Parathyroid Scintigraphy - European Association of Nuclear Medicine

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Language difficulties: If an accompanying
person is unable to interpret the questions,
then the study should be rebooked when
a member of staff or relative with the appropriate
language skills or an interpreter
is available.
Unconscious patient: Check the patient’s
ID wristband for the correct name and date
of birth. If no wristband is attached, ask the
nurse looking after the patient to positively
confirm the patient’s ID.
Confused patient: If the patient is an in-patient,
check the patient’s ID wristband for
the correct name and date of birth. If no
wristband is attached, ask the nurse looking
after the patient to positively confirm the
patient’s ID. If the patient is an out-patient,
ask the person accompanying the patient
to positively confirm the patient’s ID.
If a relative, friend or interpreter provides information
re the patient’s name, date of birth
etc., it is advisable for them to sign so as to
provide written evidence confirming the relevant
details.
Patients can be required to send in a list of
medications, approximate height, weight and
asthma status so that stressing drugs can be
chosen in advance. They should be advised to
contact the department if they are diabetic so
as to ensure that the appropriate guidance is
given with regard to eating, medication etc.
Chapter 4: Patient preparation
A full explanation of the procedure should be
given, including, risks, contraindications and
side-effects of stress agents used, time taken
for scan, the need to remain still etc.
If the patients are phoned prior to appointment,
it acts as a reminder of the test and
gives the patient an opportunity to discuss
any concerns.
EANM