Diagnostic Testing, Lab Values, and Medical Terminology

A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards covering diagnostic imaging preparation and aftercare, key laboratory values and their clinical uses, and foundational medical terminology concepts including word parts, abbreviations, and examples.

What technology does an abdominal ultrasound use to visualize organs?

High-frequency ultrasound waves transmitted through a small transducer placed on the skin.

How long should a patient be NPO before an abdominal ultrasound?

At least 8 hours.

After an abdominal ultrasound, what should the patient do about the acoustic gel?

Wipe it off; it does not stain clothing.

Unless contraindicated, what diet may be resumed after an abdominal ultrasound?

The patient may resume a normal diet.

What advantage does a CT scan provide compared with plain X-ray?

Computer-generated cross-sectional images that are not obscured by overlapping anatomy.

What types of contrast might be given before a CT scan?

Oral contrast or IV iodine-based contrast.

Which allergies must be assessed before IV iodine contrast is given for a CT?

Allergies to iodine, shellfish, or previous contrast media.

Which two renal lab values must be checked before a CT with contrast?

Serum BUN and creatinine.

How long are clear liquids allowed before a CT scan using contrast?

Clear liquids are allowed up to 2 hours before the study.

Post-CT, what should the nurse monitor for at the IV site?

Irritation, infection, or bruising.

What information does MRI provide?

Detailed anatomic and physiologic information using a superconducting magnet and radiofrequency signals.

Which patients often require sedation before MRI?

Those who are claustrophobic or unable to lie still.

Name two major contraindications to MRI.

Metallic implants such as pacemakers or surgical clips, and pregnancy.

After an MRI with contrast, what adverse effect should be monitored?

Sensitivity or allergic reaction to the IV contrast.

Normal red blood cell (RBC) count range?

4.2 – 6.1 million/µL.

Normal hemoglobin range for males?

14 – 17.4 g/dL.

Normal hemoglobin range for females?

12 – 16 g/dL.

Normal hematocrit range for males?

42 – 52 %.

Normal hematocrit range for females?

36 – 48 %.

Normal white blood cell (WBC) count?

4,500 – 11,000/mm³.

Normal platelet count?

140,000 – 400,000/mm³.

Normal International Normalized Ratio (INR)?

0.8 – 1.2.

Normal prothrombin time (PT)?

11 – 13 seconds.

Normal partial thromboplastin time (PTT)?

21 – 35 seconds.

Normal fasting blood glucose range?

70 – 110 mg/dL.

Normal sodium (Na⁺) level?

135 – 145 mEq/L.

Normal potassium (K⁺) level?

3.5 – 5.0 mEq/L.

Normal calcium (Ca²⁺) level?

8.8 – 10.5 mg/dL.

Normal chloride (Cl⁻) level?

98 – 106 mEq/L.

Normal magnesium (Mg²⁺) level?

0.75 – 1.07 mEq/L.

Normal serum creatinine level?

0.6 – 1.2 mg/dL.

Normal blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level?

8 – 20 mg/dL.

Desirable total cholesterol level?

Less than 200 mg/dL.

Optimal LDL cholesterol level?

Less than 100 mg/dL.

Normal triglyceride range for males?

40 – 160 mg/dL.

Normal triglyceride range for females?

35 – 135 mg/dL.

Desired HDL level for males?

Greater than 40 mg/dL.

Desired HDL level for females?

Greater than 50 mg/dL.

Normal arterial blood pH range?

7.35 – 7.45.

Normal arterial PaCO₂ range?

35 – 45 mm Hg.

Normal arterial bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) range?

22 – 26 mEq/L.

Normal arterial PaO₂ value?

Greater than 80 mm Hg.

What does a complete blood count (CBC) evaluate?

The body’s response to illness by measuring RBCs, hemoglobin, hematocrit, WBCs, and platelets.

Which coagulation tests are primarily used to monitor warfarin therapy?

PT and INR.

Which test is used to monitor heparin therapy?

PTT.

What does a basic metabolic panel (BMP) screen for?

Electrolyte and acid-base imbalances.

Which two tests assess renal function on a BMP?

BUN and creatinine.

Why are cardiac biomarkers measured?

To detect myocardial injury or infarction.

What is the clinical purpose of an arterial blood gas (ABG)?

To assess oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base status.

What conditions can an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) indicate?

Infections, autoimmune disorders, or certain cancers.

Define medical terminology.

The specialized language of healthcare professionals describing anatomy, physiology, and medical procedures.

Why is mastering medical terminology important?

It facilitates clear clinical communication and improves comprehension.

How are medical terms like LEGOs?

They are built from word parts that snap together to form complex meanings.

Break down the term “osteochondrodysplasia.”

Osteo (bone) + chondro (cartilage) + dys (abnormal) + plasia (development).

Why use standard abbreviations such as CBC or BMP?

To promote clarity and avoid miscommunication.

Provide a precise term for “high potassium.”

Hyperkalemia.

What is a root word in medical terminology?

The core element that conveys the main meaning, e.g., cardi- = heart.

What does a prefix indicate?

Location, time, number, or status added to the beginning of a term.

What does a suffix indicate?

A procedure, condition, or disease added to the end of a term.

What is a combining form?

A root plus a combining vowel used to connect to another root or suffix (e.g., electrocardiogram).

Meaning of the prefix “sub-”?

Under or below.

Meaning of the prefix “poly-”?

Many or much.

Meaning of the suffix “-itis”?

Inflammation.

Meaning of the suffix “-ectomy”?

Surgical removal.

Meaning of the suffix “-pnea”?

Breathing.