Module 6 - Diagnostic Values and Specimen Collection Flashcards
What is the purpose for testing?
- Establish diagnosis
- Research
- Treatment guidelines
- Monitor treatment
- Provide baseline data
What is the significance of abnormal results?
- Identifying the issue
- Confirmation of diagnosis
- Evidenced information
- Ranges of abnormality
- Treatment planning
Culture and Sensitivity
- Culture identifies the microorganisms that can cause infection
- Sensitivity identifies the type of treatment ex) medicine - antibiotic that is effective against the illness/infection
- Collected from wound, midstream urine or catheter
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Peripheral venous sample of blood
- Measures RBC, WBC, Hemglobin and Hematocrit
- Reveals low blood volume/oxygenated issues
Purpose of Red blood counts (RBC)?
Volume of red blood cells carrying of oxygen throughout the blood and filtration of carbon dioxide
Purpose of White blood count (WBC)?
Leukocyte testing important for immunity and identifies cells that can help in fighting infections, viruses and bacteria that can invade the body
What is a hematocrit?
The ratio and volume of red blood cells to total volume of blood
What is hemoglobin?
The protein in red blood cells that can carry oxygen to the organs and transports carbon dioxide to the lungs
Low hemoglobin = anemia
High hemoglobin = dehydration
What are platelets?
Referred to as thrombocytes
Elements in the blood which aide in the clotting process and gives us indication of the persons hemostasis
Coagulation studies
Coagulation tests measure your blood’s ability to clot and how long it takes to clot
Types of Coagulation Studies
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) – evaluates the blood for its ability to clot (Clients on heparin)
Prothrombin Time (PT) – evaluates the blood for its ability to clot (Clients with liver disease)
International Normalize Ratio (INR) – used to standardize the PT test, regardless of location or testing method (Clients on Warfarin)
Serum Protein
Measures all the protein in the total blood volume
- Amount of albumin compare to globulin
Low albumin=> low osmotic pressure=> fluid stays in interstitial space=>edema
Liver Enzymes
Measure specific enzymes and proteins in the blood
• LTF- Liver function tests
• ALT- Alanine transaminase - liver disease
• ALP- Alkaline Phosphates - Phosphate - liver disease/damage
• AST-Aspartate aminotransferase - liver/muscle damage
Sodium - What is it for?
Nerve conduction and neuromuscular function
Sodium imbalances
Hyponatremia - low sodium
Caused by vomiting, diarrhea
S&S = Headaches, Seizures
Hyperantremia - High sodium
Caused by: Insufficient ADH
S&S: Edema, Weakness, Seizures
Potassium - What is it for?
Conduction of myocardium, skeletal and smooth muscle
Potassium imbalances
Hypokalemia - low potassium
Cause: Vomiting, Diarrhea
S&S: Cardiac arrhythmia, Muscle weakness
Hyperkalemia - high potassium
Cause: Renal failure, Aldoesterone imbalance
S&S: Cardiac arrhythmia, Cardiac arrest
Magnesium - What is it for?
DNA synthesis and promotion of myocardium contraction
Magnesium imbalances
Hypomagnesium - low
Cause: Malabsorption and Malnutrition
S&S: Anorexia, Severe alcoholism
Hypermagnesium - high
Cause: Renal failure
S&S: Cardiac arrhythmia, lethargy
Calcium - What is it for?
Heart contractions, development of bones/teeth and promotion of blood clotting
Calcium Imbalances
Hypocalcemia - low
Cause: Low PTH, hypothyroidism
S&S: Tetany, irritability
Hypercalcemia - high
Cause: Uncontrolled release of calcium, hyperparathyroidism
S&S: Cardiac arrhythmia
What is SBAR?
Communication and Collaboration of the healthcare team Situation Background Assessment Recommendation
Types of urine collection
- Random specimen (routine urinalysis)
- Midstream specimen (Culture and Sensitivity)
- Catheter Specimen
- Timed Specimen for measuring levels of adrenal cortical steroids or hormones, creatinine clearance, or protein quantity tests
Sputum testing: Acid-fast bacillus
- Test for pulmonary tuberculosis
- Taken in early morning
- 3 different days
