ppt chapter 14

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Chapter 14

Special Examinations and Tests

Chapter 14

Special Examinations and Tests


• Diagnostic examination: procedure that involves physical inspection of body structures and evidence of their functions

• Laboratory test: procedure that involves examining body fluids or specimens and comparing the components of a collected specimen with normal findings

Examinations and Tests Examinations and Tests


Equipment Used in ExaminationsEquipment Used in Examinations

Radiography X-ray

Endoscopy Optical scopes

Radionuclide imaging

Radioactive chemicals

Ultrasonography High-frequency sound waves


Root Words and SuffixesRoot Words and Suffixes


Nursing ResponsibilitiesNursing Responsibilities

• Clarifying explanations

• Preparing clients

• Obtaining equipment and supplies

• Arranging the examination area

• Positioning and draping


Nursing Responsibilities (cont’d)Nursing Responsibilities (cont’d)

• Assisting the examiner

• Providing physical and emotional support

• Attending to the client

• Caring for specimens

• Recording and reporting data


Positioning Clients During ExaminationsPositioning Clients

During Examinations

• Dorsal recumbent position

– Reclining position with the knees bent, hips rotated outward, and feet flat

• Lithotomy position

– Reclining position with the feet in metal supports called stirrups


Positioning Clients During Examinations (cont’d)


• Sims’ position

– The client lies on the left side with the chest leaning forward, the right knee bent toward the head, the right arm forward, and the left arm extended behind the body




• Knee-chest position

– The client rests on the knees and chest and turns the head, which is supported on a small pillow, to one side

• Modified standing position

– The client stands with the upper half of the body leaning forward


Positioning the ClientPositioning the Client


QuestionQuestion

•Which of the following positions may be used as an alternative to the lithotomy position during a rectal examination?

a. Sims’

b. Dorsal recumbent

c. Supine

d. Modified standing


AnswerAnswer

a. Sims’

The Sims’ position may be used as an alternative to the lithotomy position for a rectal examination as it provides access to the anus and rectum. The dorsal recumbent position, supine position, and modified standing position do not provide access to the anus and rectum.


Factors That Invalidate Test Results Factors That Invalidate Test Results


QuestionQuestion

•Is the following statement true or false?

Ultrasonography uses x-rays to examine clients.


AnswerAnswer

False.

Ultrasonography uses a transducer that projects sound waves through the body’s surface.


• Pelvic examination: physical inspection of the vagina and cervix with palpation of the uterus and ovaries

• Radiography: procedures that use roentgen rays, or x-rays, to produce images of body structures

• Endoscopy: visual examination of internal structures

Commonly Performed Categories of Examinations

Commonly Performed Categories of Examinations


• Radionuclide imaging: elements whose molecular structures are altered to produce radiation

• Ultrasonography: soft tissue examination using sound waves

• Electrical graphic recordings: recording electrical impulses from structures such as the heart, brain, and skeletal muscles

Commonly Performed Categories of Examinations (cont’d)

Commonly Performed Categories of Examinations (cont’d)


QuestionQuestion


Radiography uses elements whose molecular structures are altered to produce radiation.


AnswerAnswer

False.

Radiography uses roentgen rays, or x-rays, to produce images of body structures.


Testing Procedures Testing Procedures• Paracentesis: procedure for withdrawing fluid

from the abdominal cavity

• Lumbar puncture: procedure for withdrawing spinal fluid

• Throat culture: collecting infectious specimens or microorganisms from the throat and examining their characteristics with a microscope

• Measurement of capillary blood glucose: measuring the amount of glucose in capillary blood


QuestionQuestion


Paracentesis is the procedure for withdrawing fluid from the abdominal cavity.


AnswerAnswer

True.

Paracentesis is the procedure for withdrawing fluid from the abdominal cavity.


Factors to Consider When Performing Examinations and

Tests on Older Adults

Factors to Consider When Performing Examinations and

Tests on Older Adults

• Older adults may not be able to tolerate withholding of food or fluids for long periods

• Older adults are susceptible to dehydration

• Older adults become exhausted by preparations for gastrointestinal examinations requiring laxatives and enemas, which may also deplete electrolyte balance, leading to weakness or dizziness


Factors to Consider When Performing Examinations and Tests on Older Adults (cont’d)

Factors to Consider When Performing Examinations and Tests on Older Adults (cont’d)

• Older adults fatigue easily

• Older adults may need additional clothing, slippers, extra covers

• Cognitively compromised older adults should have a family member present during the procedure

ppt chapter 14

Health & Medicine

sims position

standing position

supine position

examinations contd sims

special examinations

rectal examination

molecular structures

examination area positioning