Chapter 3: PET Scan: Educating the Patient

Question 1

What does Nuclear Medicine examinations such as the PET scan involve?

Answer 1

Use of a small amount of radiation that’s safe for most adults.

Question 2

The trace dose is calculated to?

Answer 2

Minimize radiation exposure while providing accurate test results.

Question 3

How are allergic reactions to the tracer?

Answer 3

Rare and usually mild.

Question 4

Since the radiation injected is eliminated form the body within two to 10hrs through the kidneys, the patient should be advise to?

Answer 4

Drink plenty of fluids and urinate frequently following the examination.

Question 5

What does the patient should informed the provider?

Answer 5

If they’re pregnant, might be pregnant, breastfeeding (the tracer will contaminate the breast milk).

Question 6

Since the patient requires to lie on a narrow table that slides into a tunnel-shaped scanner in the PET scan the patient should?

Answer 6

Notify the provider if they have claustrophobia so the medication can be administered before the test help the patient relax.