Radiology Continuing Education

Childhood Nutrition and Disease (3 CE)

Renee Tetreault-Abiad takes an in-depth look at the nutritional factors that affect the health of American children. She points out dietary trends and considers factors that contribute to inadequate nutrition in children. She lists health ramifications associated with obesity and identifies important factors in the prevention of obesity. Also considered is the effect of diet on heart disease, cancer, asthma, and immune system function. The effects of specific nutritional deficiencies on a child’s health and cognitive function are explored. Factors that affect the development of eating patterns in childhood and how children develop food preferences are reviewed. Daily nutritional requirements for children of various ages are listed and the advantages and disadvantages associated with nutritional supplementation are debated. Renee concludes by providing strategies that will instill good nutritional practices in children. Expires August 15, 2013. Approved for 3 Category A (Direct) credits for ARRT; NMTCB; Florida (Pers Dev). Focus: Pediatrics

Autoimmune Diseases (2.5 CE)

The term “autoimmune disease” refers to a varied group of more than 100 illnesses. Although some of these diseases are rare, others, such as Crohn’s disease, diabetes mellitus, and multiple sclerosis are seen frequently in patients requiring diagnostic imaging studies. Written by Lois Romans, this article explains the concept of auto-immunity. Basic information is given about a number of conditions and includes what organs may be affected, what symptoms are typically associated with the condition, and how the condition can be diagnosed. Expires May 15, 2013. Approved for 2.5 Category A (Direct) credits for ARRT; NMTCB; Florida; Iowa. Focus: General Medicine

Common Childhood Sports-Related Injuries (2.5 CE)

It is a well-accepted fact that participation in physical activities such as organized sports is beneficial to a child physical health. Although the benefits surely outnumber the risks, injuries occur and technologists are often among the first health professionals to respond. Author Tami Moskal, discusses the advantages of youth sports as well as the risks inherent in participation. Her emphasis is on measures that can be taken for children to avoid injury. Expires May 15, 2013. Approved for 2.5 Category A (Direct) credits for ARRT; NMTCB; Florida; Iowa (1 CE ONLY for Iowa). Focus: General Medicine

Bioterrorism Readiness in the Healthcare Setting (2 CE)

A bioterrorism attack is the deliberate release of viruses, bacteria, or other agents used to cause illness or death in people, animals, or plants. These agents are typically found in nature, but it is possible that they could be modified to increase their ability to cause disease, make them resistant to current medicines, or to increase their ability to be spread into the environment. Terrorists may use biological agents because they can be extremely difficult to detect and do not cause illness for several hours to several days. Some bioterrorism agents, like the smallpox virus, can be spread from person to person and some, like anthrax can not. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) recognizes the importance of awareness and preparation for bioterrorism on the part of health facilities. Hospitals and clinics may have the first opportunity to recognize and initiate a response to bioterrorism-related outbreak. Relying heavily on recent data from the Centers for Disease Control, Chelsea Romans reviews the epidemiologic features of category A (highest risk) agents including anthrax, tularemia, plague, smallpox, and botulism. Infection control practices for patient management are outlined. Expires October 15, 2012. Approved for 2 Category A (Direct) credits for ARRT; NMTCB; Iowa. Focus: General Medicine

Clinicians Without Borders: A Guide to Transcultural        Care (2 CE)

This article outlines the importance of transcultural awareness and communication, and illustrates how a caregiver can be prepared to address these issues in a clinical setting. Author Bobbi Marshall examines internal barriers to communicating effectively across cultures, explaining the role of translators and the communication skills required of the clinician. She accomplishes this by describing the cultural values, beliefs, family social structures, communication patterns, and strategies for providing effective healthcare for the following patient populations: Anglo-Americans, African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos and Asian-Americans. Expires October 15, 2012. Approved for 2 Category A (Direct) credits for ARRT; NMTCB; Iowa; Florida (Personal Development).  Focus: Patient Care

The Fight Against Fatty Liver Disease (2 CE)

In this article, Elaine Moore describes the laboratory and imaging tests used to diagnose fatty liver disease as well as the changes fatty liver disease causes to liver cells and their function. Elaine investigates the development of alcoholic liver disease; the many causes of NAFLD, including pregnancy, metabolic disorders, genetic factors, intestinal bypass, and drug toxicity; signs and symptoms of disease; the disease course and progression to hepatitis and cirrhosis; risk factors; treatment options, including dietary and lifestyle changes; medical therapies, and surgical interventions; and disease prevention. Expires August 15, 2012. Approved for 2 Category A (Direct) credits for ARRT; NMTCB; Iowa; Florida. Focus: General Imaging

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (2 CE)

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. There are over 400,000 sufferers of MS in the United States alone. Author Victoria Rohrer explains the disease including symptoms, how a diagnosis is made, the role that imaging plays in the diagnosis, and the treatments that are available today. Expires August 15, 2013. Approved for 2 Category A (Direct) credits for ARRT; NMTCB; Florida. Focus: General Imaging

A Question of Ethics (2 CE)

In the radiology department technologists are frequently involved in questions of medical ethics. Author Lois Romans looks at the theoretical aspects of ethical decision making by considering questions such as: What exactly is clinical ethics? How can ethics be distinguished from morality? How do clinical ethics differ from law? Expires May 15, 2013. Approved for 2 Category A (Direct) credits for ARRT; NMTCB; Florida; Iowa (1 CE ONLY for Iowa). Focus: General Medicine; Management

Forensic Radiology (2 CE)

One of our most popular, this article reveals many fascinating aspects of forensic radiology. Written by Lois Romans, it begins with a brief history of the development of forensic medicine and provides insight for those professionals that wish to get involved in this intriguing area of radiology. It looks at how imaging sciences can aid in the determination of identity and illustrates its usefulness in situations that involve mass causalities. The article shows how radiology applies to the evaluation of injury and death including osseous injuries, gunshot wounds, suicide and other trauma. It recognizes the contribution of radiology in uncovering nonviolent crimes such as smuggling, larceny, and art forgery and how it contributes to public health and clinical research. Regardless of what area of radiology you are currently involved in, you are sure to find this article enthralling! Expires August 15, 2013. Approved for 2 Category A (Direct) credits for ARRT; NMTCB; Florida. Focus: General Imaging

Patient Communication (1.5 CE)

This article, written by Lois Romans, has been incorporated in some hospital departments into a benchmark training module. The goal of this article is to outline the importance of developing effective patient communication skills by, 1) Recognizing why effective communication skills are important, 2) Understanding the communication process, and 3) Developing practical ways to improve patient communication skills. Expires July 15, 2013. Approved for 1.5 Category A (Direct) credits for ARRT; CRA [Communication & Information Management, Operations Management]; NMTCB; Florida. Focus: Patient Care

Leadership Skills for Technologists (1.5 CE)

This article, written by Lois Romans, has been incorporated in some hospital departments into a benchmark training module. Get your career on the right track! This article discusses the importance of leadership skills and reviews qualities that make leaders great. It considers the question of whether leadership traits are inborn or learned. It also outlines what leadership is not. The reader is presented with an overview of different theories of leadership. Steps are outlined to help the reader to improve personal performance. Expires July 15, 2013. Approved for 1.5 Category A (Direct) credits for ARRT; CRA [Human Resource Management, Communication & Information Management]; NMTCB; Florida. Focus: Management

Testicular Cancer (1 CE)

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 20-40 years, and accounts for approximately 1% of all cancers in men. Dr. Sanjiva Wijesinha explores the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors and imaging techniques used to diagnose testicular cancer. He further identifies tumor markers and the clinical staging of testicular tumors, as well as available treatment options. Expires October 15, 2012. Approved for 1 Category A (Direct) credit for ARRT; NMTCB; Iowa; Florida.  Focus: General Imaging, Men’s Health

Factors Affecting Door-to-Balloon Time (1 CE)

In November 2006, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) launched a national Door-to-Balloon (D2B) Alliance. The goal of the D2B Alliance is to treat at least 75% of patients with STEMI within 90 minutes of hospital presentation. Door-to-balloon time is now often used as a core quality measure for hospitals and for accrediting organizations such as The Joint Commission. In this article Lois Romans examines factors that affect door-to-balloon times and reviews many of the strategies recommended for improvement. The article also includes a glossary of common terms. Expires August 15, 2012. Approved for 1 Category A (Direct) credit for ARRT; NMTCB; Iowa; Florida. Focus: Cardiology, Interventional Radiology

A Look at Alternative Medicine (1 CE)

Technologists are well acquainted with traditional Western medical practices. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) offers a different perspective on healthcare. Written by Lois Romans, this article defines the various types of CAM, looks at the demographics of CAM users, and lists both the advantages and drawbacks of using CAM therapies. Expires May 15, 2013. Approved for 1 Category A (Direct) credit for ARRT; NMTCB; Florida; Iowa. Focus: General Medicine

Urinary Tract Calculi (1 CE)

Written by Lois Romans, this article defines the terminology and epidemiology related to urinary tract calculi. It lists the various types of kidney stones and reviews the factors associated with their formation. It includes a description of the typical presentation of kidney stones and compares the advantages and limitation of various imaging modalities in the diagnosis of urinary tract calculi. Expires May 15, 2013. Approved for 1 Category A (Direct) credit for ARRT; NMTCB; Florida; Iowa [General X-ray]. Focus: Urology, CT, US

Microbes: A Primer (1 CE)

What do all infectious diseases have in common? They are all caused by microbes—tiny organisms abundant everywhere on Earth. Written by Lois Romans, this primer uses information from the National Institutes of Health to reacquaint readers with bacteria,
viruses, fungi, and protozoa and explores their complex relationship with humans. Expires August 15, 2013. Approved for 1 Category A (Direct) credit for ARRT; NMTCB; Florida. Focus: General Imaging