How should staff respond to a patient experiencing panic during an MRI?

When a patient experiences panic during an MRI, the appropriate response is to stop the scanning procedure and provide calming support. This approach prioritizes the safety and well-being of the patient, allowing staff to address the immediate concerns and anxiety the patient is feeling. Stopping the scan not only reassures the patient but also helps to prevent potential physical harm that could arise from the panic response, such as sudden movement.

Providing calming support involves engaging with the patient, reassuring them, and employing techniques that help reduce anxiety, such as deep breathing exercises or explaining the procedure in simple terms. This empathetic approach is essential in ensuring a positive experience for the patient.

Other responses, such as continuing the scan as planned, could exacerbate the patient's panic and possibly lead to injury. Waiting for the patient to calm down before checking them lacks immediate action to address the distress, and using medication without proper assessment could pose risks to the patient and is generally not within standard practice unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare provider trained in that area. Thus, stopping the scanning procedure and providing support is the most appropriate course of action.