Chapter 13 (Diagnostic Procedures)

Question 1

Uses radioactive iodine administered orally to measure thyroid function. The amount of radioactivity in the thyroid is measured 6 to 24 hours later using a handheld instrument called a gamma probe.

Answer 1

radioactive iodine uptake test (RAIU)

Question 2

A diagnostic test to measure the circulating blood level of thyroid-stimulating hormone. This test is used to detect abnormal thyroid activity resulting from excessive pituitary stimulation.

Answer 2

thyroid-stimulating hormone assay

Question 3

This measures thyroid function, is a form of nuclear medicine.

Answer 3

thyroid scan

Question 4

Aka fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, measures the glucose (blood sugar) levels after the patient has not eaten for 8 to 12 hours. This test is used to screen for diabetes. It is also used to monitor treatment of this condition.

Answer 4

fasting blood sugar test

Question 5

Performed to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and to aid in diagnosing hypoglycemia.

Answer 5

oral glucose tolerance test

Question 6

Measures the current blood sugar level. This test, which requires a drop of blood, is performed by the patient.

Answer 6

Home blood glucose monitoring

Question 7

Aka HbA1c, and pronounced as H-B A-one-C, is a blood test that measures the average blood glucose level over the previous 3 weeks. This test is able to detect changes more rapidly than the HbA1c test.

Answer 7

fructosamine test

Question 8

A synthetic version of the growth hormone that is administered to stimulate growth when the natural supply of growth hormone is insufficient for normal development.

Answer 8

human growth hormone

Question 9

Is the removal of abnormal glandular tissue. This surgery is performed through the nasal passages.

Answer 9

hypophysectomy

Question 10

A medication administered to slow the ability of the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

Answer 10

antithyroid drug

Question 11

Is the oral administration of radioactive iodine to destroy thyroid cells. This procedure, which disables at least part of the thyroid gland, is used to treat thyroid cancer and chronic hyperthyroid disorders such as Graves’ disease.

Answer 11

radioactive iodine treatment (RAI)

Question 12

The surgical removal of one lobe of the thyroid gland. This term is also used to describe the removal of a lobe of the liver, brain, or lung.

Answer 12

lobectomy

Question 13

Administered to replace lost thyroid function.

Answer 13

synthetic thyroid hormones

Question 14

The surgical removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands, is performed to control hyperparathyroidism.

Answer 14

parathyroidectomy

Question 15

The surgical removal of the thymus gland.

Answer 15

thymectomy

Question 16

The surgical removal of all or part of the pancreas.

Answer 16

pancreatectomy [A total pancreatectomy is performed to treat pancreatic cancer. This procedure also involves removing the spleen, gallgladder, common bile duct, and portions of the small intestine and stomach.

Question 17

A minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove one or both adrenal glands.

Answer 17

laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Question 18

Aka hydrocortisone, is the synthetic equivalent of corticosteroids produced by the body. This is administered to suppress inflammation and as an immunosuppressant.

Answer 18

cortisone

Question 19

Used as a vasoconstictor to cause the blood vessels to contract. It is used to treat conditions such as allergic reactions, shock, and mild asthma.

Answer 19

Synthetic version of the hormone epinephrine [An epinephrine autoinjector, aka an Epi pen, is a device used to inject a measured dose of epinephrine.