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A patient has calcium kidney stones - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 5
Question 4
A patient has calcium kidney stones. Three types of scan are available to investigate the condition: • a magnetic resonance (MR) scan • a CT scan • an ultrasound sca... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A patient has calcium kidney stones - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 5
Step 1
refer to the relevant quality of the image obtained from each scan
Answer
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Magnetic Resonance (MR) Scan:
- Advantages: Produces high-resolution images with excellent soft tissue contrast, which may help in visualizing surrounding tissues but is limited in detecting calcified stones clearly.
- Disadvantages: It is generally more expensive and time-consuming than other methods, and movement can create artifacts in images.
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CT Scan:
- Advantages: Highly effective in identifying kidney stones due to its sensitivity and speed, producing detailed cross-sectional images. It can clearly differentiate between stones and other structures.
- Disadvantages: Involves exposure to ionizing radiation, which may be a concern for certain patients.
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Ultrasound Scan:
- Advantages: No ionizing radiation, safe for all patients including pregnant women and children. It is also relatively quick and cost-effective.
- Disadvantages: The quality of the images can vary widely based on the operator's skill, and it may be less effective for visualizing stones that are not in motion or small stones.
Step 2
identify other factors that should be considered
Answer
- Patient History and Conditions: Understanding the patient's medical history, allergies to contrast media, or previous reactions to imaging procedures can guide the choice.
- Cost and Availability: The patient's access to imaging services and financial considerations play a crucial role in decision-making.
- Patient Comfort and Suitability: Consideration of how well the patient can tolerate the scanning process, especially with MR scans, which can involve longer times and confinement.
Step 3
justify the type of scan you would recommend
Answer
Considering all factors, I would recommend a CT scan as the first choice for evaluating calcium kidney stones. Its high sensitivity allows it to accurately identify and locate stones quickly, reducing the time to treatment. While MR scans provide detailed images, their effectiveness for stones is limited, and ultrasound may miss smaller stones or not provide sufficient detail in certain situations. The benefits of a CT scan in this context outweigh the risks related to radiation exposure, given the urgency often associated with kidney stone management.