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Basic Nursing:Foundations of Skills & Concepts: Diagnostic Tests
Basic Nursing:Foundations of Skills & Concepts: Diagnostic Tests
Conscious Sedation
A minimally depressed level of consciousness during which the client retains the ability to maintain a continuously patent airway and respond appropriately to physical stimulation or verbal commands.
To detect and quantify the risk of future disease. To establish or exclude diagnoses. To assess the severity of the disease process and formulate a prognosis.
To guide the selection of interventions. To monitor the progress of the disorder. To monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.
The practitioners order must be transcribed onto the correct requisition form. All information must be written on form. Pertinent data that could influence the tests results must be included. Collection of the specimen from the correct client must be confirmed by checking the identification band. Laboratory results must be placed in the correct medical record.
Nurses should schedule diagnostic testing to promote: Client comfort. Cost containment.
Venipuncture: the use of a needle to puncture a vein to aspirate blood. Arterial puncture. Capillary puncture. Central Lines: refers to a venous catheter inserted into the superior vena cava through the subclavian or internal or external jugular vein. Implanted port: a port that has been implanted under the skin. Urine collection.
Explain to client the reason for collection. Refrigerate stools if collected for a prolonged period of time.
Label container with clients name, date and time, and test to be performed on the specimen. Place stool specimens in biohazard bag before transport to laboratory.
Identifies the clients blood type and determines the compatibility to blood between a potential donor and recipient (client).
Blood Chemistry
Blood Glucose. Serum Electrolytes. Blood Enzymes. Blood Lipids.
Papanicolaou Test
A smear method of examining stained exfoliative cells, commonly called a Pap smear.
Radiography
The study of film exposed to x-rays or gamma rays through the action of ionizing radiation. Used by the practitioner to study internal organ structure.
Fluoroscopy
Immediate, serial images of the bodys structure and function. Reveals the motion of organs.
Chest X-Ray
The most common radiological study. Noninvasive, noncontrasted.
Computed Tomography
The radiological scanning of the body. X-ray beams and radiation detectors transmit data to a computer that transcribes the data into quantitative measurement and multidimensional images of the internal structures.
Barium Studies
The use of barium, a chalky white contrast medium, in a preparation that permits roentgengraphic visualizations of the internal structures of the digestive tract.
Angiography
Visualization of the vascular structures through the use of fluoroscopy in conjunction with a contrast medium.
Arteriography
The radiographic study of the vascular system following injection of a radiopaque dye through a catheter.
Ultrasound
A noninvasive procedure that uses highfrequency sound waves to visualize deep body structures. Also called echogram or sonogram.
The MRI use of radiowaves and a strong magnetic field to make continuous crosssectional images of the body.
Electrocardiogram
Stress Test
A measure of the clients cardiovascular fitness. It demonstrates the ability of the myocardium to respond to increased oxygen requirements by increasing the blood flow to the coronary arteries.
Thalium Test
Thalium201 is a radioactive isotope that emits gamma rays and closely resembles potassium. Often performed in conjunction with ECG.
Electroencephologram (EEG)
Endoscopy
Aspiration
A procedure that is performed to withdraw fluid that has abnormally collected or to obtain a specimen.
Biopsy
The excision of a small amount of tissue, obtained during aspiration or in conjunction with other diagnostic tests.
Amniocentesis
The withdrawal of amniotic fluid to obtain a sample for examination. Indicated when client is: Over 35. Has had a spontaneous abortion with a previous pregnancy. Has a family history of genetic, chromosomal, or neural tube defects.
Paracentesis
Thoracentesis
Lumbar Puncture
The aspiration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the subarachnoid space. Also called spinal tap.