DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND SPECIMEN COLLECTION (updated Guide)

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Diagnostic Examination • Diagnostic examination is performed by a health care provider. • at patient’s bedside • in a room specially equipped for therapeutic or diagnostic purpo... ses. • X-ray department ( G.I lab, Cardiac Lab ) • The nurse is responsible for assessing: • the patient’s knowledge of the procedure • preparing the patient for the procedure • assisting the health care provider with the procedure • caring for the patient after tests are completed. • Patients have fundamental rights and protections during their care. One of the patient’s most important rights is informed consent, which requires that the patient, parent, or guardian (or legally designated health care power of attorney if the patient is legally incompetent) fully understands what will be done during a test, surgery, or any medical procedure and understands its risks and implications consenting to it. • Explaining a procedure, its potential benefits and risks is primarily the health care provider’s responsibility. Reinforcement of the health care provider’s explanation is a role of the nurse. The nurse should be prepared to answer any questions the patient has and to clarify the requirements for the examination, such as whether nothing is permitted to be taken by mouth (NPO) after midnight or whether a special room or equipment is required for the test, as well as whether any medications are needed before or during the test. An informed patient is better prepared to participate in the testing process as required by the examination. The nurse is responsible for knowing the guidelines for and the potential complications of diagnostic examinations. • Written consent is not always necessary for individual tests if it is considered noninvasive; the patient retains the legal right to withdraw consent – verbal or written – at any time and for any reason and to refuse care or treatment. • Diagnostic Testing involves three phases: Pretest, Intra-test and Post-test. A. Pretest • Major focus of the pretest phase is client preparation. A thorough assessment and data collection assist the nurse in determining communication and teaching strategies. Prior to radiologic studies it is important to ask female clients if she is pregnant or if pregnancy is possible. If pregnancy is suspected, special precautions may be necessary or the test may need to be postponed. • The nurse also needs to know what equipment and supplies are needed for the specific test. Common questions include the following: 1. What type of sample will be needed and how will it be collected? 2. Does the client need to stop oral intake for certain number of hours prior to the test? 3. Does the test include administration of dye (contrast media) and, if so, is it injected or swallowed? 4. Are fluids restricted or forced? 5. Are medications given or withheld? 6. How long is the test? 7. Is a consent form required? B. Intratest • This phase focuses on specimen collection and performing or assisting with certain diagnostic testing. The nurse uses standard precautions and sterile technique as appropriate. During the procedure the nurse provides emotional and physical support while monitoring the client as needed (e.g., vital signs, pulse oximetry). The nurse ensures correct labeling, storage and transportation of the specimen to avoid invalid test results [Show More]

Last updated: 1 year ago

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