Patient Care · ARRT 2025
Emergencies
Iodinated contrast reactions (mild, moderate, severe), oxygen delivery, syncope, seizure, anaphylaxis, and the radiographer's emergency response for the ARRT exam.
Overview
Patient Monitoring and Emergencies prepares you for the moments when the imaging suite stops being routine. The ARRT registry tests this content because contrast reactions and code blue events are non-negotiable competencies, every working radiographer will see them. The chapter focuses on three skills: recognizing the deterioration, calling for help correctly, and providing first-line response within scope.
Iodinated contrast reactions occur on a continuum. Mild reactions (warmth, metallic taste, nausea, mild urticaria, brief flushing) require observation and reassurance, no medication is typically given. Moderate reactions (extensive urticaria, bronchospasm, persistent vomiting, vasovagal syncope) require radiologist notification, an IV line, and often diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or epinephrine. Severe reactions (laryngeal edema, anaphylactic shock, seizure, cardiac arrest) require immediate epinephrine, code-team activation, and ACLS protocols. The ARRT distinguishes these categories on every administration of the registry.
Oxygen delivery is a tested fact set. Nasal cannula delivers 24–44% FiO2 at 1–6 L/min. Simple face mask 35–50% at 6–10 L/min (never below 5 L/min, CO2 rebreathing risk). Non-rebreather mask 60–95% at 10–15 L/min. Venturi mask delivers precise FiO2 and is used in COPD where CO2 retention is a concern. Other tested emergencies: orthostatic syncope (lower the head, raise the legs, vital signs), seizure (clear the area, do not restrain, time the event), shock (Trendelenburg, oxygen, IV access), and cardiac arrest (call code, begin CPR, defibrillator). Know the basic life support sequence: C-A-B (Compressions, Airway, Breathing) at 100–120 compressions/minute, 2 inches deep.
What you’ll learn in this chapter
The 17 lessons in this chapter break down as follows. The full lesson content is unlocked when you start a free account.
Routine Monitoring
- Continuous Monitoring: Catch Change Before Crisis
Oxygen Support
- Recognizing Hypoxia & Responding
- Oxygen Delivery Systems
- Suction, IV Equipment & Needle Gauge
- Tubes & Drainage Systems
Allergies & Contrast Media
- Latex Reactions: Three Distinct Types
- Contrast Media: Positive vs Negative
- Iodinated Contrast: Four Key Properties
Contrast Reactions
- Mild vs Severe Contrast Reactions
- Sequencing Exams & Metformin Hold
Common Medical Events
- Common Events: Vomiting, Hypotension, Vertigo
- Trauma & Seizure Emergencies
Life-Threatening Crises
- Shock, Stroke, Cardiopulmonary Arrest
Knowledge Check
- Question 1 of 4 Quiz
- Question 2 of 4 Quiz
- Question 3 of 4 Quiz
- Question 4 of 4 Quiz
Key terms in this chapter
These are the 7 terms most likely to appear on the ARRT registry from this chapter. Use them as a flashcard pre-quiz.
- Mild Contrast Reaction
- Warmth, metallic taste, mild urticaria, transient nausea. Requires observation only, no medication needed.
- Anaphylaxis
- Severe systemic allergic reaction with bronchospasm, hypotension, and laryngeal edema. Treat with epinephrine immediately.
- Nasal Cannula
- Low-flow oxygen delivery: 24–44% FiO2 at 1–6 L/min. The most common O2 device.
- Non-Rebreather Mask
- High-flow oxygen mask with reservoir: 60–95% FiO2 at 10–15 L/min. Used in respiratory distress.
- Trendelenburg Position
- Patient supine with feet elevated 15–30°. Used for shock and hypotension to increase venous return.
- C-A-B Sequence
- Compressions–Airway–Breathing. The current AHA basic life support order, replacing the older A-B-C.
- Vasovagal Syncope
- Brief loss of consciousness from sudden parasympathetic outflow. Often triggered by pain, anxiety, or seeing blood.
Sample practice question: Patient Interactions
One free sample from the 124-question Patient Interactions bank. See the format, the rationale style, and the difficulty before you sign up.
A patient is scheduled for an upper GI series. Before bringing the patient into the fluoroscopy room, which of the following is the radiographer's FIRST priority?
Show answer and rationale
A, Incorrect: Order verification matters, but it follows patient identification.
B, Correct: Correct. The Joint Commission requires two-factor identification (typically name and DOB) before any procedure. Wrong-patient errors are the most common preventable adverse event in imaging.
C, Incorrect: Barium administration begins after the patient is identified and consented.
D, Incorrect: Positioning happens after identification, history-taking, and consent confirmation.
Read the full chapter, free.
The free tier unlocks one complete chapter (17 lessons), 50 practice questions, and 1 sample timed exam. No credit card required.
Frequently asked questions
What does the ARRT Radiography Patient Care category cover?
Patient Monitoring and Emergencies prepares you for the moments when the imaging suite stops being routine. The ARRT registry tests this content because contrast reactions and code blue events are non-negotiable competencies, every working radiographer will see them. The chapter focuses on three skills: recognizing the deterioration, calling for help correctly, and providing first-line response within scope.
How many lessons are in the Emergencies chapter?
This chapter contains 17 lessons across 7 sections, plus a knowledge-check quiz at the end. The full lesson content is unlocked with a Premium subscription. The free tier includes the first chapter complete.
Is this chapter aligned with the ARRT 2025 Content Specifications?
Yes. Every chapter on this site maps directly to the ARRT Radiography Content Specifications effective 2025. This chapter falls under the Patient Care domain of the official ARRT exam blueprint.