Chp 25 study notes

CHAPTER 25: Diagnostic Tests
KEY TERMS

  • Arteriography (ar-TEER-ee-AWG-ruh-fee): A radiologic procedure that uses contrast dye injected into the arteries to visualize lesions, blockages, or abnormalities in blood vessels.

  • Barium enema (BA-ree-um EN-e-muh): An imaging test where a barium sulfate mixture is introduced into the rectum to enhance the X-ray visibility of the colon and rectum for detecting abnormalities like tumors or inflammatory bowel disease.

  • Bone marrow aspiration (BOWN MA-roh ASS-pi-RAY-shun): A procedure that involves using a needle to extract bone marrow from the hip or breastbone, enabling the assessment of blood disorders, including leukemias and anemias.

  • Chest x-ray (CHEST EKS-ray): An imaging test that provides a clear view of lung fields, heart size, and mediastinal structure, crucial for diagnosing conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, and tumors.

  • Colonoscopy (KOH-lun-AWS-kuh-pee): A procedure involving the insertion of a flexible tube with a camera through the rectum to visualize and assess the entire colon, primarily used for cancer screening and evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms.

  • Complete blood cell count (kom-PLEET BLUHD SELL KOWNT): A comprehensive test that evaluates the number and types of cells in the blood, providing crucial information regarding one’s immune system and overall health status.

  • Complete metabolic panel (kom-PLEET MET-uh-BAH-lik PAN-uhl): A blood test that includes various measurements of blood chemistry, helping to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte levels, and glucose regulation.

  • Computed tomography (kom-PEW-ted toh-MAWG-ruh-fee): An advanced diagnostic imaging modality that provides cross-sectional views of body structures, allowing for detailed examination of organs and tissues.

  • Differential (dif-uh-REN-shul): An analysis that categorizes the types of white blood cells in a sample, aiding in the diagnosis of infections, allergies, and hematological disorders.

  • Echocardiogram (EK-oh-KAR-dee-oh-GRAM): An ultrasound test that creates images of the heart chambers, valves, and blood flow, crucial for diagnosing cardiac anomalies and monitoring heart conditions.

  • Electrocardiography (ee-LEK-troh-KAR-dee-AWG-ruh-fee): A non-invasive procedure that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period, capturing rhythm and detecting arrhythmias.

  • Electroencephalography (ee-LEK-troh-en-SEF-uh-LAWG-ruh-fee): A test that monitors and records electrical activity in the brain, significant for diagnosing seizure disorders and other neurological conditions.

  • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (eh-SOF-ah-goh-GAS-troh-doo-AW-den-AWS-kuh-pee): A procedure involving a flexible endoscope to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine to diagnose gastrointestinal disorders.

  • Glomerular filtration rate (gloh-MER-yoo-ler fill-TRAY-shun RAYT): A crucial measurement of kidney function assessing how well the kidneys filter blood, typically evaluated using serum creatinine levels and adjusted for age and gender.

  • Glycosylated hemoglobin (GLY-koh-sye-LAYT-uhd HEE-muh-GLOW-bin): A blood test providing an average of blood glucose levels over the previous 3 months, essential for managing diabetes.

  • Intravenous pyelogram (IN-trah-VEE-nus PIE-eh-loh-GRAM): A radiological procedure to visualize the kidneys and urinary tract by injecting contrast dye, helping detect obstructions or kidney stones.

  • KUB: An X-ray of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to assess the urinary system for stones, infections, or structural abnormalities.

  • Left shift (LEFT SHIFT): A finding in a differential white blood cell count where there is an increase in immature neutrophils, indicating a response to acute infection.

  • Lumbar puncture (LUM-bar PUNK-chur): A diagnostic procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal canal, used for diagnosing infections, bleeding, and neurological conditions.

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (mag-NET-ik REZ-uh-nanss IM-uh-jing): A non-invasive imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of soft tissues, crucial for diagnosing various conditions including tumors and brain disorders.

  • Oral glucose tolerance test (OR-uhl GLOO-kohss TALL-er-ens TEST): A test for assessing how well the body processes glucose, significant for diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes mellitus.

  • Paracentesis (PAR-ah-sen-TEE-siss): A procedure to remove excess fluid from the abdomen using a needle, often performed to relieve pressure or analyze fluid for diagnostic purposes.

  • Right shift (RIGHT SHIFT): A laboratory finding indicating an increase in lymphocytes typically associated with viral infections.

  • Thoracentesis (THOR-uh-sen-TEE-siss): A procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space, used to relieve symptoms or analyze pleural effusion.

  • Ultrasonography (UHL-truh-son-AWG-ruh-fee): A method of imaging that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize structures within the body, often used in obstetrics and for examining organs.

  • Venography (vee-NAWG-ruh-fee): An imaging technique that employs contrast media to visualize veins, aiding in the diagnosis of venous disorders like deep vein thrombosis.

CHAPTER CONCEPTS

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  1. Define terms associated with diagnostic tests and delineate five main test types, elaborating on their significance and applications.

  2. Explain nursing roles regarding test preparation and posttest care, emphasizing the importance of patient education and emotional support.

  3. Discuss the components of a complete blood count and normal ranges while correlating changes with clinical implications.

  4. Identify the components of a white cell count with differentiation, explaining the clinical relevance of each type and its variations in disease states.

  5. Explain blood chemistry testing components and their significance in diagnosing and monitoring metabolic and systemic conditions.

  6. Explain the purposes of specific tests like cardiac enzymes and glycosylated hemoglobin, providing insights into their interpretation in clinical practice.

  7. Contrast normal versus abnormal urinalysis findings, detailing the implications of each and how they guide treatment decisions.

  8. Explain the determination of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and its significance in assessing renal health and function.

  9. Describe various radiology/imaging tests and the nursing care protocols required for each, ensuring patient safety and comfort.

  10. Discuss procedures like arteriography and venography in-depth, alongside nursing care associated with contrast use and patient monitoring.

  11. Explain preparation for and nursing care required after endoscopic exams, highlighting patient recovery processes and discharge planning.

  12. Identify allergies that must be assessed before the administration of any contrast medium to prevent adverse reactions.

  13. Discuss the purposes of graphic recording tests, such as ECG and EEG, and the specific nursing care needed during the tests.

  14. Explain lumbar puncture, bone marrow aspiration, paracentesis, and thoracentesis, detailing positioning techniques and patient psychological support during procedures.

  15. Discuss the various Connection features of the chapter, linking diagnostic tests to patient outcomes.

  16. Identify safety information relevant to the various diagnostic tests to ensure patient protection and avoid complications.

  17. Address skills questions in this chapter to solidify understanding and application in clinical scenarios.