NP235 Unit 2 Diagnostic tests
a nuclear imaging test . used if a patient has unexplained skeletal pain, a bone infection, or a
bone injury that can't be seen on a standard X-ray. - ANS-Bone Scan
Fractures
Arthritis
Paget's disease of bone
Cancer originating in bone
Cancer that has metastasized to bone from a different site
Infection of the joints, joint replacements or bones (osteomyelitis)
Impaired blood supply to bones or death of bone tissue (avascular necrosis - ANS-A bone scan
can diagnose
It detects changes in the metabolic activity of bone
-tag patients blood with radiopharmaceutical
Tracers will be injected into a vein in the patient's arm. The amount of time between the injection
and scan varies, depending on the reason the doctor has ordered the scan.
Some images may be taken immediately after the injection. But the main images are taken two
to four hours later to allow the tracer to circulate and be absorbed by the bones. - ANS-How
does a bone scan work?
Check for allergies and pregnancy.
The patient will be asked to lie quietly for 30-60 min during the scanning.
All metal must be removed from the area to be scanned.
Ensure patient that she will not be "radioactive."
The isotope is eliminated from the body in 6-24 hr. - ANS-Bone Scan Nursing Implications
used to detect an intracranial mass such as a tumor, abscess, hematoma, or aneurysm. A
radioisotope is administered IV. Abnormal tissue usually absorbs more of the isotope than
normal tissue. After a 1- to 3-hr waiting period for absorption, a scintillation scanner is used to
image the brain. The test takes 30 min-1 hr. - ANS-Brain Scan (radionuclide Imaging)
magnetic fields and radio waves to produce high quality two- or three-dimensional images of
brain structures without the use of ionizing radiation (X-rays) or radioactive tracers. -
ANS-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A machine that lets X-Ray beams focus on an object at different levels. - ANS-What is a CAT
Scan?
The patient will sit or lie on a table;
, The scanner makes clicking noises;
The amount of radioactivity is very low and is not dangerous to the patient or others. The patient
will need to lie or sit still during the scanning.
A drug may be given the night before to block uptake of the radioactive element by the thyroid
and salivary glands.
There is no food or fluid restriction; no special aftercare. - ANS-Nursing Implications: MRI
To assess for cell death, damage in brain tissue. Radioactive material is given and provides
differing color in areas of cellular activity. - ANS-How does a PET Scan Work
The procedure requires a signed consent form.
Explain that two IV lines will be inserted.
The patient is to avoid sedatives or tranquilizers before the test.
Ask the patient to empty their bladder before the test.
The patient may be asked to perform various activities during the test. - ANS-PET scan Nursing
implications
looks at how air moves in and out of the lungs. Radioactive gas is inhaled and, when scanned,
presents a pattern of ventilation in the lungs, In particular, it looks at how air moves through the
bronchi and bronchioles within the lungs. A tracer will fill the lungs unless the patient has an
area where the air cannot move. - ANS-A ventilation scan
looks at how blood is flowing within the lungs. An IV injection of radionuclide-tagged,
macroaggregated albumin is given and is absorbed evenly where blood flow is normal. Areas
that are not getting blood do not absorb the tracer. - ANS-A perfusion scan
used to screen the breasts for abnormal growths, particularly cancer.
Breast discomfort from compression of the tissue during the test; occasional mild bruising.
Instruct the patient to wear no deodorant or lotion on the upper body and to wear clothing that
allows the top to be easily removed. - ANS-Mammography
used for women with dense breast tissue for whom a mammogram is not reliable. - ANS-Breast
MRI
used to determine whether blood flow in carotid arteries is decreased or blocked.
Doctor will recommend if the pt. has had a TIA or stroke or risk factors like:
High blood pressure
Diabetes
High cholesterol
The family history of stroke or heart disease
Recent transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller TUTORSON. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $7.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.