When preparing a school-age child for a computed tomography (CT) scan to assess cerebral function, which statement should the nurse include?

When preparing a school-age child for a computed tomography (CT) scan to assess cerebral function, which statement should the nurse include?

• A. The scan will not hurt.
• B. Pain medication will be given.
• C. Unfortunately no one can remain in the room with you during the test.
• D. You will be able to move once the equipment is in place.

Answer: (A)

CT scans are painless, noninvasive imaging tests that require the child to lie very still for a short time while pictures of the brain are taken. Because there are typically no incisions or injections involved, the procedure itself does not cause pain. The reassurance you give should reflect that truth: the scan won’t hurt. Pain medications aren’t routinely given just for a CT scan unless there’s another reason for them, and the need for sedation isn’t universal—most kids stay calm and still without meds, though some may need help to remain still if they’re very anxious. It’s also common for a parent or guardian to be allowed in the room to provide comfort, so the statement that no one can remain with the child isn’t accurate. Finally, movement disrupts the images, so the child is positioned and asked to stay as still as possible rather than being told they can move once the equipment is in place.

CT scans are painless, noninvasive imaging tests that require the child to lie very still for a short time while pictures of the brain are taken. Because there are typically no incisions or injections involved, the procedure itself does not cause pain. The reassurance you give should reflect that truth: the scan won’t hurt.

Pain medications aren’t routinely given just for a CT scan unless there’s another reason for them, and the need for sedation isn’t universal—most kids stay calm and still without meds, though some may need help to remain still if they’re very anxious. It’s also common for a parent or guardian to be allowed in the room to provide comfort, so the statement that no one can remain with the child isn’t accurate. Finally, movement disrupts the images, so the child is positioned and asked to stay as still as possible rather than being told they can move once the equipment is in place.