Which of the following practices can help avoid patient burns during an MRI procedure?

The practice of ensuring that no electrically conductive equipment contacts the patient is critical in avoiding patient burns during an MRI procedure. MRI machines utilize powerful magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses, which can lead to significant heating of metallic objects. When electrically conductive materials come into contact with the patient, they can act like an antenna and cause local heating, which poses a risk for burns.

By maintaining a safe distance between the patient and any conductive materials, such as metallic objects from IV lines or monitoring devices, practitioners can mitigate this risk. It is essential to have protocols in place that ensure all equipment used in the MRI suite is compatible and safe, focusing on non-conductive alternatives when assessing the equipment that will be near the patient during the scan.

This practice is a key element in patient safety protocols and contributes to the overall effectiveness of MRI imaging while minimizing potential adverse effects. Therefore, ensuring that only non-conductive equipment comes in contact with or is near the patient is a fundamental practice to prioritize their safety during an MRI procedure.