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MRI Technologist Mock Interview

Question 32 of 35 for our MRI Technologist Mock Interview

MRI Technologist was updated by on September 22nd, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 32 of 35

How do you calm a patient with claustrophobia?

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.

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How to Answer: How do you calm a patient with claustrophobia?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a MRI Technologist job interview.

  • 32. How do you calm a patient with claustrophobia?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      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.

      Written by Krista Wenz on September 15th, 2023

      Entry Level Example

      "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."

      Written by Krista Wenz on September 15th, 2023

      Answer Example

      "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."

      Written by Krista Wenz on September 15th, 2023

      Experienced Example

      "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."

      Written by Krista Wenz on September 15th, 2023

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      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."
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