ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which of the following patients is contraindicated for an MRI procedure?

1. Herniated disk

2. Aneurysm clips

3. Dental fillings

4. Subdural bleeding

The correct answer is: Aneurysm clips

Patients with aneurysm clips are contraindicated for an MRI procedure due to the magnetic properties of the clips. Most aneurysm clips are made from ferromagnetic materials, which can be attracted to the MRI magnet, posing a risk of movement or dislodgement. This can lead to serious complications, such as damage to the blood vessels or brain tissue, and potentially fatal outcomes. In contrast, herniated disks do not pose a risk for MRI, as the imaging technique is actually beneficial for assessing such conditions. Dental fillings are typically composed of materials that are non-ferromagnetic and do not interfere with MRI scanning. Similarly, subdural bleeding, while a significant medical condition, does not contraindicate a patient from undergoing an MRI, as the imaging is often essential for diagnosing and evaluating the severity of the bleeding. Thus, the presence of aneurysm clips is the key factor that warrants a contraindication for an MRI.