The client is being scheduled for a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. The nurse provides which of the following explanations to the client?

Question

1. "The test uses magnetic fields to produce images."
2. "The test provides cross-sectional views of the brain."
3. "The test detects abnormal glucose metabolism in the brain."
4. "The test views bones of the skull, nasal sinuses, and vertebrae."

Answer 1

3

Rationale: The PET scan can detect abnormal brain tissue metabolism. A radionuclide is attached to a glucose component and is injected as an intravenous bolus. The computer records the chemical activity in the brain following injection. "The test uses magnetic fields to produce images," "the test provides cross-sectional views of the brain," and "the test views bones of the skull, nasal sinuses, and vertebrae" describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT) scanning, and radiography, respectively.