The parent of an adolescent with schizophrenia asks the nurse, "My child's doctor ordered a PET. What kind of test is that?" Select the nurse's best reply

Question

a. "This test uses a magnetic field and gamma waves to identify problem areas in the brain. Does your teenager have any metal implants?"
b. "PET means positron-emission tomography. An injection is given and images are taken. It shows blood flow and activity in the brain."
c. "A PET scan passes an electrical current through the brain and shows brain-wave activity. It can help diagnose seizures."
d. "It's a special type of x-ray that shows structures of the brain and whether there has ever been a brain injury."

Answer 1

B
The parent is seeking information about PET scans. It is important to use terms the parent can understand, so the nurse should identify what the initials mean. The correct response is the only option that provides information relevant to PET scans. The distracters describe MRI, CT scans, and EEG.