When preparing a client for adrenal scan, a radionuclide dose is given 3-5 days prior to the test. What is the rationale behind this?
Explanation
Answer: D - The contrast, a radioactive NP-59 or metaiodobenzylguanidine, is given over the course of 3-5 days to allow adequate uptake by the adrenal glands. The test will reveal if the adrenal glands have an increased uptake, unilateral or bilateral uptake, or no uptake at all. Giving the dose days before the test doesn’t reduce the possibility of allergic reaction nor does it prevent false-positive results. In addition, the test is not a blood test; rather, it is an imaging test.
