortness of breath
Chest pain, especially when breathing deeply
Fast heartbeat
Coughing, sometimes with blood
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
HOW IS IT TREATED?
Treatment usually includes:
1.
Blood thinners (anticoagulants) - most common treatment
2.
Compression socks (to prevent more clots in legs)
3.
In severe cases, clot-busting drugs or procedures
IMPORTANT: Follow your treatment plan exactly as prescribed.
WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR?
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have:
Sudden severe shortness of breath
Chest pain that doesn't go away
Coughing up a lot of blood
Fainting or severe dizziness
PREVENTING FUTURE CLOTS
Move around as much as you can
Wear compression socks if prescribed
Take blood thinners as directed
Stay hydrated
QUESTIONS?
Call your healthcare provider with questions.
For emergencies, call 911.
FAQ Templates
General Imaging FAQ
IMAGING FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
WILL IT HURT?
Most imaging tests are painless. You may feel:
A small pinch from an IV (for contrast studies)
Warmth when contrast is injected (normal)
Some pressure during an MRI
IS IT SAFE?
X-ray and CT: Very low radiation, similar to days/weeks of
natural background radiation
MRI: No radiation; magnetic field is safe for most people
Ultrasound: No radiation; uses sound waves
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
X-ray: 5-10 minutes
CT: 15-30 minutes
MRI: 30-60 minutes
PET/CT: 2-3 hours
CAN I EAT AND DRINK?
CT without contrast: Usually yes
CT/MRI with contrast: Ask your preparation instructions
Most other studies: Check your specific instructions
WHAT IF I'M PREGNANT?
Tell us before your appointment! We may:
Choose a different test without radiation
Use lead shielding
Postpone non-urgent tests
HOW DO I GET MY RESULTS?
Your results are sent to your healthcare provider within 1-2 days.
They will contact you to discuss the results and any next steps.
CAN I BRING SOMEONE?
Yes, one person can usually wait in the waiting area. Due to
space and safety, visitors cannot typically be in the scan room.
Best Practices
Use plain language
Aim for 6th-8th grade reading level
Be concise
Include only essential information
Use visuals
Include diagrams when helpful
Address anxiety
Explain what sensations to expect
Be honest
Don't over-reassure or alarm
Include action items
Clear next steps
Provide resources
Include contact info and links
Related Skills
patient-results-letter
: For result communication
structured-reporting
: For standardized templates
followup-tracking
: For follow-up reminders
Examples
Example 1: CT Preparation Card
Create a simple preparation card for CT with contrast
CT WITH CONTRAST - PREP CHECKLIST
☐ 4 hours before: Stop solid food
☐ 2 hours before: Stop all drinks
☐ Take regular medications (except metformin - ask your doctor)
☐ Tell us if you:
☐ Have had contrast before and had a reaction
☐ Have kidney problems
☐ Have diabetes
☐ Are pregnant
WHAT TO EXPECT:
• 15-30 minutes total
• IV will be placed in your arm
• You may feel warm when contrast is injected
• Drink water after to flush the contrast
QUESTIONS? Call [phone]
Example 2: Procedure Education
Explain what a biopsy is to a patient
BIOPSY - Understanding Your Procedure
WHAT IS A BIOPSY?
A biopsy is when doctors remove a small sample of tissue to look
at under a microscope. This helps determine if a growth is cancer
or not.
TYPES OF BIOPSY FOR LUNG FINDINGS:
1.
Needle biopsy (most common): A needle is inserted through
your back into the lung nodule. You will be sedated or given
numbing medicine.
2.
Bronchoscopy: A thin tube is passed through your mouth/nose
into the lungs.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING:
You will be positioned carefully
The area will be numbed
CT or ultrasound may be used to guide the needle
You will need to hold very still
The actual sampling takes a few minutes
AFTER THE BIOPSY:
Rest for a few hours
You may have a small bandage on the biopsy site
Some people have mild chest pain or shortness of breath -
this is usually normal
Serious complications are rare
RESULTS:
It takes 2-5 days for biopsy results. Your healthcare provider
will call you with the results and discuss next steps.