Radiography — Discharge Advice to a Patient after an MRI with Contrast
A radiographer writes a discharge advice letter to a 48-year-old woman following an MRI brain scan with gadolinium contrast. This is a beginner case: simple aftercare, one hydration instruction, and clear information about when and how to expect the results.
Letter type
Discharge
Write to
Patient
Target length
160–180 words
The case notes
Patient: Mrs Gloria Osei, 48 years old; MRI brain with and without gadolinium contrast completed today; no reaction during or after the scan
Contrast used: Gadolinium-based contrast agent administered IV via right antecubital vein; cannula removed; no haematoma; no allergic reaction during observation period
Aftercare: Drink plenty of fluids for the next 24 hours — this helps the kidneys eliminate the contrast agent; no other restrictions; may return to normal activities immediately
Injection site: Check the cannula site on the right arm over the next 24 hours; if redness, swelling, or unusual discomfort develops, contact the radiology department or GP
Delayed reaction: A delayed mild skin reaction (rash, itching) is rare but possible up to 24 hours after gadolinium; if this occurs, contact the department; if severe (difficulty breathing, facial swelling) — call 999
Results: Results will be reported by the radiologist and sent to the referring doctor; allow 5–7 working days; the referring doctor will contact the patient with the results — do not contact the radiology department for results
Task: Write a discharge advice letter to Mrs Osei explaining post-scan aftercare and how she will receive her results.
Writing task
Write a discharge advice letter to Mrs Osei explaining post-scan aftercare and how she will receive her results.
What to include, what to cut
The hardest mark to win is selection. The same case notes contain decision-relevant facts and distractors. Here is what an examiner expects to see in a Grade B letter for this scenario, and what should be left out.
Include
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Drink plenty of fluids for 24 hours to help eliminate the contrast agent
This is the only active aftercare instruction the patient needs to follow. It is brief, important, and must be stated.
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Check the cannula site — contact the department if redness or swelling develops
IV contrast administration carries a small risk of extravasation or local reaction. The patient must know to monitor the site and what to do.
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The results process: radiologist reports to the referring doctor, 5–7 working days, the referring doctor will contact the patient
The most common post-MRI patient anxiety is 'when will I hear?' — and the most common error is contacting the radiology department directly for results. Closing this loop prevents both.
Leave out
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Technical detail of the MRI sequences performed
The patient does not need the scan protocol. 'Your MRI brain scan has been completed' is the complete procedural statement.
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A full delayed reaction symptom list
Name the category (mild: rash/itch; severe: breathing difficulty, facial swelling) and the action for each. A complete pharmacological explanation of gadolinium reactions is wrong register for a patient discharge letter.
Criterion in focus · Genre & Style
A post-MRI patient discharge letter is short, clear, and reassuring. The procedure is complete and there were no complications — the letter confirms this and provides the aftercare instructions. The Genre & Style error in this letter type is adding unnecessary medical weight: detailing the gadolinium elimination half-life, listing all possible delayed reactions, or explaining how MRI generates images. The patient needs aftercare and results information, not a radiological education.
Now write the letter — and find out what is blocking your Grade B
Write a 160–180 words discharge letter from these notes, paste it into the free checker for an instant read, then submit it for a human grade against all six criteria. Dr Mariam's team returns line-by-line feedback, from $12.