Question

Four clients are preparing for CT scans with oral and IV contrast. Which client statement requires an immediate follow-up by the nurse?

1. "I am feeling nauseated."
2. "My face gets red when I eat shrimp."
3. "I get claustrophobic when I am in a small space."
4. "I am having joint pain."

Answer 1

The statement about a red face when eating shrimp indicates a potential shellfish allergy, which can cross-react with iodine in CT scan contrast agents, and therefore requires immediate nurse follow-up for the patient's safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client statement that requires immediate follow-up by the nurse is, "My face gets red when I eat shrimp." This statement suggests that the client may have an allergy to shellfish, which is a common allergy. Many contrast agents used in CT scans contain iodine, which can cross-react with shellfish allergies, posing a risk of an allergic reaction. Immediate follow-up is necessary to assess the severity of the allergy, discuss alternative contrast agents, and prepare for potential allergic reaction management.

Contrastingly, the other client statements, while they also require attention and management, do not pose the same immediate risk. Nausea might be related to the contrast or anxiety, claustrophobia can be managed with reassurance and potentially sedation if necessary, and joint pain is not generally related to contrast administration and does not pose an immediate risk in this setting.