Summary Table 'Immediate Adverse Effects of Transfusion and Their Management'
Summary Table 'Immediate Adverse Effects of Transfusion and Their Management'
Summary Table 'Immediate Adverse Effects of Transfusion and Their Management'
management'
What Is An Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to view internal organs and
produce images of the human body. The human ear cannot hear the sound waves used in an
ultrasound. Ultrasound is:
Noninvasive, which means it does not penetrate the skin or body openings, and
Diagnostic, which means it is used to determine what disease or condition is present
Ultrasound technology was originally developed as sonar to track submarines during World
War I. It was first used medically in the 1950s and is considered very safe.
The original ultrasound scanners produced still images, but modern scanners produce moving
pictures, which are easier to interpret.
1. An ultrasound is a procedure used by doctors to see inside parts of a person's body. The
most commonly known use is on a woman during pregnancy. The doctor rubs a special gel
on the mother's stomach, and uses a transducer to conduct the ultrasound. He simply rubs
the device through the gel and around the stomach, which sends the results to a screen and
shows a picture. The baby can be seen using this method. It's a quick and painless way to
ensure the growing child is developing properly, and also to tell what the gender of the baby
is once it becomes more developed.
No special preparation is required for a routine ultrasound. Wear loose comfortable clothing
to your ultrasound appointment.
For a liver or gallbladder scan, the patient is usually asked to fast (take nothing by mouth) for
several hours before the test.
For a scan in early pregnancy, the woman is usually asked to drink several glasses of water
and not to pass urine for a few hours before the test. A full bladder helps to improve the view
of the uterus by displacing nearby loops of intestine.
For most ultrasound exams, the patient is positioned lying face-up on an examination table
that can be tilted or moved.
A clear water-based gel is applied to the area of the body being studied to help the transducer
make secure contact with the body and eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the
skin. The sonographer (ultrasound technologist) or radiologist then presses the transducer
firmly against the skin in various locations, sweeping over the area of interest or angling the
sound beam from a farther location to better see an area of concern.
After you are positioned on the examination table, the radiologist or sonographer will apply
some warm water-based gel on your skin and then place the transducer firmly against your
body, moving it back and forth over the area of interest until the desired images are captured.
There is usually no discomfort from pressure as the transducer is pressed against the area
being examined.
What Is an X-ray?
An X-ray, also known as a radiographic exam, gives doctors a view of the body’s internal structure
and organs. X-ray machines cast photons into the body, and a computer captures images of the
body as it is lit up by the electromagnetic radiation. Dense structures like bone essentially block X-
ray particles and show up as white, opaque matter on the X-ray images. Similarly, metal objects and
contrast dyes also show up as white. Structures filled with air appear black, while muscle, fat, and
fluid all appear in various shades of gray.
The procedure is painless, so no anesthesia is necessary. Patients should inform their doctor if they
are (or could be) pregnant or if they are wearing an IUD prior to the X-ray procedure. The patient
must remove all jewelry and clothing and put on a hospital gown for the procedure. The X-ray
technologist positions the patient and adjusts the machine and film according to the area of study.
Even the slightest motion creates blurry images, so patients are often told to hold their breath for
the duration of the exposure, which usually lasts for 1 or seconds.
Since X-rays are not an invasive procedure, patients can resume work immediately. There is a slight
risk of cell damage, but this tends to repair quickly in most cases. Many believe that the low risk is
outweighed by the benefits provided by X-rays.
IV (intravenous)
A small tube placed directly into a vein to give fluids, medicine or blood.
NG (Nasogastic)
A tube inserted through the mouth or nose into the stomach, used for feeding or to drain the
stomach contents to prevent vomiting.
NPO
Latin abbreviation meaning "nothing by mouth." This means the patient is not able to eat or
drink anything. Patients are NPO before surgery.
O2 Saturation
Oxygen content in the blood are measured by a plastic probe placed on a patient's fingers,
toes or earlobes.
OR
Operating room.
OT
Occupational therapist or therapy.
PO
Latin abbreviation meaning "by mouth."
PT
Physical therapist or therapy.
RT
Respiratory therapist or therapy.
Saline Lock (Heplock)
A small, rubber cap placed on an IV to maintain access to the vein.
Suctioning
A small tube inserted into the patient's lungs through the ET tube or nose to remove secretion.
Tracheostomy (Trach)
A surgical opening in the windpipe below the larynx (voice box) to supply air to the lungs.
Ventilator
A machine forces air through the ET or trach tube to the patient's lungs.
Question Answer
Acute Care Care given in hospitals for illnesses or injuries with severe symptoms.
Chronic Care Long Term Care such as care given in nursing homes
Dr. Doctor
MD Medical Doctor
Abd: Abdomen
A&D: Admission and discharge
ADL: Activities of daily living
amb: Ambulatory, able to walk
amt: Amount
AP: Appendectomy
Cath: Catheter
CBC: Complete blood count
CCU: Cardiac care unit/ coronary care unit
CBR: Complete bed rest
C/O: Complaint of
CVA: Cerebrovascular accident or stroke
CPR: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
dc or d/c: Discontinue
DX: Diagnosis
ECG: Electrocardiogram
EEG: Electroencephalogram
FBS: Fasting blood sugar
FF: Forced feeding or forced fluids
Fx: Fracture
GI: Gastrointestinal
Gtt: Glucose tolerance test
Gyn: Gynecology
HOB: Head of bed
ICU: Intensive care unit
I&O: Intake and output
Isol: Isolation
IV: Intravenous
noct: At night
NPO: Nothing by mouth
PAR: Postanesthesia room
po: By mouth
post op spec: After surgery urine specimen
Pt: Patient; pint
Rom: Range of motion
SOB: Shortness of breath
Stat: At once, immediately
TPR: Temperature, pulse, respiration
U/A: Urinalysis
VS: Vital signs
w/c: Wheel chair