Ateneo de Zamboanga University

College of Nursing

NURSING SKILLS OUTPUT (NSO)
Report No. 1
CT SCAN


DEFINITION:

Computerized tomography (CT scan) also called CT combines a series of X-ray views taken
from many different angles and computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the
bones and soft tissues inside your body.
A CT scan has many uses, but is particularly well suited to quickly examine people who may have
internal injuries from car accidents or other types of trauma. A CT scan can be used to visualize
nearly all parts of the body.

PURPOSE:
Diagnose muscle and bone disorders, such as bone tumors and fractures
Pinpoint the location of a tumor, infection or blood clot
Guide procedures such as surgery, biopsy and radiation therapy
Detect and monitor diseases and conditions such as cancer, heart disease, lung nodules and
liver masses
Detect internal injuries and internal bleeding

INDICATION:

Indications for CT Scan in mild/moderate head injury are:
1. Neurological signs
2. Decreased level of consciousness
3. Mental state difficult to evaluate
(anesthesia, drugs & alcohol, young children)
CONTRAINDICATION:
CT scans are contraindicated in pregnant women, unless the benefits of performing the
scan far outweigh the risks.
become anxious in confined spaces
are allergic to the contrast agent
are allergic to any substance with iodine
have been diagnosed heart failure, diabetes, or kidney problems









PROCEDURE:
Patients should always be asked about any recent illnesses or medical conditions they may have,
and whether there is a history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and kidney disease or thyroid
problems.
Any of these may increase the risk of the patient having an adverse reaction during the scan
procedure.

Prior to starting the procedure, the patient will usually be given a gown to hospital gown to wear.
It is important that metal objects, such as jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins, are
removed before starting the procedure, since these will affect the quality of the images.

The patient may also be asked to remove hearing aids and dental work, and women will be asked
to remove bras containing metal underwire. Where possible, piercings should also be removed.

If the patient is receiving an abdomen scan, for example, they will be asked not to eat for six
hours before the test. They will be given a drink containing gastrografin, an aniseed flavored X-
ray dye, 45 minutes before the procedure.

This makes the intestines easier to see on the pictures. Sometimes a liquid X-ray dye is injected
into the veins during the test. This also makes it easier to see the organs, blood vessels or, for
example, a tumor.

The injection might be a little uncomfortable, and some people also experience a feeling of
warmth in their arm. It's important the patient inform their doctor prior to the administration of a
contrast agent, if they have had a known allergy to contrast

HOW IT IS BEING CARRIED OUT

The scan is a non-invasive, painless medical procedure. It usually takes approximately 10 to 30
minutes to perform, depending on the part of the body that is being scanned, the number of
pictures taken and the different angles required.

The scanner itself looks like a large doughnut, with a bed passing through it.

During the scan the patient lies on a bed, with the body part under examination placed in the
round tunnel or opening of the scanner.

If contrast material is to be used it will either be swallowed, injected via an intravenous line (IV)
or administered by enema.
How contrast is given depends on the type of examination to be carried out. The patient will
usually be asked to hold their breath during the scan. This is because any kind of motion, such as
breathing or body movement, can lead to degradation of the resulting image and so make it
harder to analyze and interpret.

The bed then moves slowly backwards and forwards to allow the scanner to take pictures of the
body, although it does not touch the patient.

During the scan, only the patient will be in the exam room during the time the scan is carried out,
unless there are special circumstances, such as a parent needing to stay in the room with their
child, in which case they are required to wear a lead apron to minimize the radiation exposure.










DIAGRAM/ ILLUSTRATIONS:


NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES:
Explain the procedure to the client. Obtain informed consent.

Remove wigs and hair pins and clips for head CT. Initiate NPO status 8 hours prior to
scan. Assess for iodine allergy. Observe for signs of anaphylaxis, if dye is used. Check for
claustrophobia.

Inform the client that the test will take approximately 45 minutes to 1hour. The client
must lie still on a hard, flat table and will be put through a large machine. Because barium
will interfere with the test, schedule tests using barium either after or 4 or more days
before the scan.

REFERENCE:
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/examinations/ctgeneral.htm#ixzz2t1FWxAbj
http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ct-scan/basics/why-its-done/prc-20014610
http://floydmemorial.com/diagnostic-imaging/diagnostic-tools/ct-scan/
http://books.google.com.ph/books?id=-
WP4y6Ve3eMC&pg=PA590&lpg=PA590&dq=nursing+responsibilities+for+ct+scan&source=bl&ot
s=F800iFU6x9&sig=AeIpVrKCs8Yxp5T23rlq32ZRcEg&hl=en&sa=X&ei=EEX5UpH2IMSWkQX0nIHA
DA&ved=0CDYQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=nursing%20responsibilities%20for%20ct%20scan&f=f
alse














SUBMITTED BY:

Toribio, Augene lyn W.
BSN IVF


February 11, 2014 Mrs. Concesa Gayo, RN, MAN
Date Clinical Instructors signature