Question

Patient preparation for a contrast-enhanced CT examination of the chest may include:

A. NPO for 4 hours prior to the examination.
B. low-residue diet for 12 to 24 hours prior to the examination.
C. cleansing enema on the day preceding the examination.
D. no preparation necessary.

Answer 1

Patient preparation for a contrast-enhanced CT scan of the chest requires the patient to be NPO for 4 hours prior. Ensuring that previous imaging results are available for comparison is also an essential aspect of preparing for a CT scan.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient preparation for a contrast-enhanced CT examination of the chest often includes being NPO for 4 hours prior to the examination. NPO stands for 'nil per os', which is a medical instruction meaning to withhold oral food and fluids from a patient for a certain period before a procedure. In the context of CT scans, particularly with contrast, this preparation helps minimize the risk of aspiration and enhances the quality of the images.

It is also critical to ensure that any previous imaging results relevant to the current examination are readily available for comparison. This may ensure proper diagnosis and assessment of changes or treatment progress.