Lecture 3 Diagnostic Testing Flashcards
what is the purpose of diagnostic testing?
- rule out a specific problem
- establish baseline presence of condition or disease
- guide interventions
- follow patient progress
- evaluate effectiveness of treatment
what is the nurse’s role in diagnostic testing?
- provide education to patient
- obtain consent
- prepare patient for testing
- know normal reference values and report critical findings to provider
- provide interventions as needed
- specimen collection
what are the three phases of diagnostic testing?
pretest
intratest
posttest
what happens during the pre-test phase?
patient prep
- identify patient
- teach patient about testing
- explain purpose of test
- describe the site and method used during the test
- describe sensation they will experience
- instruct on how to prepare for test
what happens during the intratest phase?
- obtain vitals
- confirm pretest prep was completed
- collect specimen
- administer any required medications (sedation)
- assist provider during procedure as needed
- monitor as appropriate: I/Os, respiratory and cardiovascular status
what happens during the post-test?
- monitor VS, dressings, tubes, sedation
- compare baseline and post-test assessment
- modify nursing care plan as appropriate based on findings
RN responsibilities for blood draw
- stop any running IV fluids
- confirm fasting if required
- use correct tube type
- timing of blood draw
RN responsibilities for Urine collection
- refrigerate specimen
- timing: 1st morning vs 2nd vs 24 hour collection
- ensure clean catch
what is stool collected for?
- test stool for C. diff, parasites
- test stool for blood, fat, cancer, or inflammation
- may need to be sent for analysis on ice
how are miscellaneous body fluids collected?
- throat swab
- surgical wound swab
- surgical drain
what is a barium swallow?
- shows motion and anatomic structures of the esophagus
- can diagnose stricture, tumor, and reflux
considerations for barium swallow?
- NPO 8 hours prior
- contrast allergy
- take laxative and increase fluid intake after
what are histology and cytology exams?
- study of tissue and cells under microscope
- includes biopsy, bone marrow aspiration, lumbar puncture
- uses large needle or laparoscopic device
what shows up opaque on an X-ray?
tissue and bone
what shows up translucent on an X-ray?
air: lungs and bowel
what are the limitations of X-ray?
cannot be interrupted by patient movement
what is the risk of X-ray?
can be harmful to pregnancy
what is a CT scan?
cross-sectional X-rays of organs and structures
what is CT scan used for?
bone injuries
lung and chest imaging
head injuries
abdominal injuries (must be NPO)
what are issues with CT scan?
- contrast allergies
- must stay still
What is an MRI?
magnetic field creates 3D image
what is MRI used for?
soft tissue: head, abdomen, breast, knee, spinal cord
issues with MRI?
claustrophobia
long exam time
contraindicated for implanted devices
must remain still
uncomfortable and loud
what is ultrasound used for?
- visualize solid organs and fluid
- can assess blood flow in vessels and organs
