Part 2 — Answer key

Compare your answers after you have finished Part 1.

1. All access to the MRI magnet room (Zone IV) must be controlled through a restricted Zone III.
   True
2. MRI uses ionizing radiation to generate diagnostic images.
   False
3. 'MR Conditional' labeling for an implant means which of the following?
   It is safe only within the specific conditions stated by the manufacturer.
4. If a patient firmly denies any history of surgery or implants, additional device verification is unnecessary before MRI.
   False
5. Which characteristic most determines whether an object can become a dangerous projectile in the MRI scanner room?
   Its ferromagnetic content.
6. Clothing that contains metallic fibers or unknown metallic logos can increase the risk of RF burns during MRI.
   True
7. A device labeled MR Unsafe should never be brought into the MRI scanner room, even if the magnet is temporarily ramped down.
   True
8. A parent wants to stay with their child in the scanner room during an MRI. What is the safest requirement before allowing this?
   Complete a full MRI safety screen on the parent and clear them before Zone IV entry.
9. A patient presents a wallet card for a hip implant that lists manufacturer and model. The electronic record only states "MRI OK." What is the most important first safety step before planning the scan?
   Confirm the device model against official MR labeling before planning the scan.
10. During a 1.5T brain MRI setup, a patient is supine with arms resting tightly against the torso and thighs touching each other. What is the most important immediate action to reduce RF burn risk?
    Place pads between the patient's arms and torso and between the thighs.
11. A portable oxygen cylinder has been left just inside the Zone III doorway "for a moment" while the patient is being positioned. What should the technologist do first?
    Remove the cylinder from Zone III and replace it with MRI-labeled equipment.
12. An MR Conditional implant with unknown SAR or B1+rms limits can be scanned safely as long as the scanner is set to Normal Operating Mode.
    False
13. You are preparing a routine knee MRI. Select all that apply. Which actions directly reduce the risk of RF burns during this exam?
    Routing ECG or pulse oximetry cables straight and avoiding loops.; Padding between the patient's calves and the bore wall to avoid contact.; Ensuring there is no skin-to-skin contact between the legs.
14. A patient scheduled for brain MRI denies implants but is wearing an adhesive insulin pump on the abdomen and a continuous glucose monitor sensor on the arm. What is the best response before allowing Zone IV entry?
    Switch to a lower SAR protocol and leave the devices in place.
15. Which item is appropriate for routine use inside Zone IV of the MRI suite?
    An MRI-compatible infusion pump labeled MR Conditional with conditions that match the scan.
16. Documenting the specific implant model, MR conditions applied, and any protocol modifications after the exam is an important part of MRI safety practice.
    True
17. A patient has a pacemaker labeled: "MR Conditional at 1.5T only, whole-body SAR ≤ 2.0 W/kg, device must lie outside the primary RF transmit coil." Your site has only a 3T scanner with an integrated body transmit coil, and a cardiac MRI is requested. What is the safest decision?
    Do not scan and escalate to MRI safety leadership for an alternative imaging plan.
18. An old operative note says "aneurysm clip placed" but gives no manufacturer or model. The patient is unsure of details, and additional records are not available today. The exam is non-emergent. What is the most appropriate MRI safety decision?
    Cancel or postpone the MRI until the clip is fully characterized or an alternative test is chosen.
19. A patient reports "maybe a metal speck" in the eye from past grinding work but is unsure whether it was removed. Arrange these actions in the safest sequence before deciding on MRI.
    Correct order: Obtain a detailed history of the injury mechanism and any prior evaluation. → Follow the site's orbital foreign body clearance protocol and request orbit imaging if required. → Have a radiologist or designated physician review the history and any imaging results. → Determine whether MRI can proceed, must be modified, or should be avoided. → Allow the patient into Zone IV only if the eye has been safely cleared.
20. During a cardiac MRI, the technologist coils excess ECG lead cable on the patient's chest to "keep it tidy." You notice this just before starting the scan. What action best minimizes RF burn risk?
    Uncoil and route the ECG cables straight, avoiding loops and contact with skin where possible.
21. A 60-year-old with an MR Conditional deep brain stimulator has labeling that states: "Use only on 1.5T or 3T systems equipped with a dedicated transmit/receive head coil. Do not use RF body transmit. B1+rms must not exceed 2.0 μT for any sequence." Your 3T scanner has an integrated body transmit coil and receive-only head coils, and the console does not display B1+rms. She needs a brain MRI. What is the safest course of action?
    Do not scan and refer the case to the MR Medical Director or MR Safety Officer to determine an alternative plan.
22. An outpatient is scheduled for brain MRI and reports an aneurysm clip placed "many years ago," but is unsure of details. A faxed note from an outside hospital says "clip removed," yet a current CT clearly shows a metallic intracranial clip. The referring physician insists the scan be done today. What is the most appropriate safety response?
    Refuse to start the scan until the clip is fully identified or the MR Medical Director approves a specific plan, even if this delays the exam.