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Chapter 14 Special Examinations and Tests. Examinations and Tests. Diagnostic examination: procedure that involves physical inspection of body structures and evidence of their functions. Equipment Used in Examinations. Root Words and Suffixes. Examinations and Tests.
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Examinations and Tests • Diagnostic examination: procedure that involves physical inspection of body structures and evidence of their functions
Examinations and Tests • Laboratory test: procedure that involves examining body fluids or specimens and comparing the components of a collected specimen with normal findings
General Nursing Responsibilities • Box 14-1 p. 250
Nursing Responsibilities • Preprocedural responsibilities • Clarifying explanations • Witness the client’ssignature on the consent form (box 14-2) • Preparing clients • Obtaining equipment and supplies • Arranging the examination area
Nursing Responsibilities (cont’d) • Procedural responsibilities: • Positioning and draping • Assisting the examiner • Providing physical and emotional support
Positioning 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
Positioning Clients During Examinations (cont’d) • Knee-chest position (genupectoral) • 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
Nursing Responsibilities (cont’d) • Postprocedural responsibilities: • Attending to the client • Caring for specimens • Recording and reporting data
Commonly Performed Categories of Examinations • 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 (cont’d) • 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
Question • Is the following statement true or false? Radiography uses elements whose molecular structures are altered to produce radiation.
Answer False. Radiography uses roentgen rays, or x-rays, to produce images of body structures.
Testing Procedures • Sigmoidoscopy: examination of the large intestine from the rectum through the colon • Paracentesis: procedure for withdrawing fluid from the abdominal cavity • Lumbar puncture: procedure for withdrawing spinal fluid
Testing Procedures (cont’d) • 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
Question • Isthe following statement true or false? Sigmoidoscopy is the procedure for withdrawing fluid from the abdominal cavity.
Answer False. Sigmoidoscopy is the examination of the large intestine from the rectum through the colon.
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) • 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