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ASSIGNMENT ON CT
SCAN

SUBMITTED TO, SUBMITTED BY,

Mrs.REGI PHILIP AXSA ALEX

SUBMITTED
PROFESSOR ON;1/6/2020 1st YEAR MSc NURSING

HOD OF MSN,SJCON,ANCHAL SJCON,ANCHAL

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INTRODUCTION

A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from
different angles around your body and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional
images (slices) of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside your body. CT scan images
provide more-detailed information than plain X-rays do.

A CT scan has many uses, but it's 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 and is used to diagnose disease or injury as well as to
plan medical, surgical or radiation treatment.

DEFINITION

Computed tomography (CT) is a diagnostic procedure that's sometimes referred to as

computed axial tomography, or a "CAT scan."

CT scans use X-rays to produce 2D cross-sectional images, or slices, of the body's bones, soft
tissues, and blood vessels.

Using computers, these images can be "stacked" to create 3D models of specific areas of the
body.

Unlike traditional X-ray imaging technologies, which use a fixed X-ray source, CT scanners
use a motorized X-ray source that rotates around the body, allowing for more detailed
images.

USES

Physicians may order CT scans to:

 Examine internal and bone injuries from vehicle accidents or other trauma

 Diagnose spinal problems and skeletal injuries

 Detect osteoporosis

 Detect many different types of cancers and determine the extent (spread) of the
tumours

 Locate infections

 Look for injuries, stroke-causing clots, haemorrhaging, and other issues in the head
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 Image the lungs to reveal blood clots in the lungs' vessels, excess fluid, pneumonia,
and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD)

 Determine the cause of chest or abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and other
symptoms

 Diagnose dangerous vascular diseases that can cause stroke, kidney failure, and death

Additionally, CT scans are used to assist with biopsies and other medical procedures, and
help with treatment planning for organ transplants, gastric bypass, and cancer, among other
things.

RISKS

Radiation exposure

During a CT scan, you are briefly exposed to ionizing radiation. The amount of radiation is
greater than you would get during a plain X-ray because the CT scan gathers more-detailed
information. The low doses of radiation used in CT scans have not been shown to cause long-
term harm, although at much higher doses, there may be a small increase in your potential
risk of cancer.

CT scans have many benefits that outweigh any small potential risk. Doctors use the lowest
dose of radiation possible to obtain the needed medical information. Also, newer, faster
machines and techniques require less radiation than was previously used. Talk with your
doctor about the benefits and risks of your CT scan.

Harm to unborn babies

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although the radiation from a CT scan is unlikely to
injure your baby, your doctor may recommend another type of exam, such as ultrasound or
MRI, to avoid exposing your baby to radiation. At the low doses of radiation used
in CT imaging, no negative effects have been observed in humans.

Reactions to contrast material

In certain cases, doctor may recommend that receive a special dye called contrast material.
This can be something that you are asked to drink before your CT scan, or something that is
given through a vein in your arm or inserted into your rectum. Although rare, the contrast
material can cause medical problems or allergic reactions.
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Most reactions are mild and result in a rash or itchiness. In rare instances, an allergic reaction
can be serious, even life-threatening. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a reaction to
contrast material.

PROCEDURE

Preparation

Depending on which part of body is being scanned, patient may be asked to:

 Take off some or all clothing and wear a hospital gown

 Remove metal objects, such as a belt, jewellery, dentures and eyeglasses, which might
interfere with image results

 Refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours before scan

Contrast material

A special dye called contrast material is needed for some CT scans to help highlight the areas
of your body being examined. The contrast material blocks X-rays and appears white on
images, which can help emphasize blood vessels, intestines or other structures.

Contrast material might be given to patient:

 By mouth. If your esophagus or stomach is being scanned, patient have to swallow a

liquid that contains contrast material. This drink may taste unpleasant.

 By injection. Contrast agents can be injected through a vein in arm to help

gallbladder, urinary tract, liver or blood vessels stand out on the images. Patient may
experience a feeling of warmth during the injection or a metallic taste in mouth.

 By enema. A contrast material may be inserted in rectum to help visualize intestines.

This procedure can make feel bloated and uncomfortable.

CT scan can be done in a hospital or an outpatient facility. CT scans are painless and, with
newer machines, take only a few minutes. The whole process typically takes about 30
minutes.

During the procedure

CT scanners are shaped like a large doughnut standing on its side.

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Patient lie on a narrow, motorized table that slides through the opening into a tunnel. Straps
and pillows may be used to help stay in position. During a head scan, the table may be fitted
with a special cradle that holds head still.

While the table moves patient into the scanner, detectors and the X-ray tube rotate around
patient . Each rotation yields several images of thin slices of body. Patient may hear buzzing
and whirring noises.

A technologist in a separate room can see and hear patient. Patient

will be able to communicate with the technologist via intercom. The technologist may ask to
hold the breath at certain points to avoid blurring the images.

After the procedure

After the exam patient can return to normal routine. If contrast material given, provide
special instructions. In some cases, patient may be asked to wait for a short time before
leaving to ensure that the patient feel well after the exam. After the scan, patient will be told
to drink lots of fluids to help kidneys remove the contrast material from the body.

Results

CT images are stored as electronic data files and are usually reviewed on a computer screen.
A radiologist interprets these images and sends a report to doctor.

CONCLUSION
A computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan allows doctors to see inside your body. It uses a
combination of X-rays and a computer to create pictures of your organs, bones, and other
tissues. It shows more detail than a regular X-ray. You can get a CT scan on any part of your
body. The procedure doesn't take very long, and it's painless. They use a narrow X-ray beam
that circles around one part of your body. This provides a series of images from many
different angles. A computer uses this information to create a cross-sectional picture. Like
one piece in a loaf of bread, this two-dimensional (2D) scan shows a “slice” of the inside of
your body. This process is repeated to produce a number of slices. The computer stacks these
scans one on top of the other to create a detailed image of your organs, bones, or blood
vessels. For example, a surgeon may use this type of scan to look at all sides of a tumor to
prepare for an operation.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
 https://www.webmd.com/cancer/what-is-a-ct-scan#1
 slideshare.net/sreedharrao313/microsoft-power-point-ct-scan?from_action=save
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 https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ct-scan/about/pac-20393675
 https://www.everydayhealth.com/ct-scan/guide/
 https://www.healthline.com/health/ct-scan