Question

The nurse is instructing a client for whom a position emission tomography (PET) scan has been requested. Which statement indicates to the nurse that the client understands the instructions?

A) "It's okay to have a cup of coffee before the test."
B) "Because I am diabetic, I will take my insulin just before the test."
C) "I can continue to smoke cigarettes up to 2 hours before the test."
D) "I will drink plenty of fluids after the test."

Answer 1

The correct answer is D) "I will drink plenty of fluids after the test." It is vital for clients undergoing a PET scan to remain hydrated afterward to help clear the radiotracer from their body.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct option is D:

The client understands instructions for a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is D) "I will drink plenty of fluids after the test." After a PET scan, its crucial to flush out the radiotracer used during the procedure, and hydration can facilitate this process. Drinking fluids aids in eliminating the radioactive substances from the body more rapidly. This statement demonstrates that the client understands the importance of staying hydrated after the scan, which helps to flush out the radioactive substances that were administered for the test. It is important for the client to drink plenty of fluids to aid in the elimination of the radiation from their body.

Regarding the other statements, caffeine found in coffee can interfere with the results of the test, making A incorrect. Diabetics must have their glucose levels carefully managed before a PET scan, and not just before the test as B suggests. Insulin can lower blood glucose levels, which might compete with the radiotracer (which is often a form of glucose) for uptake into cells. C is incorrect because smoking can affect the distribution and metabolism of the radiotracer, leading to a potential misinterpretation of results.