Fundamentals In Nursing (Notes)

Diagnostic test

As a nurse, we should be aware with the main diagnostic tests performed in

health care institutions.
PPD test:
 48–72 hours after the injection, check the results.
 A duration of 5 mm is deemed positive for HIV-positive individuals.
Bronchography:
 Consent that is secure
 Check for allergies, iodine, or an aesthetic sensitivity.
 NPO for 6-8 hours before to the test until the gag reflex returns to avoid
aspiration.
Thoracentesis – (Aspiration of fluid in the pleural space.)
 Take V/S after obtaining permission.
 Leaning on the bed table, stand erect.
 To avoid pleural perforation, avoid coughing during insertion.
 After the surgery, switch to the unaffected side to avoid fluid leaking in
the thoracic cavity.
 Check for blood expectoration. This is a sign of trauma and should be
reported to your doctor right away.
Holter Monitor:
 It is a continuous ECG monitoring for a duration of 24 hours.
 Telemetry unit is the term for a portable monitoring device.
Echocardiogram:
 Ultrasound is used to evaluate the anatomy and movement of the heart.
 Client should stay steady in a supine position with his or her head tilted
slightly to the left and his or her HOB raised 15-20 degrees.
Electrocardiography:
  Rub the electrode with a dry 4*4 gauze to improve electrode contact if
the patient's skin is oily, scaly, or diaphoretic.
 Clip the hair if the region is overly hairy.
 Remove any metal from the client's jewelry, coins, belt, or belt buckle.
 Instruct the customer to remain completely motionless during the
treatment.
Cardiac Catheterization:
 Consent that is secure
 For baseline information, assess iodine allergy, shellfish V/S, and weight.
 Before the operation, have the client void.
 Prior to the test, monitor PT, PTT, and ECG for 4-6 hours before the test.
 Shave the region around the groin or the brachial plexus.
 After the surgery, you should stay in bed to avoid bleeding at the site and
avoid flexing your extremities.
 To improve blood circulation back to the heart and prevent
thrombophlebitis, elevate the afflicted extremities in an extended
position.
 Keep an eye on V/S, particularly peripheral pulses.
 Cover the puncture location with a pressure dressing.
 Assess for poor circulation by looking at the color, warmth, and tingling of
the extremities.
MRI:
 Obtain permission,
 The treatment will take 45-60 minutes to complete.
 Check for claustrophobia in the client.
 Remove any metal things from the room.
 The client must stay motionless.
 Inform the customer that he will not feel anything, but that he may hear
sounds.
 Patients who have a pacemaker, artificial valves, implanted clips, or wires
are ineligible for an MRI.
 Clients with heart and respiratory problems may be turned away.
 If a contrast medium is used during the procedure, inform the client about
any feelings of warmth or shortness of breath.
UGIS – Barium Swallow:
 1-3 days before to the surgery, instruct the client to follow a low-residue
diet.
 Before the operation, take a laxative the night before.
 After midnight, NPO
 Instruct the customer to swallow a cup of flavored barium, then take X-
rays every 30 minutes until the barium has passed through the small
intestine.
 Film can be shot up to 24 hours later.
 To avoid constipation or barium impaction, drink plenty of liquids
following the test.
LGIS – Barium Enema:
 1-3 days before to the surgery, instruct the client to follow a low-residue
diet.
 Before the operation, take a laxative the night before.
 After midnight, NPO
 In the morning, administer the suppository.
 Enema till the stool is clear.
 To avoid constipation or barium impaction, drink plenty of liquids
following the test.
Biopsy of the Liver:
 Obtain consent
 2-4 hours before the exam, NPO
 At the bedside, keep an eye on your PT and Vitamin K levels.
 Instruct the client to inhale and exhale deeply multiple times before
exhaling and holding air as the MD inserts the needle on the right side of
the bed.
 Bed rest for 24 hours after right lateral post-surgery to apply pressure and
avoid bleeding
 Keep an eye out for signs and symptoms of peritonitis.
Paracentesis:
 Check V/S, secure permission
 To avoid bladder puncture, let the patient to empty before the surgery.
  Serum protein should be checked. Hypovolemic shock can result from
excessive loss of plasma protein.
Lumbar Puncture:
 Obtain permission
 Tell the customer to empty his or her bladder and bowels.
 Place the client in a lateral recumbent position with his or her back against
the examination table's edge.
 Instruct the customer to remain completely motionless.
 Obtain a specimen as directed by the physician.