I understand the necessity of certain scans, but it seems that some patients undergo them without clinical justification ("Cancer Threat from CT Scans," In the News, March). A good physical assessment and accurate patient history could help to avoid a significant number of scans.

As RNs, we have a responsibility to be patient advocates. We must give our patients all the information they need to make informed decisions about the risks of CT scans. They need to know that overuse can significantly increase their risk of developing cancer. We should encourage them to be proactive about their health care, questioning all tests that are ordered.