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Support Needs
These are typical support requirements when integrating Positron Emission Tomography (PET) into your hospital or imaging center. Of course, each client is different and neo•pet will work with you to determine how to provide consistent, high-quality care to your patients.
Facility Patient Handling Procedures
- Register Patient
- Transfer all pertinent information to neo•pet PET Study Data Sheet
- Place IV (Heparin) lock, no pigtail in hand (right hand if possible)
- Place a Foley catheter into the bladder (if necessary, see below)
- Escort patient and requisition to the coach where the patient will be injected
- Following injection the patient will be escorted off the coach for a 45-55 minute waiting period to allow the FDG to metabolize.
- During this waiting period:
- If imaging above the diaphragm: (i.e., brain, breast, head & neck, SPN, or NSCLC) the patient will be asked to drink 3-4 glasses of water. The patient should void completely just prior to returning to the coach for imaging. The patient will then be escorted to the coach for imaging. Imaging takes about 50-60 minutes. When scanning has been completed, the patient will then return to your facility to have the Heparin lock removed, and may then leave.
- If imaging below the diaphragm: (Le. colorectal, lymphoma. melanoma. pelvic) Place a Foley catheter into the bladder at the time of the IV placement. The IV solution of half-normal saline will be started wide open until about 500 cc has been given (this takes most of the waiting period to accomplish, so please start fluid 15-20 min post FOG injection). The patient will then be escorted to the coach for imaging. Imaging takes about 50-60 minutes. During the exam, 40mg of Lasix needs to be given. Your RN must give this. Keep in mind that this injection must be given on a timely basis. The neo•pet staff will inform you when to inject. When scanning has been completed, the patients will then return to your facility to have the Heparin lock and Foley catheter removed. Empty the urine into the toilet; flush twice. Place the angio-cath, empty urine bag and any other items that may have been contaminated in a RED Biohazard bag. At the end of the day, the neo•pet staff will take this bag with them for disposal.
Suggested Nursing Responsibilities
Below are the nursing responsibilities that are undertaken at other client sites that have contributed toward highly effective and efficient PET programs:
- Placement and removal of intravenous catheters
- Placement and removal of Foley bladder catheters
- Administration of all non-radioactive pharmaceuticals (i.e. hydration fluids, lasix, insulin) as well as obtaining orders and appropriate charting for such meds
- Monitoring patients (EGG, blood glucose) when required
- Recording patient histories
- Ensuring that supply and linen carts are properly stocked and nursing equipment maintained (iv pumps, sphygnomanamometers, glucose monitors, oxygen tanks, emergency boxes)
- Managing paperwork flow
- Escorting patients between facility and coach
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