Final answer:
First-pass cardiac studies require a compact bolus of radiopharmaceutical to ensure that imaging captures the first pass of the radiopharmaceutical through the heart, which is vital for accurate cardiac function assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
First-pass cardiac studies, which are a type of nuclear medicine imaging used to evaluate cardiac function, require:
- A compact bolus of radiopharmaceutical (RP).
- Gating to synchronize the imaging process with the cardiac cycle.
- A multiple crystal imaging system.
- Extended imaging time for detailed assessment.
However, according to the options provided, the correct answer involves a compact bolus of RP. This is because a compact bolus is essential for ensuring that imaging captures the first pass of the radiopharmaceutical through the heart, revealing important information about cardiac function and blood flow that is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.