How should a technologist prepare a patient for a CT scan?

Preparing a patient for a CT scan involves several important steps to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient while also facilitating accurate imaging. The correct approach includes explaining the procedure to the patient, which helps alleviate anxiety and allows for informed consent. Understanding the patient's medical history is crucial, as it can affect both the procedure and the patient's safety; this includes assessing for allergies, particularly to any contrast material that may be used during the scan. Knowing about previous reactions or allergies is vital to prevent adverse effects during the imaging process.

This comprehensive preparation ensures that the patient is fully informed and any potential risks are mitigated, making for a smoother and safer experience. The other choices, while they may touch on aspects of patient care, do not encompass the full range of necessary precautions and information sharing that are foundational to preparing a patient for a CT scan. For instance, just advising a patient to skip breakfast or ensuring comfortable clothing does not address the critical nature of safety assessments and detailed explanations of the procedure.