A client with a pacemaker is scheduled for an MRI. What is the correct nursing action?

When a client with a pacemaker is scheduled for an MRI, informing the physician of the presence of the pacemaker is crucial. This is because traditional MRI machines can interfere with the function of a pacemaker, potentially leading to dangerous complications such as pacing failures or inappropriate sensing of the heart's electrical activity. The presence of a pacemaker requires special protocols to ensure patient safety.

The physician may need to assess the type of pacemaker and could consult with a radiologist or the device manufacturer to determine if it is safe to proceed with the MRI or if any modifications, such as reprogramming the pacemaker or using an MRI-safe device, are necessary. Thus, notifying the physician initiates the appropriate measures to protect the client's health during the imaging process.