A report made by RLE 9.

CT SCAN

Computerized Tomography
Computed Tomography is based on the
x-ray 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 crosssections. 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.

N ursing 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

 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.