Mrs. Professor Smith's CT Basics

Question 1

What do you do if a CXR shows a nodule?

Answer 1

get a CT with IV contrast

Question 2

What do you do for a Chest CT for trauma?

Answer 2

noncontrast

Question 3

What do you do for a PE?

Answer 3

CT angiogram

Question 4

What do you do for a renal CT?

Answer 4

no oral or IV contrast

Question 5

What do you do for questionable appy or diverticulitis?

Answer 5

get CT scan if patient has abdominal pain and its not gallbladder or ovarian cyst and you can’t convince them they are fine

Question 6

What do you do if the patient has a BMI > 25 and you need an abdominal CT?

Answer 6

IV contrast

Question 7

What do you do if the patient is thin and you need an abdominal CT?

Answer 7

oral contrast and IV contrast

Question 8

What do you need before IV contrast for patients > 60 that are healthy or younger but have Diabetes?

Answer 8

renal function test

Question 9

What should you administer to protect the kidneys?

Answer 9

bolus IV fluids

Question 10

What do patients on metformin need to do before contrast CT?

Answer 10

hold med for a day or two

Question 11

What should you always consider?

Answer 11

do an alt. study before CT if possible

Question 12

What should you order for a thin kid with questionable appy?

Answer 12

ultrasound

Question 13

What should you order for a patient with a history of kidney stones?

Answer 13

ultrasound and KUB flat