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Lesson 20. Brain Scan
2-20. BRAIN SCAN a. Brain scanning is the use of a specialized camera to provide images of the brain after an I.V. injection of a radionucleotide. Normally, the radionucleotide cannot permeate the blood-brain barriers, but if pathologic changes have destroyed the barrier, the radionucleotide may concentrate in the abnormal area. b. Diagnostic uses: - (1) To detect an intracranial mass or vascular lesion.
- (2) To locate areas of ischemia, cerebral infarction, or hemorrhage.
- (3) To evaluate the course of certain lesions postoperatively and during chemotherapy.
c. Nursing implications. - (1) Review the patient's clinical record to determine the reason (purpose) for the specific patient's scheduled brain scanning procedure and what the patient has been told about the procedure.
- (2) Approach and identify the patient.
- (3) Interview the patient to determine his/her knowledge of the purpose of the brain scanning procedure.
- (4) As indicated, explain to the patient the specific purpose of the brain scan. Explain purpose in a manner consistent with that offered by the physician to avoid confusing the patient.
- (5) Explain to the patient events that will occur prior to the brain scanning procedure.
- (a) Patient will not have to restrict food or fluids before test.
- (b) Patient will be asked to empty his/her bladder prior to the procedure.
- (c) All jewelry or metal in the x-ray field will be removed and placed in safe keeping.
- (d) Describe the scanning machine and explain it will move back and forth close to the patient's head.
- (e) Explain that the procedure is painless and that the radiation poses no danger to the patient or visitors.
- (f) A radioactive drug will be injected intravenously at least one hour before the scan begins.
(6) Explain to the patient events that will occur during the brain scanning procedure. - (a) The patient will be transported to the nuclear medicine department.
- (b) Films will be taken of the brain at various time intervals.
- (c) The patient can expect to be in the nuclear medicine department at least an hour and a half.
(7) Explain to the patient events that will occur after the brain scan. - (a) Patient will be transported back to his/her room.
- (b) Physician will report the results of the brain scan to the patient when available.
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