Diagnostic and Surgical Procedures

Medical Terminology Systems : A BODY SYSTEMS APPROACH - 8th Edition Chapter 4: Body Structure

Auscultation

Listening to the heart, bowel, and lungs with or without a stethoscope to assess the presence and quality of sounds

Inspection

General observation of the patient as a whole, progressing to specific body areas

Palpation

Gentle application of the hands to a specific structure or body area to determine size, consistency, texture, symmetry, and tenderness of underlying structures

Percussion

Tapping a body structure with the hand or fingers to assess consistency and the presence or absence of fluids within the underlying structure

Endoscopy

Visual examination of a body cavity or canal using a specialized lighten instrument called an endoscope

Blood chemistry analysis

Laboratory test, usually performed on serum, to determine biochemical imbalances, abnormalities, and nutritional conditions

Complete blood count (CBC)

Broad screening test used to evaluate red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to determine anemias, infections, and other diseases

Computed tomography (CT)

Imaging technique that rotates an x-ray emitter around the area to be evaluated and measures the intensity of transmitted rays from different angles

Fluoroscopy

Techniques in which x-rays are directed through the body to a fluorescent screen that displays internal structures in continuous motion

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Technique that uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field, rather than an x-ray beam, to produce highly detailed, multiplanar, cross-sectional views of soft tissues

Nuclear scan

Technique in which a radioactive material (radiopharmaceutical) called a tracer is introduced into the body and a specialized camera produces images of organs and structures

Positron emission tomography (PET)

Computed tomography records the positrons emitted from a radiopharmaceutical to produce a cross-sectional image of the metabolic activity of body tissues to determine the presence of disease

Radiography

Technique in which x-rays are passed through the body or area and captured on