Module 6: Diagnostic values and specimen collection Flashcards
Coughing is classified according to
The time the patient most frequently coughs
Patients with chronic sinusitis make cough only when during the day?
Early morning or immediately after rising from sleep
When a patient has a cough it is important to determine its frequency and whether it is productive or nonproductive. Describe a productive cough
Result in sputum production, material coughed up from the lungs that may be swallowed or expectorated
What is hematocrit (Hct)? What do you mean if it is low or high? What are the normal ranges?
represents the % of RBCs in the total blood volume.
count is low, it could mean that the iron level is low; a high count could be due to dehydration or other condition.
The normal range for men is 42-52% and for women is 37-47%.
What is the hemoglobin test done for? Normal range?
the protein that holds the oxygen and the test is a good indication of the blood’s ability to carry oxygen throughout the body. The normal range for men is (Canadian values 132- 173) 13.5-18 g/dL and for women is (Canadian Values 117 – 161) 12-16 g/dL.
What is the function of platelets?
has a major role in clotting; when bleeding occurs, the platelets swell, clump together, and form a sticky plug that helps stop the bleeding.
What are the coagulation test used to measure?
The bloods ability to clot and how long it takes to clot.
Patients who may need coagulation tests are:
Patients with DVT, PE, MI, A-fib, and undergoing dialysis
Patients on anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin, clotting factor inhibitors)
What does Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
evaluates the blood for its ability to clot – prolonged in patients on heparin therapy, hemophilia, liver disease, and deficiency of factor I, II, V, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII.
What does Prothrombin Time (PT) evaluate?
evaluates the blood for its ability to clot
– prolonged in patients with liver disease, warfarin therapy, vitamin K deficiency, and deficiency of factor I, II, V, VII, and X.
What is International Normalize Ratio (INR) used for?
used to standardize the PT test, regardless of location or testing method.
What is PT (prothrombin time)?
The time in seconds for the fibrin clot to form
Measures function of the tissue factor (extrinsic) and common pathways
What does the total serum protein indicate
Measures all the proteins in total blood volume, checks amount of albumin compared to globulin in A/G ratio
What is the function of albumin? Globulin?
Albumin: Carries medicine and hormones throughout the body that helps with tissue growth and healing
Globulin: Groups of proteins, help fight infections and transport nutrients
If total protein is high, what is that indicative of
Chronic infection or inflammation (i.e. HIV, viral hepatitis)
early sign of bone marrow disorder
Total protein is low, what is that indicative of
Liver or kidney disorder Digestive disorder (I.e. celiac) malnutrition
If A/G ratio (normally >1) is high, what is that indicative of
Genetic deficiencies
leukemia
If A/G ratio (normally >1) is LOW, what is that indicative of
Autoimmune disorder
Kidney disease
Liver cirrhosis
Liver function tests are done to measure what?
specific enzymes and proteins in the blood – levels of these enzymes or proteins can indicate liver problems.
what is Alanine transaminase (ALT) ? Increased levels may be a sign of what?
used by the body to metabolize protein
Increased ALT levels can be a sign of liver damage.
What is Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ?
enzyme also found in other parts of the body; often measured together with ALT to check for liver damage.
Increased AST levels may indicate problems with the liver
What is bilirubin? High level indicates ?
Waste product from RBC breakdown, processed by the liver
high bilirubin level indicates the liver is not functioning
What is the main function of sodium?
Greatest influence on ECF fluid, osmotic concentration, and water balance
Needed for nerve impulse and muscle contraction
What is hyponatremia?
Direct loss of sodium from the body or from excess water in the extracellular compartment
What is hypernatremia?
Excess of sodium level in the blood and ECF
What is main function of potassium?
major electrolyte and principal cation in the intracellular compartment.
Glycogen deposit in the liver and skeletal muscle, transmission and conduction of nerve impulses, normal cardiac conduction, skeletal and smooth muscle contraction
Calcium is important for
Bone and teeth formation, blood clots, hormone secretion, cell membrane integrity, cardiac conduction, nerve impulse and muscle contraction
What is culture and sensitivity used for?
Culture - Used to identify the presence of pathogen’s that are capable of causing infections
Sensitivity – used to see which kind of antibiotic will serve best to treat infection
What does SBAR stand for?
Situation, background, assessment, recommendation
*The sputum culture and sensitivity test is used to
Identify a specific microorganism growing the sputum and to identify drug resistance and sensitivities
What is the sputum for acid-fast bacillus used for?
To screen presence of acid fast bacilli (AFB) for detecting pulmonary tuberculosis; early morning sample required on 3 consecutive days.
What is sputum for cytology used for
to identify abnormal cancer and different types of cancer cells.
How should you collect sputum?
- Sputum should be the result of a deep cough, not saliva
- Patient should cough sputum directly into the sterile container
- Collect an early morning specimen before breakfast
