Computed Tomography Scan

Discharge Instructions

Medications

You will most likely continue any medications you are currently taking. Your physician will let you know about any changes that need to be made.

Diet

You should be able to resume your normal diet, unless your physician instructs you differently.

Activity

You should be able to resume your normal activity, unless your physician instructs you differently.

Sexual Activity

You should be able to resume your normal sexual activity, unless your physician instructs you differently.

Bath Care

No special instructions.

Site Care

No special instructions. It is possible that a small amount of blood may ooze from the IV site for a few hours after the procedure. In this event, a small bandage may be used over the site. Any blood oozing should stop within a few hours after the IV has been discontinued. You may notice slight bruising or tenderness at the site, which should go away within two to three days. If you notice any swelling, increased soreness or tenderness, redness, red streaks radiating from the IV site, and/or a feeling of warmth or heat around the IV site, notify your physician, as this could indicate an infection.

Driving a Vehicle

There is no restriction if you did not receive sedation, unless your physician instructs you differently. If you did receive sedation, you should not drive for at least the remainder of the day of your procedure.

Returning to Work

No restriction, unless your physician instructs you differently.

Office Visit

Depending on the results of the CT scan, your physician may want you to schedule a visit within a certain period of time in order to discuss treatment options, additional testing/diagnostic options, and/or to follow up on your status.

Warning Signs/Symptoms to Monitor

Notify your physician if you develop any of the following:

• any signs or symptoms you had prior to the test (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, etc.)
  
  
• continued grogginess or weakness for more than one day after sedation
  
  
• any redness, soreness, swelling, hardness, pain, feeling of warmth, or red streaks at the IV site

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