By name: patient-education-material description: 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:
- 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
--------------
1. 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
--------------
1. 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.