Module 6 - Diagnostic Values and Specimen Collection

Question 1

What is the purpose for testing?

Answer 1

• Establish diagnosis
• Research
• Treatment guidelines
• Monitor treatment
• Provide baseline data

Question 2

What is the significance of abnormal results?

Answer 2

• Identifying the issue
• Confirmation of diagnosis
• Evidenced information
• Ranges of abnormality
• Treatment planning

Question 3

Culture and Sensitivity

Answer 3

• 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

Question 4

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Answer 4

• Peripheral venous sample of blood
• Measures RBC, WBC, Hemglobin and Hematocrit
• Reveals low blood volume/oxygenated issues

Question 5

Purpose of Red blood counts (RBC)?

Answer 5

Volume of red blood cells carrying of oxygen throughout the blood and filtration of carbon dioxide

Question 6

Purpose of White blood count (WBC)?

Answer 6

Leukocyte testing important for immunity and identifies cells that can help in fighting infections, viruses and bacteria that can invade the body

Question 7

What is a hematocrit?

Answer 7

The ratio and volume of red blood cells to total volume of blood

Question 8

What is hemoglobin?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What are platelets?

Answer 9

Referred to as thrombocytes

Elements in the blood which aide in the clotting process and gives us indication of the persons hemostasis

Question 10

Coagulation studies

Answer 10

Coagulation tests measure your blood’s ability to clot and how long it takes to clot

Question 11

Types of Coagulation Studies

Answer 11

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)

Question 12

Serum Protein

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Liver Enzymes

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Sodium - What is it for?

Answer 14

Nerve conduction and neuromuscular function

Question 15

Sodium imbalances

Answer 15

Hyponatremia - low sodium
Caused by vomiting, diarrhea
S&S = Headaches, Seizures

Hyperantremia - High sodium
Caused by: Insufficient ADH
S&S: Edema, Weakness, Seizures

Question 16

Potassium - What is it for?

Answer 16

Conduction of myocardium, skeletal and smooth muscle

Question 17

Potassium imbalances

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Magnesium - What is it for?

Answer 18

DNA synthesis and promotion of myocardium contraction

Question 19

Magnesium imbalances

Answer 19

Hypomagnesium - low
Cause: Malabsorption and Malnutrition
S&S: Anorexia, Severe alcoholism

Hypermagnesium - high
Cause: Renal failure
S&S: Cardiac arrhythmia, lethargy

Question 20

Calcium - What is it for?

Answer 20

Heart contractions, development of bones/teeth and promotion of blood clotting

Question 21

Calcium Imbalances

Answer 21

Hypocalcemia - low
Cause: Low PTH, hypothyroidism
S&S: Tetany, irritability

Hypercalcemia - high
Cause: Uncontrolled release of calcium, hyperparathyroidism
S&S: Cardiac arrhythmia

Question 22

What is SBAR?

Answer 22

Communication and Collaboration of the healthcare team
Situation
Background
Assessment
Recommendation

Question 23

Types of urine collection

Answer 23

• 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

Question 24

Sputum testing: Acid-fast bacillus

Answer 24

• Test for pulmonary tuberculosis
• Taken in early morning
• 3 different days

Question 25

Sputum testing: Culture and sensitivity

Answer 25

Identify presence of microorganism growing in sputum; also, to identify drug resistance and sensitivity

Question 26

Sputum testing: Cytology

Answer 26

To identify abnormal cancer and different types of cancer cells