A patient is admitted with abdominal pain.Ultrasonography of the abdomen, CT of the abdomen, and a barium enema study have been ordered.In what order should these tests be performed?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ultrasonography should be performed first because intraabdominal barium will distort the sound waves and thus decrease the accuracy.Also, if the ultrasonography of the abdomen includes water distension of the stomach, the patient will need to void before proceeding to CT to prevent discomfort.Likewise, barium within the bowel will distort the CT image.Therefore ultrasonography should be done first, CT second, and barium enema last.
Reference

A Patient Is Admitted with Abdominal Pain