A report made by RLE 9.

CT SCAN

Computerized Tomography
Computed Tomography is based on the xray principal: as x-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or attenuated (weakened) at differing levels creating a matrix or profile of x-ray beams of different strength. This x-ray profile is registered on film, thus creating an image. In the case of CT, the film is replaced by a banana shaped detector which measures the x-ray profile.

 With a CAT scan, X-rays are directed at the body from different angles, which gives many

different images and provides much more information than a standard X-ray. With a CAT scan, a computer takes all of these different images and then combines them together into a series of cross-sections. In essence, a CAT scan takes many different images of the body and turns them into little slices of the body. Sometimes patients getting a CAT scan are injected with special dyes that make some tissues easier to see.

Nursing Responsibilities
1. Advise the patient to wear comfortable clothing, or a gown to wear during the procedure. 2. Ask the patient any metal objects (e.g jewelry, eyeglasses, etc.) which may affect the CT images. 3. If a contrast dye will be used in the exam, the patient should not eat or drink 4hours prior to the procedure.

 4. Notify the doctor if the patient has known

allergies to contrast material, or dye. And if the patient is taking any medications. 5. Inform the physician and CT technologist if the patient has possible pregnancy. 6. Explain the procedure to the client prior to the examination. 7. Inform the client that he/she may be asked to hold his/her breath for a clearer result.

 8. If you have renal insufficiency (your kidneys are not working to clear toxins), your doctor may

want you to start N-Acetylcysteine or Mucomyst (a medication that helps protect the kidneys from the IV dye). This medication should be taken twice daily, starting the day before and the day of the CT scan. 9. Unless directed by your physician to limit your fluids, increase your fluid intake both the day before and following the procedure to decrease the concentration of the dye on your kidneys.

 When a patient gets a CAT scan, he initially lies flat (typically on his back) on a small mobile

table. The table then moves her into the CAT machine, which has a cylindrical opening. Once inside the machine, an X-ray generator and detector moves around the patient and takes multiple images of the patient. Typically, the generator/detector combo rotates around the patient between 10 and 50 times during the course of the exam. Sometimes the patient is asked to hold her breath to avoid blurring the images. The images are then sent to a computer, which analyzes the data and displays it as a

 Most types of CT scans require only intravenous (IV) contrast be given. Depending on the type of

CT scan your physician orders, you may also be asked to pick up oral contrast in advance of the CT scan and drink several bottles of contrast at designated times up until the CT scan. Injection of contrast causes you to feel warm, and your face may appear flushed. You may also have a metallic taste in your mouth. These sensations are normal and should last only a minute or so.