Arnold Goes for a DMSA Scan

Then they would have to wait... until after lunch. Whilst waiting Arnold would be able to watch videos or go in the playroom to paint and draw, or Mum would read a story. And of course Little Ted and Mickey Mouse would be there too. Then, after lunch, they would all go down to the special room where the DMSA test is done. Dad wasn’t too sure what actually happened in the DMSA room but was pretty sure all Arnold would have to do was lie very still on a big couch, whilst a big camera took some pictures.

The next morning Arnold, Danny and Mum and Dad arrived on the ward, The nurses said hello and showed them a bed and locker where they could put their things.

A nurse came to talk to Arnold and explained what they would do. First she wanted to weigh him so he went with the nurse and stood on some scales. They said how heavy he was. Then she measured how tall he was. Next was his blood pressure. Arnold remembered this from his last visit to the ward. To do his blood pressure the nurse wrapped a band of cloth around his arm. This was attached to a machine which blew air into the band and squeezed his arm quite tightly. It then let the air out again and then some numbers appeared on the machine. Arnold looked for the number 4 because that was his favourite. Last of all she said that they needed to test Arnold’s wee so next time he went to the toilet he had to do it into a special bottle that the nurse gave him.

Before she went away again the nurse put some of the special EMLA cream onto the back of Arnold’s hand. “That will stop the needle hurting when the doctor comes to see you” the nurse said. “Meanwhile you and Danny can go and play for a bit.”

NKF Controlled Document No. 93, Arnold Goes for a DMSA Scan - 3, written 31 January 2007. Last reviewed 31 January 2007.

Content compiled by Paediatric Advice, Literature & Support (PALS), c/o Paediatric Renal Unit, City Hospital, Nottingham NG5 1PB.

The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.

The National Kidney Federation is registered in England and Wales as a Company limited by guarantee (Company No 5272349)
and awarded charitable status (Charity Number 1106735).

Give as You Earn contributions No. CAF GY511.

Page created: 31 January 2007

Last updated: 30 July 2007

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