AAMA CMA Practice Question

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) employs a powerful static magnetic field, gradient magnetic fields, and radio-frequency energy. Ferromagnetic or electronically active implants such as many older pacemakers can experience displacement forces, device re-programming, heat, or induced currents when exposed to these fields. For that reason, MRI is considered contraindicated unless the pacemaker model is explicitly labeled MR-conditional and strict safety protocols are followed. Computed Tomography (CT) scans and conventional X-rays use ionizing radiation rather than magnetism, and ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves; none of these modalities interact with a pacemaker's circuitry or magnets, so they are generally safe for patients with the device.