A patient has been admitted with acute confusion and other focal neurologic signs.The practitioner orders magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).The nurse knows in certain situations an MRI is superior to computed tomography (CT).What is one those situations?
A) Brain death determination
B) Detection of central nervous system infection
C) Estimation of intracranial pressure
D) Identification of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)produces images with greater detail than computed tomography (CT)and provides views of several planes (sagittal,coronal,axial,and oblique)that are not possible with CT.MRI with contrast is the preferred study for detection of infectious and inflammatory processes of the central nervous system (CNS).MRI can detect areas of cerebral infarct within a few hours of the incident and can identify small areas of plaque in patients with multiple sclerosis.MRI with contrast is the preferred study for detection of infectious and inflammatory processes of the CNS,malignancy,and metastatic lesions; cervical spine imaging; and postoperative evaluation of tumor recurrence.MRI also is the diagnostic study of choice in the evaluation of spinal cord injury.

A Patient Has Been Admitted with Acute Confusion and Other