The nurse is preparing a patient for a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen.Which statement by the nurse is best (all contain correct information) ?

A) "You will need to remain NPO for the 4 hours prior to your CT scan."
B) "You cannot have anything to eat or drink for 4 hours before your test."
C) "You will need to be NPO and drink this contrast medium before your test."
D) "You may need to void before you go down to the department for your CT scan."

The correct preparation for a CT scan of the abdomen is to remain NPO (nothing by mouth) for 2-4 hours prior to the test. Therefore, option B is the best choice as it correctly states that the patient cannot have anything to eat or drink for 4 hours before the test. Option A is not entirely correct, as the actual NPO time can vary between 2-4 hours. Option C is also incorrect, as drinking a contrast medium is not always necessary for a CT scan of the abdomen. Option D is true, but it is not the best choice as it does not provide specific information about the test preparation.