through the spectacle of a neurology nurse

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Through the SPECTacle of a

Neurology Nurse

Natalie Cormier, BSN, RNCarlos Orellana, RN

Felice Espinosa, MBA, BSN, RN

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Objectives

• Describe SPECT Scan and its purpose.

• Describe the role of a SPECT Nurse including safe administration of Neurolyte.

• Describe the characteristics of an EMU.

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Introduction

What is SPECT?

SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) imaging is a nuclear medicine study. It utilizes a radiopharmaceutical to create images of actual brain function by identifying blood flow patterns throughout the brain.

Stewart, C. (2010). Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT scan) basic level. Mayfield Clinic and Spine Institute. Retrieved from http://www.mayfieldclinic.com/PDF/PE-SPECT.pdf

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Introduction• Brain perfusion SPECT is most commonly performed to aid in identification of epileptogenic focus in patients

with medically refractory epilepsy (usually partial complex seizures) in whom surgical treatment is being considered. – It shows “hotspot”

• In comparison to X-rays that display the internal structures of your body in 2-D image format, SPECT Scan generates 3-D images that display the actual working of the organs. – For example, a SPECT scan can display the movement of blood to your heart or areas inside your brain

that may be more or less active.

SPECT Scan. (2012). Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/spect-scan/MY00233/DSECTION=risks

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Introduction• The radioisotopes typically used in a SPECT scan to identify

blood flow are:– iodine-123, – technetium-99m, – xenon-133, – thallium-201, – fluorine-18

• These radioactive forms of natural elements are safe and will pass safely through your body. The most commonly used isotope at Texas Children’s Hospital is technetium.

• During a seizure, blood flow is highest at the point in the brain where the seizure starts.


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RISKS

Risks Involved:• Pain, swelling or bleeding at the specific spot on your arm where the

needle was inserted.• Although rare, allergic reaction may occur from the radioactive

tracer.

Radiation Risks:• During a SPECT scan, the least possible amount of radiation is used. • Radiation levels during SPECT scans are similar to what you may be

exposed to over a period of one year in your surroundings.


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SPECT Imaging

SPECT Scan Brain Images (2012). Retrieved from http://www.colin-studholme.net/research/ipag/ mrspect3.html.

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Indication for SPECT scan


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System Setup

BASE PLATE

RADIOIOSOTOPENEUROLYTE SYRINGE with lead syringe cover

3-WAY STOPCOCK

NS FLUSH

TUBING

TRANSDUCER

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Procedure

A peripheral IV is placed in a preferred site at the time of admission for the nurse to inject the radioactive tracer on the day of the SPECT scan

The SPECT nurse and Child Life explain in developmentally appropriate ways about the SPECT scan prior to administration of the tracer.

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February 7, 2011 – July 18, 2011

SPECT Radioisotope Injections Spills

Old set up (Baseline)

13 1

New set up(Initiation)

6 0

Baseline vs. Initiation of New Set

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August 1, 2011 – August 30, 2012

SPECT Radioisotope Injections Spills

New set up

18 0

Reinforcement of New Set up

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Preparation for SPECT Procedure

• Our Radioactive Material Sign is placed on the patient’s door prior to the scan so that others will be aware of the test in progress.

• This also prevents any interruptions while the scan is in progress (i.e., the patient only seizes when she wakes up from a nap)

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SPECT Procedure

• Nuclear Medicine calls the RN when the tracer is ready

• Nurse goes to Nuclear Medicine to pick up the lead box (above) with the tracer in a lead lining, RN Injection Protocol chart, and patient sticker

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What to expect during a SPECT Scan?

Usually, patient is made NPO if being sedated prior to SPECT Scan.

SPECT Scan involves a two-step procedure:1. Injection of radioisotope through the IV2. Scanning of the brain

Ictal SPECT• Radioactive material is administered during the seizure

Interictal SPECT• Radioactive material is administered NOT during the seizure

Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program. (2012). Single Proton Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). Children’s Hospital of Pittsburg of UPMC. Retrieved from http://www.chp.edu/CHP/single+photon+emission+computed+tomography+(spect)

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SPECT SCANs

Picture courtesy of Child Life at Texas Chidren’s Hospital (with Parent Permission)

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Nursing Implications - Training

Picture courtesy of Child Life at Texas Chidren’s Hospital (with Parent Permission)

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Nursing Implications - Procedure

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Nursing Implications - Education

Inform the patient about radioactive hazard and the procedure utilizing Child Life and their preparation book. Address concerns and reassure the patient that the Radionuclide poses no radioactive hazard.

Reinforce importance of remaining still throughout the procedure because movement produces unreliable result. There are no food, fluid, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction.

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After the SPECT Scan

What you need to know after the test

• A few hours after the SPECT scan, most of the radioactive substance is flushed out by the body through the urine.

• Patient needs to increase fluid intake to aid in removing the radioactive substance.

• Whatever is left behind is broken down by your body in one or two days


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Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)

Texas Children’s Hospital EMU is considered level IV center among children's’ hospitals due to several factors, such as facilities, great cases, certain surgeries, EMG, SPECT Scans, etc.

Goals:• Collaboration with key stakeholders regarding

expansion- TCH Executives - EMU and Nursing

Leaders/Team - Project Coordinator- Epileptologists - IS- Vendor

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Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)

Goals (cont)• Expansion of the EMU to 12-beds with state-of-

the-art monitoring capabilities• Increase the volume of SPECTs, GRIDs, and

possibly conduct a research study with bed expansions

• Streamline admission process to the EMU and start VEEG study within a reasonable time

• Maintain positive working relationship between EMU staff and nursing

• Implementation of a dedicated RN EMU Team

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The EMU Team - RNs• Consists of 11 RNs from days and 8 RNs from nights, 6 of which

are SPECT nurses

• Only team members will be assigned to EMU beds • Training for the team includes:

– In-class training by Nuclear Medicine– Hands-on training to perform SPECT in

Nuclear Medicine– In-class in service in regards to identifying

types of seizures by EMU Faculty (Epileptologists)

• Only a SPECT RN can administer isotope

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• Nursing daily huddle in the EMU

• Weekly meeting

• Increase communication in regards to patient seizure activity between nursing and EMU techs

• Meet and greet with the new EMU staff

• Increase communication in regards to patient admission– Utilize EMU admission algorithm (next slide)– Green Belt Project

Collaboration Between Nursing and EMU Staff

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EMU Admission Process

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Green Belt Project

• DEFINEo Identify the problem in the

EMU

• MEASUREo Document the current

processo Quantify baseline metricso Identify quick wins

• ANALYZEo Identify potential causes

• IMPROVEo Identify, prioritize, and pilot

best solution(s)

• CONTROLo Implement controls to

sustain successo Train all necessary personnelo Audit periodically to validate

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Green Belt Project – Baseline Data

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EMU – What’s in the horizon?

• Expansion to a 6-bed EMU is underway

• Expand to a 12-bed unit is the ultimate goal

• Continue the Green Belt project

• Maintain collaboration with EMU and Epileptologists

• Review other initiatives to deliver quality patient care

• Improve patient satisfaction

• Maintain Level IV EMU center

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ReferencesMullen, J. (2012). EMU Admission Process Flowchart. Texas Children’s Hospital.

Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program. (2012). Single Proton Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). Children’s Hospital of Pittsburg of UPMC. Retrieved from http://www.chp.edu/CHP/single+photon+emission+computed+tomography+(spect)

Scanning Images (2011). Child Life Department. Texas Children’s Hospital .


SPECT Scan Brain Images (2012). Retrieved from http://www.colin-studholme.net/research/ipag/ mrspect3.html.


Texas Children’s Hospital (2011-2012). Epilepsy Monitoring Unit.

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Questions???

through the spectacle of a neurology nurse

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