What it means
A fast imaging test that combines a computed tomographykum-PYOO-tid toh-MOG-ruh-feeAn imaging test that uses x-rays and a computer to make cross-section pictures of the inside of the body.tom/o cut, slice-graphy process of recordingFull entry scan with contrast injected into a vein, so arteries and veins show up clearly. It is used to look for blockages, narrowing, aneurysms and bleeding, for example in the brain during a stroke workup, in the coronary arteries or in the lungs for a pulmonary embolismPUL-muh-nair-ee EM-buh-liz-umA blockage of an artery in the lungs, usually by a blood clot that has traveled there from elsewhere in the body.pulmon/o lung-ary relating toembol/o plug-ism conditionFull entry .
For the nurse
Ask about allergy to contrast and check kidney function (creatinine) before the scan, and whether the client takes metformin. Make sure a good IV line is in place. Afterward, encourage fluids unless restricted.
At a glance
| Also written | computed tomography angiography, CT angiography, CT angiogram |
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Related terms
pulmonary embolism
A blockage of an artery in the lungs, usually by a blood clot that has traveled there from elsewhere in the body.
computed tomography
An imaging test that uses x-rays and a computer to make cross-section pictures of the inside of the body.
creatinine
A waste product of muscle that the kidneys remove from the blood; its blood level is used to measure how well the kidneys work.