MRI Technologist how-to

How to Help a Claustrophobic Patient

Comfort helps patients complete scans.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Comfort helps patients complete scans. In short: explain; show; offer, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Explain the process.

  2. Show the scanner.

  3. Offer music or earplugs.

  4. Give an alarm squeeze ball.

  5. Talk between sequences.

  6. Ask the physician about sedation if needed.

Safety reminders for MRI technologists

  • Screen every person entering the magnet room
  • Keep ferromagnetic objects out
  • Monitor for contrast reactions
  • Know quench procedures

Magnet · Tesla · Coil · Sequence · T1 and T2 · Gadolinium: see the full MRI technologist glossary.

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