Chapter 3: Diagnostic Imaging and Testing Flashcards
x-ray
Aka radiographs. Radiographs are ordered when there is the possibility of: Fracture Dislocation Bony abnormality/deformity Tumor Arthritis Bone cancer Foreign object Infection Dental caries
Radionuclide Bone Scan
Radionuclide Bone Scans are used to identify: Stress fractures Bone infections Bone cancer Arthritis
Fluroscopy
Fluroscopy is a type of radiography that can be performed when the clinician wants to see a “live” image to determine the size, shape and movement of tissue. These are commonly found in AT facilities because they are non invasive.
Fluroscopes can be used to look at: Blood flow tumors Fractures Organs Foreign bodies Some soft tissue
Fluroscopes can assist with:
Biopsy
Injections
Catheter insertion and Pacemaker insertion
Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan)
CT scans are performed to look at cross-sections of: Internal organs Bone Soft tissue Blood vessels.
Positron Emission Tomography Scan (PET Scan)
A PET scan is ordered by a physician to examine the cell metabolism and biochemistry of tissue and organs. This imaging mode is used to identify certain types of: Cancer Thyroid conditions Infections Bleeding Evaluate kidney function
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An MRI is a test that applies a magnetic field to the body. MRIs are used to identify: Tumors Musculoskeletal injuries Soft tissue conditions Fractures Bleeding Infection
Diagnostic Ultrasound (Sonography)
Ultrasound consists of high frquecy sound waves that penetrate the body to produce images of internal structures in "real" time. Ultrasound is used to identify: Tumors Enlarged lymph nodes Heart abnormalities Soft tissue injury Bleeding Fetal development
Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies
Electromyography is done to measure the electrical activity in a muscle. The result is recorded on an electromyogram (EMG). Taking an EMG involves inserting a needle into a muscle and recording the electrical activity. A nerve conduction study (NCS) is typically performed in conjunction with EMGs. It measures the electrical signals of a muscle’s nerve.
EMG’s are used to determine the cause of muscle weakness and abnormal nerve conduction, which may be due to medical conditions such as muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Electrocardiography
Electrocardiography is done to determine whether the electrical activity of the heart is normal. The results are recorded onto an electrocardiogram (ECG).
An ECG is used to determine: Ischemia (inadequate blood supply to an organ, especially the heart muscles). Heart Attack Pericarditis (Inflammation of the pericardium). Valvular Disorders Electrolyte imbalances Palpitations (irregular heartbeat) Angina (Chest Pain) Other heart related problems
Holter Monitor
A Holter Monitor is a device that is worn by a pt to monitor the heart’s electrical activty. It works in the same manner as an ECG.
A Hotler Monitor is used to identify: Arrythmias (irregular heartbeat) Ischemia Cardiomyopathies Premature ventricular contractions Monitors pacemakers
Cardiac Stress Test
A cardiac stress test is used to look at the heart’s rythm during exercise in a controlled environment.
It is used to identify:
Coronary artery disease (Damage or disease in the hearts major blood vessels).
Ischemia
Angina
Monitor the functional capacity of patients with heart disease.
Laparoscopy
A laparoscopy is an invasive procedure in which a small incision is made in the abdomen and a scope is inserted into the incision to view the inside of the abdomen. It allows the surgeon to see the internal structures of the abdomen and to determine any abnormalities.
It is used to diagnose conditions of the abdomen to provide a venue for surgical procedures for: Gallbladder Appendix Uterus Colon Biopsies
Colonoscopy
An invasive procedure done to examine the colon and rectum for abnormalities.
Used to examine the patient for any early indication of colon cancer or polyps and to help explain bleeding or changes in normal bowel habits.
Urinalysis
A Diagnostic Test to determine: pH Protein Glucose Ketone Bilirubin Hemoglobin Nitrate Leukocytes Urobilinogen Specific Gravity
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
a diagnostic test used to examine specific components of whole blood and expresses those components in designated unites (per volume of blood).
It is frequently ordered by physicians as a basic screening test to indicate the overall health of a person and to provide information regarding the ratios of cells per volume of blood.
Determine the number and types of: WBC RBC Hematocrit (volume of RBC's in whole blood) Hemoglobin level Platelets per unit is also estimated.
