Final answer:
It is true that nurses must assess patients for allergies prior to a CT scan to prevent allergic reactions to contrast material. Allergy medications are avoided before testing to ensure accurate results. Healthcare teams communicate known allergies to ensure patient safety during medical procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, the nurse must be careful to assess the patient for allergies prior to a CT scan. This is crucial because patients may require an intravenous contrast material, which can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. To ensure safety, a thorough assessment of allergic history is vital.
Patients are instructed to avoid allergy medications before testing because these medications can suppress the body's response to an allergen, potentially leading to a false-negative result on the test. Similarly, healthcare providers, including the nurse and anesthesia professional, need to be aware of any known allergies before any procedure, given the risk of allergic reactions to medications or materials used during the process.
Understanding that allergies and autoimmune diseases are both immune system responses is essential, although they stem from different mechanisms. The critical thinking involved in determining whether to undergo a diagnostic test such as a CT scan takes into account potential risks, including the exposure to radiation that could potentially damage cells and increase the risk of cancer.