MRI Technologist Mock Interview
Master 35 MRI Technologist interview questions covering safety protocols, patient care, and imaging techniques.
Question 2 of 35
How do you calm a patient with claustrophobia?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Example Answer
Entry Level
Experienced
Community Answers
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
The fear of tight spaces that patients have during an MRI procedure is common. The interviewer wants to understand how you calm these patients, showing your communication, critical thinking, and empathy skills. Share an example of how you helped a patient suffering from procedure-related anxiety. Some ideas include explaining the procedure beforehand, advising them to wear an eye mask, listening to music through headphones, wearing earplugs, focusing on their breathing, or allowing a relative or loved one to be present and talk to them in a calming voice.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"I have found that having a light-hearted conversation with the patient before their treatment is a great way to calm them and establish a sense of comfort. I love to ask if they have been to any delicious restaurants lately or have a vacation booked. Sometimes, the patients will tell me about their family traditions or how much they love to cook. Before you know it, they are at ease during this uncomfortable time."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"I think the best way to calm a patient with claustrophobia is to acknowledge their fears and discuss them openly. For example, I will share my fear of needles and let them know that I breathe through it, close my eyes, and think about a great memory or vacationing on a sandy beach."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"If a patient is feeling uncomfortable or anxious, it can affect the result of the MRI. Therefore, I will talk my patients through their feelings and assure them they are in good hands. I will ask them what the source of the fear is, and if they share that with me, I can talk them off the ledge."
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Anonymous Answer
As the patient fears of entering into an enclosed surface and scanning such patients would be difficult due to their movement, which may cause motion artifacts so I would approach myself to the patient to go through their feeling to calm them or I can play music according to their choice. I can talk them off the ledge.
Rachelle's Feedback
These are great suggestions for keeping a patient calm. If you have ever experienced this situation with a patient, it would be a nice added touch to give a specific example of a time when you helped a claustrophobic patient.
"I recently encountered a patient who was afraid of enclosed spaces. This fear was going to make it difficult to get a clear MRI due to unwanted motion. I offered to play music of their choice during the procedure. My approach worked, and the patient remained calm."
Anonymous Answer
Knowing that it is more psychological, I try to reassure them and have them tell me the source of their fear. I have found out from experience that if they talk about it, it lightens them. I let them know that they are in charge also of the exam and can use the call bell. They also get to know that I will be with them, watching over the camera and checking in on them from time through the exam.
Marcie's Feedback
It sounds like you're very capable of handling someone who struggles with claustrophobia. Do you also remind them why they need to get the procedure done? Can you tell the interviewer about a time when you successfully helped someone with this issue get through their procedure? Good job!
Anonymous Answer
I give them music, earplugs, blindfolds, and aromatherapy, and put them in feet first when I can.
Marcie's Feedback
It's important to show the interviewer that you're able to calm someone who feels claustrophobic. You have provided a thorough list of all the ways you do this. Strengthen your answer by also providing an example of a time when you successfully helped a claustrophobic patient. Good job!
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