The parent of an adolescent with schizophrenia asks a nurse, My ...

[geodog55]

The parent of an adolescent with schizophrenia asks a nurse, My child's doctor ordered a positron-emission tomography (PET) scan. What is that? Select the nurse's best reply.
 
  a. PET uses a magnetic field and gamma waves to identify problems areas in the brain. Does your teenager have any metal implants?
  b. It's a special type of x-ray image that shows structures of the brain and whether a brain injury has ever occurred.
  c. PET is a scan that passes an electrical current through the brain and shows brain wave activity. PET can help diagnose seizures.
  d. PET is a special scan that shows blood flow and activity in the brain.

Question 2

A patient has dementia. The health care provider wants to make a differential diagnosis between Alzheimer disease and multiple infarctions. Which diagnostic procedure should a nurse expect to prepare the patient for first?
 
  a. Computed tomography (CT) scan
  b. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
  c. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
  d. Single-photonemission computed tomography (SPECT) scan

[jomama]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The parent is seeking information about PET scans. It is important to use terms the parent can understand. The correct option is the only reply that provides factual information relevant to PET scans. The incorrect responses describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomographic (CT) scans, and electroencephalogra phy (EEG).

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
A CT scan shows the presence or absence of structural changes, including cortical atrophy, ventricular enlargement, and areas of infarctioninformati on that will be helpful to the health care provider. The other tests focus on brain activity and are more expensive; they may be ordered later.