Which statement about the occurrence of a quench (magnet releasing its stored energy as heat) in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner is MOST likely true?
One of the emergency situations unique to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite is the development of a quench and the possibility of a catastrophic outcome. A quench results when the magnet turns resistive, and all of its stored energy is released. The heat produced by this process results in the vaporization of coolant (stored cryogens). This was one of the issues addressed in the recently published American Society of Anesthesiologists Practice Advisory on Anesthetic Care for Magnetic Resonance Imaging since anesthesiologists should know how to respond appropriately if this emergency occurs while caring for a patient.
A quench most commonly occurs when a life-threatening emergency requires shutdown of the magnet, such as the presence of an accidental projectile. It may also occur when...
