What should be done if a patient exhibits anxiety before an MRI scan?

Reassuring the patient and explaining the procedure is critical in addressing anxiety before an MRI scan. When patients are anxious, it can stem from a lack of understanding about what to expect during the scan. By providing a clear explanation of the process, including what the experience will be like, how long it will take, and any noises they might hear, healthcare providers can alleviate fears and anxieties.

Acknowledging the patient’s feelings and offering reassurance fosters a trusting relationship, which is essential for a positive patient experience. This approach can lead to a more relaxed patient, which is important for the quality of images obtained and can help reduce the likelihood of motion artifacts.

In contrast, ignoring the patient's concerns fails to address their emotional state and could exacerbate their anxiety, potentially compromising the procedure. Delaying the scan indefinitely or suggesting they reschedule may lead to unnecessary delays in care and could discourage the patient from following through with necessary imaging in the future. Therefore, reassuring and educating the patient is the best course of action to ensure their comfort and cooperation during the MRI procedure.