When instructing a client about a CT scan of the brain, what key point should the nurse emphasize?

Emphasizing the importance of lying very still on a long, narrow table during a CT scan is crucial for ensuring accurate imaging results. The CT scan works by taking a series of X-ray images from different angles, and any movement can cause blurring or distortion in the images, making it difficult for healthcare providers to interpret them correctly. By instructing the client to remain motionless, the nurse helps to minimize the risk of obtaining suboptimal images, which could lead to delays in diagnosis or treatment.

The other points are important to consider, but they do not capture the primary focus necessary for a CT scan. Fasting may be necessary in some situations, but it is not universally required for all CT scans. Moving around during the scan would compromise the quality of the images, and sedation is not typically used for the vast majority of CT scans, which are completed in a short span of time and do not generally cause discomfort that would warrant sedation. The key emphasis should be on the importance of remaining still during the procedure to ensure the best possible outcomes.