Oral contrast for CT

[djleon1]

Hi would like to take a poll to see how many departments require a written order for oral contrast for CT.

Thanks.

[ratchit]

Hi. Take away one "no " vote. I read the post and responded to that, not the question. My dept does not require the order be written, but I think they should.

DJ- check your pm's! :)

[NS_RN]

I do...it often gets missed on my busy medicine unit unless there is a written order.

[dianah, ASN]

When the CT is ordered, the order is entered in the computer, the printer spits out the requisition in CT, at which time the Imaging Assistant mixes the contrast concoction and delivers it to the floor with written instructions (pt name, MR #, date, how and when to administer) which s/he gives to the pt's nurse (who can then ask questions, etc). Staff can always call CT w/questions.

[RadRN2]

Ditto, dianah...

CT RT or assist. takes oral contrast to the floor and gives to the nurse or charge with instructions. Oral contrast is not kept in stock on the floors. It is necessary for the RT to give instructions on when to administer, as the ordering physician will not be aware of when the CT exam will be done and the contrast needs to be roughly timed to the exam.

This is the procedure at my hosp.

[ShandyLynnRN, BSN, RN]

I thought this was going to be about the taste of the contrast! Last year I ended up in the ER a week after my lap chole with abd pain and n/v... how the heck are people supposed to drink that stuff??? I mean really! It tasted like rubbing alcohol smells!!! I drank half and then ended up hurling it up, and having dry heaves all throughout my CT!!! Nasty! I hope and pray I never have to drink that stuff again! ANd then the IV contrast, well that stuff made me feel like I peed my pants! Very weird feeling, actually had to go to the bathroom afterwords to be sure, lol.

[KaroSnowQueen, RN]

The MD writes the order for with or without contrast specifically. If he fails to specify they do it without. Radiology brings the contrast to the floor, gives it to the patient, and then comes and finds the nurse, and brings her to the patient room so she sees the contrast and can give any needed "instructions" read great encouragement to the pt.

If it's IV contrast, that has to also be written specifically.

[djleon1]

Thanks Karo, when you say MD I assume you mean the radiologist.

[KaroSnowQueen, RN]

Either the radiologist or sometimes the md ordering the scan.