NMT 203 Nuclear Medicine III

This course is the continued study of current uses of radiopharmaceuticals for organ visualization and function, evaluation of results, pathology, and radioassay procedures.

Credits

2

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: NMT 202

Corequisite

Corequisite: NMT 212 and NMT 297

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

NMT 203 Nuclear Medicine III

Campus Location

  • Wilmington

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: NMT 202

Co-requisites

Corequisite: NMT 212 and NMT 297

Course Credits and Hours

2 credit(s)

2 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course is the continued study of current uses of radiopharmaceuticals for organ visualization and function, evaluation of results, pathology, and radioassay procedures.

Additional Materials

Uniform, lab coat, goggles and film badges Nuclear Medicine Program Policy Manual Allied Health/Science Department Program Student Policy Manual

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Differentiate and define the radiopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical for each in-vivo and in-vitro nuclear medicine procedure. (CCC 5, 6: PGC 1)
  2. Define and identify indications for each procedure. (CCC 6; PGC 1)
  3. Differentiate and define anatomy, physiology, pathology, and cross-sectional anatomy for each in-vivo and in-vitro procedure. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 1, 2)
  4. Evaluate and discuss data acquisition parameters and processing for each in-vivo and in-vitro procedure. (PGC 1, 2)
  5. Describe patient positioning and anatomical landmarks. (CCC 6; PGC 1)
  6. Describe patient preparation for each in-vivo and in-vitro procedure. (CCC 1, 2, 3; PGC 1, 4)
  7. Describe appropriate indications, contrast materials, acquisition parameters, patient positioning, anatomical landmarks, and post processing protocols used in the following computerized tomography (CT) exams. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 1)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Differentiate and define the radiopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical for each in-vivo and in- vitro nuclear medicine procedure.
    1. Identify two agents used to block the choroid plexus.
    2. State the doses for the two blocking agents.
    3. Explain the importance of the blood brain barrier and its relationship to the localization of radiopharmaceuticals.
    4. Compare and contrast the use of Tc-99m pertechnetate, Tc-99m diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (DPTA), and Tc-99m glucoheptonate (GH), Ceretec and Neurolite for brain imaging.
    5. Discuss single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain imaging and radiopharmaceuticals.
    6. Identify improper administration of cisternographic radiopharmaceuticals.
    7. List the properties of an ideal radiopharmaceutical for cisternography.
    8. Discuss the use of different radioactive agents to evaluate renal transplant rejection.
    9. Discuss renal obstruction and the use of diuretics, such as Lasix, in the NM renal function study.
    10. Discuss three methods of determining a pediatric dose.
    11. Describe the proper injection techniques for the pediatric patient.
    12. List sedatives that can be used during different procedures.
    13. List all doses and radiopharmaceuticals for each nuclear medicine in-vivo and in-vitro procedure.
  2. Define and identify indications for each procedure.
    1. Identify five general classifications of diseases of the brain.
    2. Identify three general types of brain neoplasms.
    3. Discuss five common pathologies and indications for each imaging procedure.
  3. Differentiate and define anatomy, physiology, pathology, and cross-sectional anatomy for each in-vivo and in-vitro procedure.
    1. Describe the circulation of blood through the arterial, capillary and venous phases for cerebral blood flow.
    2. Identify the major vessels seen and the time sequence of radiopharmaceutical flow from the bolus injection.
    3. Identify three clinical situations resulting in a decreased uptake on a static brain image.
    4. Identify the reason for a delayed repeat of a static brain image.
    5. Differentiate in theory between a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and a tumor on a positive brain image.
    6. List three distinct pathological mechanisms that cause an area of the brain to have increased concentration of a radiopharmaceutical.
    7. Discuss the following brain disorders in relationship to nuclear medicine studies:  cerebrovascular disease (CVD), CVA, infarcts, cerebral hemorrhage, trauma, subdural hematoma, cerebral contusion, cystic lesions, inflammatory lesions, skull lesions, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), and tumors.
    8. Explain what is meant by the hot nose sign and what causes it.
    9. Describe a doughnut sign and state its possible causes.
    10. State the reasons for a delayed study.
    11. Describe the ventricular system, including the ventricles, foreamen, cerebral aqueduct and choroid plexus.
    12. Describe and trace the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from formation by the choroid plexus to reabsorption by the arachnoid villi.
    13. State four disease states evaluated by cisternography.
    14. Describe a normal CSF flow as evidenced on a cisternography.
    15. Define hydrocephalus and differentiate between non-communicating and communicating hydrocephalus.
    16. Define rhinorrhea and otorrhea.
    17. Differentiate between cerebral atrophy and normal pressure hydrocephalus.
    18. Identify the location of the kidneys, and describe their size and shape.
    19. Identify the two main parts of the kidney.
    20. Explain the filtration and secretion processes within the kidney as they pertain to the various radiopharmaceuticals used.
    21. Discuss physiological functions of the kidney proper at the various levels within the kidney up to the formation of the urine.
    22. Describe the three phases of the renogram curve, and explain what each phase represents.
    23. Describe and trace the blood supply to the kidneys.
    24. Recognize normal and abnormal static kidney images.
    25. Differentiate between normal and abnormal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective plasma renal flow.
    26. Identify the location of a transplanted kidney.
  4. Evaluate and discuss data acquisition parameters and processing for each in-vivo and in- vitro procedure.
    1. Describe the proper patient positioning and technique for a bolus injection for a cerebrovascular flow.
    2. Describe the normal anterior, posterior, lateral and vertex static views, and state the information obtained in those views.
    3. List matrix parameters for SPECT acquisition during brain imaging.
    4. Describe the procedure used to determine CSF leakage.
    5. Differentiate between normal and abnormal renograms.
    6. Calculate the half-time clearance on a GFR study.
    7. Evaluate the information received from a GFR, renogram, and static imaging as related to indications.
    8. Compare direct and indirect cystography.
    9. State six non-nuclear medicine methods for evaluating the central nervous system (CNS).
    10. Name three non-nuclear medicine studies to evaluate the function of the kidneys.
    11. Describe the differences between adult nuclear medicine procedures and pediatric procedures for the following systems:
      1. Cerebral
      2. Cardiac
      3. Skeletal
      4. Gastrointestinal
      5. Respiratory
      6. Genitourinary
      7. Hepatobiliary and hepatic
      8. Digestive
    12. Discuss techniques and strategies utilized by the technologist during pediatric procedures.
    13. Identify normal and abnormal conditions in pediatric studies.
    14. Describe the proper SPECT procedure during bone imaging.
    15. List all thyroid lab procedures:  T3, T4, FTI, TSH, TRH.
    16. Discuss proper quality control (QC) on the multi-well counter.
    17. Determine how precise the laboratory pipettes are during a trial run.
    18. Discuss standards and controls in each procedure.
    19. List matrix size, imaging times/counts, and computer parameters for each nuclear medicine procedure.
    20. Identify normal and abnormal scans for all nuclear medicine procedures.
  5. Describe patient positioning and anatomical landmarks.
    1. Identify cross-section anatomy during SPECT imaging.
    2. List and demonstrate the anatomical markings for all in-vivo and in-vitro procedures.
    3. Discuss the use of point sources during imaging.
    4. List probable artifacts for each procedure.
    5. Discuss the difference between lateral views and cross-table views.
    6. Define and discuss the following terms and their relationship with each procedure:  anterior, posterior, LL, RL, LAO, RAO, LPO, RPO, transverse, transaxial, coronal, sagittal, horizontal long axis, and vertical long axis.
  6. Describe patient preparation for each in-vivo and in-vitro procedure.
    1. Explain all procedures to the patient prior to the beginning of the exam.
    2. Evaluate and verify every procedural order.
    3. Prepare and obtain consent when necessary.
    4. Evaluate and verify the possibility of pregnancy for all women between the ages of 10 to 55.
    5. Identify and verify patient's name.
    6. Evaluate and verify the correct syringe and dose for each patient.
    7. Explain the importance of removing all metal from each patient.
    8. Discuss probable drug interactions and side effects for each procedure.
  7. Describe appropriate indications, contrast materials, acquisition parameters, patient   positioning, anatomical landmarks, and post processing protocols used in the following computerized tomography (CT) exams.
    1. Head
    2. Neck
    3. Spine
    4. Musculoskeletal
    5. Chest
    6. Abdomen
    7. Pelvis
    8. Extremities

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Integrate principles of theoretical knowledge and demonstrate entry-level skills pertaining to nuclear medicine in-vivo and in-vitro procedures, radiation safety, quality control, quality assurance, NRC regulations, patient care, radiopharmaceutical preparation and administration, instrumentation and medical informatics.
  2. Exhibit verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills during patient care, research, and professional scope of practice.
  3. Competently perform all in-vivo and in-vitro procedures.
  4. Abide by the profession's code of ethics as stated in the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Boards (NMTCB).
  5. Exhibit critical thinking and problem solving skills during the practice of nuclear medicine.
  6. Perform all entry-level procedural computer analysis.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for all distance education type courses.