The nurse is preparing a school-age child for a computed ...

[dalyningkenk]

The nurse is preparing a school-age child for a computed tomography (CT) scan to assess cerebral function. When preparing the child for the scan, which statement should the nurse include?
 
  a. Pain medication will be given.
  b. The scan will not hurt.
  c. You will be able to move once the equipment is in place.
  d. Unfortunately no one can remain in the room with you during the test.

Question 2

Which neurologic diagnostic test gives a visualized horizontal and vertical cross section of the brain at any axis?
 
  a. Nuclear brain scan c. Computed tomography (CT) scan
  b. Echoencephalography d. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

[mcarey591]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
For CT scans, the child will not be allowed to move and must be immobilized. It is important to emphasize to the child that at no time is the procedure painful. Pain medication is not required; however, sedation is sometimes necessary. Someone is able to remain with the child during the procedure.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
A CT scan provides visualization of the horizontal and vertical cross sections of the brain at any axis. A nuclear brain scan uses a radioisotope that accumulates where the blood-brain barrier is defective. Echoencephalography identifies shifts in midline structures of the brain as a result of intracranial lesions. MRI permits visualization of morphologic features of target structures and tissue discrimination that is unavailable with any other techniques.