Course Number and Title:
NMT 101 Patient Care for the NMT
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: BIO 120
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
4 lab hours/week
0 offsite lab hours
Course Description
This course provides a comprehensive foundation in patient care practices specific to the field of nuclear medicine. Students explore essential topics including effective communication strategies, medical terminology, ethical and legal considerations, cultural competence, and professional behavior standards in healthcare settings. Emphasis on patient care assessment and equipment, infection control and intravenous techniques relevant to nuclear medicine are provided with hands on lab experiences.
Additional Materials
Lab coat, goggles, syringe shield and radiation badges
Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging Program Policy Manual
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Explain the structure and function of a healthcare delivery system. (CCC 1,5; PGC 1,4)
- Identify professional and medical legal and ethical standards in the delivery of patient care. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 1, 4)
- Describe culturally competent and patient-centered care in a diversified healthcare environment. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 1,4)
- Analyze the basic elements of a medical word, including word roots, combining forms, prefixes, and suffixes relative to patient care. (CCC 1, 5; PGC 1, 4)
- Illustrate effective communication techniques and interpret the role of healthcare providers in patient care settings. (CCC 1, 3, 4; PGC 1, 4)
- Explain the process and benefits of accurately obtaining and assessing vital signs in the healthcare setting. (CCC 1, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3)
- Evaluate and discuss patient care and assessment in general and emergency situations encountered in the healthcare environment. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 1, 3, 4)
- Explain and demonstrate the importance of infection control practices in the healthcare setting. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 6; PGC 1, 3, 4)
- Describe proper handling and disposal of toxic or hazardous materials in the healthcare environment. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 1)
- Explain the classifications, effects, and dosage administration of commonly used medications in patient care. (CCC 2, 6; PGC 1, 4)
- Identify contrast materials, their properties and potential side effects when used in imaging procedures. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1, 4)
- Outline and develop safe procedures associated with venipuncture and injection techniques in the administration of radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 1, 3, 4)
- Demonstrate the principles of transferring and repositioning patients using appropriate equipment and body mechanic techniques. (CCC 1, 3, 4; PGC 1, 3, 4)
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:
- Explain the structure and function of a healthcare delivery system.
- List the responsibilities and goals of a healthcare system in promoting health, preventing disease, providing education and research.
- Identify current trends in healthcare.
- Describe the role and function of hospital administration in improving patient care.
- Differentiate healthcare settings and the medical services provided to patients in these settings.
- Name personnel who make up the healthcare team.
- List and describe the role of healthcare regulatory agencies in the healthcare system.
- Discuss how Medicaid and Medicare are utilized in patient care.
- Identify professional and medical legal and ethical standards in the delivery of patient care.
- Explain the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) including the Privacy rule, Security Rule, and Breach Notification Rule and how they impact patient care.
- Identify and discuss procedures for appropriate documentation, disclosure, and security of Protected Health Information (PHI) and patient rights and privacy.
- Describe common HIPAA violations that may occur in the healthcare environment.
- Demonstrate appropriate professional and ethical behaviors in patient care, classroom, and laboratory settings.
- Describe medical ethics and the important role it plays in patient care.
- Examine ethical theories and principles that affect decision making daily while providing patient centered care, including, but not limited to, autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and fidelity.
- Evaluate and discuss the Code of Ethics for Nuclear Medicine Technologists.
- Define key legal concepts in healthcare such as informed consent, patient confidentiality, Patient’s Bill of Rights, standards of practice and malpractice, advanced directive, and social networking as they apply to nuclear medicine.
- Identify common legal and ethical violations in healthcare and strategies to prevent them.
- Discuss the role of regulatory agencies such as (i.e. NRC, FDA) in enforcing legal standards in nuclear medicine.
- Describe the components and benefits of an electronic health record and proper documentation required for medical imaging studies.
- Identify patient rights with respect to clinical research and the role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
- Describe culturally competent and patient-centered care in a diversified healthcare environment.
- Define terms and concepts related to culture such as assimilation, acculturation, cultural bias, discrimination, ethnocentrism, and cultural imposition and how these can affect patient care.
- Explain the importance of cultural diversity and how it influences healthcare.
- Determine how diversity and inclusion in the workplace improve patient care.
- Discuss what culturally diverse patients expect from healthcare professionals.
- Define cultural competence and its role in patient-centered care.
- Assess patient needs and preferences in a culturally sensitive manner.
- Identify problems that impact the health care delivery system associated with patients that have limited English proficiency.
- Analyze the basic elements of a medical word, including word roots, combining forms, prefixes, and suffixes relative to patient care.
- Describe the parts of a medical word.
- Distinguish among word root, prefix, and suffix.
- Define and appropriately use terms relating to general structures of the human body.
- Define common medical terms used in nuclear medicine.
- Define and appropriately use terms describing human disease or medical conditions in patient care.
- Illustrate effective communication techniques and interpret the role of healthcare providers in patient care settings.
- Describe examples of professional behaviors and how they can enhance communication during all healthcare interactions.
- Identify and apply verbal and non-verbal communication strategies appropriate for diverse patient populations.
- List and describe the components and principles of communication.
- Identify, describe, and use active listening skills and techniques for efficient communication with patients.
- Describe levels of communication including intrapersonal and interpersonal communication and public speaking to help with patient interviewing and education.
- Discuss the importance of effective communication with patient families, coworkers, answering the telephone and providing patient care.
- Explain barriers that affect the communication process while providing patient care.
- Discuss methods for communicating with patients with various physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities or impairments that may hinder effective communication.
- Discuss resources used to communicate patient health related information to patients and within the healthcare setting among healthcare personnel.
- Demonstrate the appropriate methods of greeting a patient.
- Describe and employ the appropriate method for verifying patient identification and pregnancy/breastfeeding status for nuclear medicine procedures.
- Discuss the importance of thorough patient education and pre- and post-examination screenings and instructions in patient care.
- Differentiate appropriate communication styles based on patient age, emotional status, culture, and health literacy level.
- List and describe different medical terms of death used in healthcare.
- Identify the stages of dying (rejection, denial, anger, bargaining, and acceptance), and describe the characteristics of each stage.
- Review the support mechanisms available to the terminally ill.
- Perform effective communication skills and professional behaviors in various simulated patient scenarios.
- Explain the process and benefits of accurately obtaining and assessing vital signs in the healthcare setting.
- Describe the importance of patient assessment and when it is necessary to take vital signs including temperature, pulse, respiration rate, pulse oxygen rate and blood pressure.
- Explain the physiological principles related to temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, pulse oxygen rate, and blood pressure.
- Discuss the use and maintenance of equipment used for measuring vital signs.
- Develop the proper steps to perform temperature, pulse, respiration, pulse oximeter and blood pressure in the healthcare setting.
- Interpret normal and abnormal values for each clinical measurement using correct medical terminology.
- Perform, measure, and record each vital sign using proper communication skills and professional behaviors in a clinical simulated scenario.
- Evaluate and discuss patient care and assessment in routine and emergency situations encountered in the healthcare environment.
- Discuss signs and symptoms and acute care procedures which are manifested in the following emergencies: cardiac arrest, choking, aspiration, respiratory distress, pulmonary embolism, convulsion/seizure, hemorrhage, head injuries, and stroke.
- Describe types of shock (cardiogenic, hypovolemic, anaphylactic, septic, and neurogenic) and outline emergency intervention for each.
- Discuss the emergency medical code system and emergency response team in the hospital setting and explain the role of the student.
- Indicate the use of medical emergency equipment and supplies such as oxygen, ventilator or resuscitator, heart monitor, defibrillator, and emergency code cart.
- Describe how to care for patients presenting with signs or symptoms of syncope, vertigo, vasovagal response, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, nausea, or vomiting.
- Discuss proper care for patients arriving to the imaging department with chest tubes, Nasogastric tubes (NG tube), Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG tube), urinary catheters, intravenous infusion pumps, surgical drains, and wound care.
- Identify, discuss, and observe equipment in the nuclear medicine department used to provide patient care including, but not limited to bed pans, urinals, emesis basin, oxygen delivery system, scale, sheet warmer, cardiac monitoring device, glucometer, and intravenous infusion pump.
- Describe and demonstrate techniques and procedures for changing and disposing of soiled radioactive and non-radioactive linens, bed pans, urinals.
- Explain a hospital’s disaster response plan and the role of imaging personnel.
- Successfully complete a Healthcare Provider CPR course.
- Explain and demonstrate the importance of infection control practices in the healthcare setting.
- Define infection control and the goals of an infection control program.
- Analyze and describe the components that make up the Cycle of Infection.
- Define and discuss the different types and functions of microorganism in the body.
- Identify proper treatment and prevention strategies against infectious diseases.
- Identify common healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and their modes of transmission including direct and indirect contact transmission, airborne transmission, and droplet transmission.
- Discuss the body’s defense against infection including natural resistance, acquired/active immunity, and passive immunity.
- Define asepsis and differentiate between aseptic technique and sterile technique.
- Describe standard precautions and transmission-based precautions in patient care.
- Demonstrate proper hand hygiene techniques and apply correct donning and doffing procedures for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in patient care.
- Identify safe practices for waste disposal, linen handling, and environmental cleaning in clinical environments
- Describe proper handling and disposal of toxic or hazardous materials in the healthcare environment.
- Explain chemical hygiene, “Right to Know” law and fire safety practices.
- Describe chemical, biological, and physical hazardous substances in the healthcare setting.
- Differentiate Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and workplace chemical lists.
- Discuss proper storage, labeling and disposal of common chemical and biological hazardous materials.
- Demonstrate proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working with hazardous substances.
- Explain the classifications, effects, and dosage administration of commonly used medications in patient care.
- Define pharmacology and differentiate between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
- Discuss the difference between drugs, medications, and radiopharmaceuticals.
- Define dose-response relationships.
- Identify and differentiate between desired effects and unwanted effects of medications.
- Recognize generic and brand names, dosage forms, and routes of administration of medications.
- Discuss common classifications of medications including, but not limited to, analgesics, antibiotics, anticoagulants, antihistamines, Beta Blockers, bronchodilators, diuretics, vasoconstrictors and vasodilators and their purpose.
- Describe the principles of medication administration including route of administration, rights or medication administration and supplies.
- Perform conversions and calculations for medication and radiopharmaceutical dosages.
- Identify contrast materials, their properties and potential side effects when used in imaging procedures.
- Define contrast media and explain their role in enhancing diagnostic imaging.
- Define and describe different categories of contrast agents based on route of administration.
- Describe key properties of contrast media including ionic vs non-ionic, osmolality, and viscosity.
- Differentiate contrast enhanced vs. non-contrast enhanced images on Computed Tomography (CT).
- Explain the importance of thorough patient history and patient preparation prior to contrast media administration.
- Identify and describe adverse reactions to contrast media and the responsibility of the healthcare provider.
- Differentiate between anaphylactoid and non-anaphylactoid reactions.
- Outline and develop safe procedures associated with venipuncture and injection techniques in the administration of radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine.
- Explain the anatomy and physiology of veins commonly used for intravenous (IV) access.
- Identify factors influencing vein selection and patient safety.
- Apply aseptic techniques during IV preparation and administration.
- Identify and prepare IV supplies for various types of injections.
- Use appropriate medical terminology associated with intravenous (IV) injections and radiation safety techniques in nuclear medicine.
- Describe parenteral routes of administration used in nuclear medicine including intradermal, intramuscular, and intravenous injection procedures.
- Identify signs of infiltration or extravasation and implement appropriate corrective actions.
- Discuss and practice proper verification of order, patient identification and documentation of medication administration.
- Correctly identify the proper handling and disposal of radioactive needles and syringes.
- Differentiate intravenous infusion processes including IV drip infusion, IV syringe infusion and IV drip infusion pump.
- Communicate effectively with patients to reduce anxiety and ensure informed consent.
- Demonstrate successful IV start, Injection through IV and Straight stick using aseptic technique and proper radiation safety practices.
- Demonstrate the principles of transferring and repositioning patients using appropriate equipment and safe body mechanic techniques.
- Explain the importance of proper body mechanics for healthcare workers and how to incorporate them while providing patient care.
- Discuss how patient mobility status is identified and communicated to healthcare personnel.
- Describe patient assistance levels and types of transfer equipment and safety techniques used in patient care, including transfer boards, mechanical lifts, gait belts, and air transfer mattress.
- Explain the importance of communication with patient before and during patient transfer.
- Discuss appropriate infection control practices during patient transfer and following equipment use.
- Perform techniques for various type of patient transfers including wheelchair to imaging table and back to wheelchair, stretcher to imaging table and back to stretcher, patient repositioning, ceiling mounted lift transfers, and slide board transfers.
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.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments |
- Unit tests (4-5 equally weighted)
| 40 % |
| 15 % |
- Lab Competencies (5-6 equally weighted)
| 20 % |
| 10 % |
| 5 % |
Formative Assessments |
The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to: | 10 % |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Demonstrate academic and clinical proficiency of Nuclear Medicine procedures in an inclusive and equitable learning environment while establishing eligibility for all national certification examinations in Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.
- Demonstrate radiation safety and protection practices while handling and administering radiopharmaceuticals in compliance with all regulatory entities.
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills during the practice of nuclear medicine and collaborative research participation.
- Perform patient-centered care utilizing effective communication skills, professional behaviors, and high standards of ethical conduct in a diverse and evolving healthcare environment.
- Demonstrate professional growth and development while recognizing the importance of lifelong learning for advancement in the profession.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- 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.