Many of the nuclear medicine procedures that are performed on adults may be indicated in children.

Pediatric Pretest Care

1. Verify that the female pediatric patient of childbearing age is not pregnant.

2. Be aware that depending on hospital policy, a valid consent form may be requested to be signed by the parents or legal guardians of the child.

3. Explain the procedure and its purpose, benefits, and risks to the parents or legal guardians and to the child, if appropriate. Reassure the child that the test is safe and painless.

4. Assess for allergy to medications.

5. Have the child appropriately dressed, ensuring that there are no metal objects on the child during the procedure.

6. Obtain an accurate weight; the dose is calculated based on the child’s weight. Because pediatric patients have a different body metabolism than adults, a lower dose is given. Use of a body surface area (BSA) formula is recommended. The most commonly used is the DuBois 
formula:

   

   where the weight is in kilograms and the height is in centimeters.

7. Remember that immobilization techniques are often used during the imaging of pediatric patients. Wrapping an infant or small child is often necessary. Head clamps, arm boards, or sandbags may be used for child immobilization.

8. Administer sedative drugs to reduce motion during the examination. Disadvantages of sedation may include nausea and vomiting.

9. Start an IV line for administration of radiopharmaceuticals.

10. Do not leave child unattended at any time during the procedure.

11. Pediatric patients need constant reassurance and emotional support.

12. Urination is often difficult to control with pediatric patients. A urinary catheter may be required.