Definition
It refers to obtaining a computerized image that reproduces the desired section of brain or spinal cord. The computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan becomes an invasive procedure when radiopaque dye is injected into peripheral vein to give a contrast scan.
Purposes
CAT scans are used to:
- Diagnose conditions like fractures, tumors, infections, or internal bleeding.
- Monitor diseases such as cancer or heart conditions.
- Guide procedures like biopsies or surgeries.
Advantages
- Non-invasive and painless.
- Provides highly detailed images for accurate diagnosis.
- Can detect abnormalities that may not be visible on regular X-rays.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy.
- Renal failure.
Procedure
| Nursing action | Rationale | |
| 1. | Assess patient’s knowledge and explain the procedure to the patient and instruct him how he has to cooperate. | Helps in obtaining cooperation of the patient. |
| 2. | Determine if the patient is allergic to dye. | Detects allergic reaction if contrast dye is used. |
| 3. | Get informed consent from the patient. | Prevents risk of legalities. |
| 4. | Remove metal objects, such as hairclips, dentures, etc, | Metal objects block body structures and will show upon X-ray film. |
| 5. | Keep the patient NPO for 4 hours before study. | lodine dye may induce nausea. |
| 6. | Assist patient into desired position on examining table. | Proper position is necessary to obtain good films. |
| 7. | Instruct patient not to move, talk or sigh as the films are taken. | Movement causes computer generated artifacts on image produced. |
| 8. | X-ray beams pass through the body area from one side to other through 180″ arc. | Multiple tomographic X-rays taken in successive layers provide three-dimensional view of selected organ. |
| 9. | lodinated dye is administered through peripheral IV line usually started in arm. | Dye enhances contrast and provides improved visualization. |
| 10. | Observe patient for signs of anaphylaxis. Signs include respiratory distress palpitation, itching, and diaphoresis. | |
| 11. | X-ray procedure is repeated as necessary. | |
| 12. | Determine if patient feels back pain. | Results from lying on hard examining table. |
| 13. | Record in the nurse’s note the time and part of the body for which scan was performed. | Provides documentation of procedure in record. |
| 14. | Report duration of procedure and patient’s tolerance to nurse in charge and to next shift staff. | Assures prompt follow-up. |
Follow-up care
- Assist patient in assuming comfortable position after scan.
- Provide meal to patient.
- Check with physician regarding test result.
Special considerations
- Tell patient that “clicking” noise will be heard as scanner moves around and he will not be able to feel scanner rotating. Give cotton balls to plug the ears to avoid hearing sounds produced by scanner.
- Encourage fluids intake in patients who received dye injection as dye is excreted through kidneys.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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