Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam

When is a CT scan typically ordered?

1. For psychiatric evaluation

2. When exploring metabolic disorders

3. For falls and trauma

4. During routine medical exams

The correct answer is: For falls and trauma

A CT scan is typically ordered when there is a suspicion of structural abnormalities, particularly in the brain or other organs, which is commonly the case with falls and trauma. In these situations, healthcare providers utilize CT imaging to identify potential injuries such as fractures, bleeding, or edema that may have occurred due to impact. This diagnostic tool provides quick and detailed images that help in making timely decisions regarding treatment, especially in emergency settings. While CT scans can have applications in psychiatric evaluations and exploring metabolic disorders, these are not routine uses. In psychiatric contexts, CT scans may be used to rule out other medical conditions affecting mental status, but they are not the primary diagnostic tool for mental health disorders. Similarly, while metabolic disorders might warrant imaging, they generally rely more on blood tests and other laboratory analyses for diagnosis rather than CT scans. Routine medical exams also do not typically include CT scans, as these are not standard diagnostic measures without specific clinical indications.