Chest pain is defined as the painful sensation that is classically felt in the front part of one's body, between the neck and the upper abdomen. It can have many causes that range from life-threatening conditions such as myocardial infarction and aortic dissection, to more benign conditions such as indigestion, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux, costochondritis, and muscular aches. Back pain may also reflect significant chest disease such as pulmonary embolism, pleurisy, and aortic dissection, while also sometimes reflecting abdominal disease such as cholecystitis and kidney stones.

If you would like to learn more about chest pain, visit the Learning Center at: Learning Center

This tutorial is a comprehensive review of chest pain. After completion of this tutorial, the learner will understand the various causes of chest pain, the characteristic clinical presentations, the general approach to management as well as the usual diagnostic algorithm, procedures and imaging studies that are performed.

Interpersonal communication is an essential feature of human existence. People communicate with others for a number of reasons. We communicate to meet our needs, enhance and maintain our sense of self, develop relationships, fulfill social obligations, exchange information and influence others.

The role of communication and effective ways to communicate in the clinical setting is so important to the imaging professional. Besides verbal communication, it is crucial to understand non-verbal communication, understanding and recognizing its various forms. There is a detailed explanation of how people communicate feelings and how to respond to people in a supportive manner.

Are you interested in learning more about communication and patient care? This tutorial on the Learning Center will discuss how people communicate feelings and how to respond to people in a supportive manner!

Let's face it, there are some topics that most of us do not want to deal with or talk about. But it is very important that we all understand what advance directives are, the ethical considerations, "Do Not Resuscitate" orders and Living Wills.

Modern medical technology has created a need for patients to prepare treatment directives in advance, indicating desired medical care in the event of becoming incapacitated. Because of these advancements, people in the United States often face medical interventions they might not wish to endure. Today, you, your family and patients have the opportunity to make advance choices regarding various health care dilemmas faced later, when real-time decision-making is not possible.

As healthcare professionals, radiographers are obligated to act in a legal and ethical manner when providing services to persons who have predetermined their preferences for care. Understanding the ethical, legal and professional responsibilities surrounding advance directives will assist the radiographer in delivering quality health care services.

The course "Advance Directives: Implications for Radiologic Technologists" is intended to acquaint radiology personnel with important medical and ethical issues involved with treating patients with advance directive orders. It includes a review of historical developments concerning advance directives, a description of types of advance directives, discussion of ethical issues surrounding advance directives and an account of specific concerns related to honoring advance directives in the radiology department.

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