CT Technologist Review chapter 11

1. Regarding an order for a CT examination, all of the following statements are true EXCEPT:

a. CT examinations can only be ordered by a physician.

b. Before beginning any examination the technologist must verify that the correct examination is planned by checking the clinician's order.

c. In many facilities clinician orders for CT examinations are transcribed by clerks; this process introduces the potential for transcription errors.

d. Ideally, some patient screening should occur at the time the examination is scheduled.

a. CT examinations can only be ordered by a physician.

1. Answer—a. In addition to physicians, clinicians who may order diagnostic tests include nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants. (Comprehensive Text Chapter 11; Heading: Examination Initiation)

2. Which of the following is NOT an acceptable method of verifying a patient's identity?

a. Call the patient by his full name and then ask the patient to recite his birth date and year, so that it can be checked against the CT order.

b. Use the patient's armband to check the patient's name and medical record number.

c. Ask family members who accompany the patient to verify the patient's name and address and check that against the CT order.

d. Use the sign on the door of the patient's room or ask the patient what hospital room they are assigned to.

d. Use the sign on the door of the patient's room or ask the patient what hospital room they are assigned to.

2. Answer—d. At least two methods of verifying a patient's identity before performing any care are necessary. A sign on the door of a patient's hospital room is not a reliable method of verification. (Comprehensive Text Chapter 11; Heading: Medical History)

3. Why is a patient questioned regarding whether they have a history of an overactive thyroid?

a. To select the correct protocol

b. To determine whether an iodinated contrast agent can be administered intravenously

c. To help the radiologist diagnose a goiter

d. To determine whether a female patient could be unknowingly pregnant

b. To determine whether an iodinated contrast agent can be administered intravenously

3. Answer—b. In patients with a history of hyperthyroidism, iodinated contrast media administered intravascularly can intensify thyroid toxicosis (excessive thyroid hormone). In rare cases, iodinated contrast media can precipitate a thyroid storm, which is a severe, life-threatening condition resulting when thyroid hormone reaches a dangerously high level. (Comprehensive Text Chapter 11; Heading: Medical History/ Patient Safety)

4. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine provide information about a patient's

a. thyroid function.

b. kidney function.

c. risk of allergy to iodinated contrast media.

d. cardiac function.

b. kidney function.

4. Answer—b. BUN and creatinine are important indicators of renal function. This is important because patients with impaired renal function who receive an injection of an iodinated contrast agent are at risk of developing contrast-induced nephropathy. (Comprehensive Text Chapter 11; Heading: Medical History/ Laboratory Values)

5. For which of the following examinations is it common to check laboratory results for prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and platelet count?

a. Coronary CT angiography

b. Postmyelography CT studies

c. CT-guided biopsy

d. CT abdomen and pelvis

c. CT-guided biopsy

5. Answer—c. Examinations such as biopsies carry the risk of excessive bleeding. PT, PTT, and platelet count are laboratory tests that can indicate problems with the blood's ability to form clots. (Comprehensive Text Chapter 11; Heading: Medical History/ Laboratory Values)

6. Which of the following is a TRUE statement regarding signed consent forms?

a. In most states, a signed consent form is required before any CT examination.

b. Once a patient signs a consent form they can no longer file a malpractice claim.

c. If written consent is required it must be signed by the patient before the administration of any medication for pain relief or sedation.

d. A signed consent form is not necessary for any CT examinations.

c. If written consent is required it must be signed by the patient before the administration of any medication for pain relief or sedation.

6. Answer—c. In most facilities a signed consent in not necessary for routine CT studies. However, studies of a more invasive nature, such as CT-guided fluid aspirations, require that a consent form be signed. Before signing the form, the relevant facts regarding the examination and any associated risk must be explained to the patient. The patient must be in possession of his reasoning faculties. The consent form must be signed before the patient is given any medication that could affect his mental status. (Comprehensive Text Chapter 11; Heading: Patient Education and Informed Consent)

7. All of the following are true statements regarding patient restraints EXCEPT:

a. The immobilizer must be easy to remove quickly if necessary.

b. Patients are restrained primarily as a convenience for the technologist.

c. If leg immobilizers are necessary, wrist immobilizers must also be applied.

d. A doctor's order is necessary when a patient is to be restrained against his will.

b. Patients are restrained primarily as a convenience for the technologist.

7. Answer—b. Restraints should be used to protect a patient from falling or to immobilize a part to improve image quality. Whenever possible, the patient should consent to the use of the restraining device. Technically, a clinician's order is required to use a restraining device for a patient who cannot provide consent. Strict safety rules must be adhered to whenever restraining devices are used. These include the rule that if leg immobilizers are necessary, wrist immobilizers must also be applied to prevent the patient from either unfastening the device or unintentionally hanging themselves in an attempt to leave the table or gurney. (Comprehensive Text Chapter 11; Heading: Immobilization and Patient Restraint Devices)

8. Why is it important for the technologist to note the patient's breathing, skin coloration, and overall health before the examination begins?

a. The technologist can accurately chart each of these factors on the patient's chart.

b. It will help determine whether the patient is healthy enough to proceed with the study.

c. If a patient has even a small problem in any of these areas they will not be given IV contrast material.

d. It will help the technologist notice signs should adverse effects occur during the scan process.

d. It will help the technologist notice signs should adverse effects occur during the scan process.

8. Answer—d. Throughout the CT examination the patient should be monitored visually and spoken to frequently using the scanner's intercom system. This reassures the patient and allows the technologist to intervene quickly should problems arise. (Comprehensive Text Chapter 11; Heading: Assessment and Monitoring Vital Signs)

9. Which of the following is NOT considered one of the vital signs?

a. Weight

b. Pulse

c. Respirations

d. Blood pressure .

a. Weight

. Answer—a. The vital signs are body temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure. (Comprehensive Text Chapter 11; Heading: Assessment and Monitoring Vital Signs)

10. Where is a pedal pulse felt?

a. Behind the knee

b. Along the dorsal aspect of the great toe or arch of the foot

c. Anterior ankle

d. Posterior ankle or top of the foot

d. Posterior ankle or top of the foot

11. What is the normal range for the respiratory rate of an adult?

a. 14 to 20

b. 21 to 26

c. 26 to 30

d. 30 to 34

a. 14 to 20

12. The normal range of blood pressure in children is

a. lower than adults.

b. about the same as adults.

c. about the same as the elderly.

d. is twice that of either adults

a. lower than adults.