Computerized Axial Tomography CAT

COMPUTERIZED AXIAL TOMOGRAPHY (CAT)

Images produced by CAT or CT scanner provide 2- or 3-dimensional anatomical cross-section x-ray images of body organs

Procedures performed in CAT department;

-       Head, neck, spinal, chest, abdominal, pelvic, extremity scans

-       CT guided fine needle aspiration (biopsy)

-       CT guided drain tube insertion

Contrast Mediums in CAT

·      Some CAT scans use contrast mediums, the radiologist examines the patients history to see if IV contrast medium is required

·      Most abdominal/pelvic CAT’s require a contrast medium called “Gastrografin” which is administered to the patient on the nursing unit before the CAT scan – the NUC may need to order the gastrografin from the pharamacy OR medical imaging

NOTE; a CAT may not be done if a patient has been given a contrast medium for a radiology procedure such as a Ba Swallow as it can interfere with the CAT images. Preferable to book CAT before radiology that requires a contrast medium

NUC ROLE IN PROCESSING CAT ORDERS

·      Complete req

·      Transcribe to “diagnostic” section of Kardex

·      Write RMO, K on physicians order

·      Leave requisition in chart for nurse to check

·      Send requisition to correct department

Additional Tasks;

·      Add consent form for invasive procedures

·      Inform nurse of prep required

·      Flag Kardex with prep instructions

·      Complete pertinent instructions for prep

·      Inform nurse of date/time of procedure

·      Write booked date/time on Kardex

The patients chart should go with the patient to the department for ALL CAT scans as the radiologist needs it to determine if a contrast medium will be used

The two CAT scans that require consent forms are = CT guided biopsy/aspiration and CT guided drain tube insertion

ALL CAT scans required 3 hours of fasting prior to procedure

·      Abdominal/Pelvic Cat scan prep

1)  NPO 3 hour prior, not including oral contrast

2)  Follow special instructions sheet regarding administration of oral contrast medium

3)  Please do not disconnect and IV just prior to CAT as IV infusion of contrast may be needed

4)  Patient should void prior to x-ray

SPECIAL ORDERS;

A)Night prior to exam, patient to drink mixture of 10cc gastrografin plus 500cc of non carbonated juice

B)  1 hour before repeat step A

C)                    Do not refrigerate gastrografin

·      Spine/Head/Chest/Extremity Scan Prep

1)  NPO 3 hours prior if having IV infusion

2)  Do not disconnect IV

3)  Patient should void

4)  Remove jewelry from head and neck

CAT guided biopsy/aspiration or drainage prep

1)  Patient must have routine (PT) and (APTT) lab test prior to biopsy

2)  NPO 3 hours prior except oral contrast – light meal prior to fasting

3)  Follow “special orders” regarding oral contrast

4)  Do NOT disconnect IV as infusion may be given

5)  Patient should void

ALL CAT SCANS NEED BOOKING TIMES **