CH. 5: Diagnostic/Laboratory Terms Flashcards
bronchoscope
instrument used for visual examination of the bronchi
bronchoscopy
visual examination of the bronchi
endoscope
instrument used for visual examination within (a hollow organ or body cavity)
endoscopic
pertaining to visual examination within
endoscopy
visual examination within
laryngoscope
instrument used for visual examination of the larynx
laryngoscopy
visual examination of the larynx
mediastinoscopy
visual examination of the mediastinum
thoracoscope
instrument used for visual examination of the chest cavity
thoracoscopy
visual examination of the chest cavity
polysomnography (PSG)
process of recording many (tests) during sleep (performed to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea). Tests include electrooculography, electrocardiography, electromyography, electroencephalography, air flow monitoring, and oximetry.
capnometer
instrument used to measure carbon dioxide (levels in expired gas)
oximeter
instrument used to measure oxygen (saturation in the blood)
spirometer
instrument used to measure breathing (or lung volume)
spirometry
a measurement of breathing (or air flow)
chest computed tomography (CT) scan
computerized radiographic images of the chest performed to diagnose tumors, abscesses, and pleural effusion
chest radiograph (CXR)
radiographic image of the chest performed to evaluate the lungs and the heart (also called a chest x-ray)
lung ventilation/perfusion scan (V/Q scan)
two nuclear scan tests, one to measure air flow throughout the lungs (ventilation), and one to measure circulation to all areas of the lungs (perfusion). This scan is used most often to help diagnose or rule out a pulmonary embolism (PE).
acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear
test performed on sputum to determine the presence of acid-fast bacilli, which cause tuberculosis
acid-fast
not easily discolored by acid after staining
arterial blood gas (ABG)
test performed on arterial blood to determine levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH (acidity).
peak flow meter (PFM)
portable instrument used to measure air flow early in forced exhalation; helps monitor asthma and adjust medication accordingly.
pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
group of tests performed to measure breathing capacity and used to determine external respiratory function; when abnormal, they are useful in distinguishing COPD from asthma. Some tests involve the use of a spirometer.
pulse oximetry
noninvasive method of measuring oxygen in the blood by using a device that attaches to the fingertip
auscultation
the act of listening through a stethoscope for sounds within the body which are abnormal and that suggest abnormalities or disease; used for assessing and diagnosing conditions of the lungs, pleura, heart, arteries, and abdomen.
percussion
the act of tapping of a body surface to determine the density of the part beneath by the sound obtained. A dull sound where normally a hollow sound would be elicited indicates displacement of air by fluid or solid waste in a body space or cavity such as in a potential pleural space.
PPD (purified protein derivative) skin test
test performed on individuals who may have been exposed to tuberculosis. The protein derivative of the tuberculin bacillus is injected intradermally. Positive tests indicate previous exposure, not necessarily active tuberculosis (also called TB skin test).
stethoscope
instrument used to hear internal body sounds; used for performing auscultation and blood pressure measurement.
digital subtraction angiography (DSA)
process of digital radiographic imaging of the blood vessels that “subtracts” or removes structures not being studied
Doppler ultrasound
study that uses high-frequency sound waves for detection of blood flow within the vessels; used to assess intermittent claudication, deep vein thrombosis, and other blood flow abnormalities
sestamibi test
nuclear medicine test used to diagnose coronary artery disease and assess revascularization after coronary artery bypass surgery. Sestamibi, a radioactive isotope, is taken up by normal myocardial cells, but not in ischemia or infarction; these area are identified as “cold” spots on the images produced.
single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
nuclear medicine test that collects a series of images (projections) as a Gamma camera rotates around the patient; these projections are then used by a computer to generate three dimensional pictures; it also helps show the function of organs, such as coronary artery flow or active and inactive areas of the brain
transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
ultrasound test that examines cardiac function and structure by using an ultrasound probe placed in the esophagus, which provides more direct views of the heart structures
cardiac catheterization
diagnostic procedure performed by passing a catheter into the heart from a blood vessel in the groin or arm to examine the condition of the heart and surrounding blood vessels; used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease
exercise stress test
study that evaluates cardiac function during physical stress by riding a bike or walking on a treadmill; electrocardiography is the most common method, but echocardiography and nuclear medicine scanning (diagnostic imaging tests) can also be used to measure cardiac function while exercising
blood pressure (BP)
pressure exerted by the blood against the blood vessel walls; a blood pressure measurement written as a systolic pressure (120) and diastolic pressure (80) is commonly recorded as 120/80 (blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury [mm Hg])
chemical stress testing
the use of drugs to simulate the stress of physical exercise on the body; it is used to study cardiac function in patients who are unable to exercise
systole
cardiac-cycle phase in which the ventricles contract and eject blood
diastole
the phase in which the ventricles relax and fill with blood between contractions
pulse
contraction of the heart, which can be felt with a fingertip; the pulse is most commonly felt over the radial artery (in the wrist); however, the pulsations can be felt over a number of sites, including the femoral (groin) and carotid (neck) arteries
sphygmomanometer
device used for measuring blood pressure
C-reactive protein (CRP)
blood test to measure the amount of C-reactive protein in the blood, which when elevated, indicates inflammation in the body; it is sometimes used in assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease
creatine phosphokinase (CPK)
blood test used to measure the level of creatine phosphokinase, an enzyme of heart and skeletal muscle released into the blood after muscle injury or necrosis; the test is useful in evaluating patients with acute myocardial infarction.
lipid profile
blood test used to measure the amount and type of lipids in a sample of blood; this test is used to evaluate one of the risks of cardiovascular disease, and to monitor therapy for patients taking lipid-lowering medications
troponin
blood test that measures troponin, a heart muscle enzyme; test is useful in the diagnosis of a myocardial infarction
biomarker
naturally occurring substance of certain body cells that can be measured in the blood and used to aid in the diagnosis of various disorders; troponin, creatine phosphokinase, C-reactive protein; elevated levels are used in diagnosing various disorders occurring in the body
bruit
sound heard over an artery during auscultation resulting from vibration in the vessel wall caused by turbulent blood flow; are frequently caused by abnormal narrowing of an artery.
