Keep abreast of diagnostic tests

Position the client on the affected side,

as ordered, for at least 1 hour to seal the
puncture site.
Check the puncture site for fluid leakage.

Finding out about lung function

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are
noninvasive tests that measure lung volume,
ventilation, and diffusing capacity using a
spirometer. The client is asked to breathe
through a mouthpiece following specific
directions. A computer then calculates the
volumes.

Nursing actions
Explain the procedure to the client.
Instruct the client to refrain from smoking
or eating a heavy meal 4 to 6 hours before
testing.
Tell the client to avoid bronchodilators or
opioids for 6 hours before the procedure.

From the artery to the lab

Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is a laboratory test that assesses the arterial blood for
tissue oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base
status.

79

Make sure that written, informed consent

has been obtained.
Instruct the client to remove all metal
objects before the procedure.
Determine the clients ability to lie still for
about 1 hour during the procedure.
After the procedure
Check the catheter insertion site for
bleeding after the procedure.
Monitor vital signs and pulse oximetry.

TB or not TB?
In the Mantoux intradermal skin test, the
client receives an injection of tuberculin to
detect tuberculosis (TB) antibodies.

Nursing actions
Explain the procedure to the client.
Document current dermatitis or rashes.
Circle and record the test site.
Note the date for follow-up reading (48 to
72 hours after injection).

Lets look at the larynx

Laryngoscopy uses a laryngoscope to
directly visualize the larynx.

Nursing actions
Nursing actions
Before the procedure
Explain the procedure to the client.
Note the clients temperature.
Document O2 and assisted mechanical
ventilation used.
After the procedure
Apply pressure to the site for at least
5 minutes to prevent hematoma.
Assess the puncture site for bleeding.
Maintain a pressure dressing for at least
30 minutes.

Image through inhalation or injection

A lung scan, or ventilation/perfusion scan
(V scan), uses visual inhalation or I.V. injection of radioisotopes to create an image of
blood flow in the lungs.

Nursing actions
Before the procedure
Explain the procedure to the client.
Insert an I.V. catheter for radiopaque dye
administration.

313419NCLEX-RN_Chap04.indd 79

Before the procedure

Explain the procedure to the client.
Make sure that written, informed consent
has been obtained.
Withhold food and fluids for 6 to 8 hours.
Explain that the client will receive a sedative to promote relaxation.
After the procedure
Assess respiratory status and pulse
oximetry.
Allay the clients anxiety.
Withhold food and fluids until the gag
reflex returns; monitor for laryngeal edema.

Little bit of lung tissue

A lung biopsy involves the removal of a small
amount of lung tissue for histologic evaluation. Lung biopsy may be done by surgical
exposure of the lung (open biopsy) or with
endoscopy using a needle designed to remove
a core of lung tissue.

4/8/2010 6:46:15 PM