NCLEX Review & Nursing School

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

Understand the basic diagnostic tests that is done to diagnose respiratory diseases.

LARYNGOSCOPY & BRONCHOSCOPY

– enables the doctor to examine visually the larynx, pharnyx and trachea using an instrument.
– This is a common procedure.  Make sure to Obtain Consent from the patient prior to procedure.
– Patient is placed * NPO prior to the procedure.
– Post-Op: Keep the patient NPO until the patient’s gag reflex returns.

THORACENTESIS

– This procedure is also called pleural tap
– This is an invasive procedure in which fluid or air is being aspirated from the pleural space.
– The patient will be in an upright position during the procedure.
– Complications includes: Hemorrhage, infection,  pneumothorax and hypotension.

LUNG BIOPSY

– A lung needle biopsy is a method to remove a piece of lung tissue for examination.
– A chest x-ray or chest CT scan may be used to find the exact spot for the biopsy.
– A needle biopsy of the lung may also be performed during bronchoscopy or mediastinoscopy.

– You sit with your arms resting forward on a table. You should try to keep still and not cough during the biopsy. The doctor will ask you to hold your breath. The skin is scrubbed and a local pain-killing medicine (anesthetic) is injected.

– The physician will make a small (about 1/8-inch) cut in the skin, and will insert the biopsy needle into the abnormal tissue, tumor, or lung tissue. A small piece of tissue is removed with the needle and sent to a laboratory for examination.

– When the biopsy is done, pressure is placed over the site. Once bleeding has stopped, a bandage is applied.

Pre-Procedure

Patient is NPO, 6 – 12 hours before the test.

• * A consent form is signed.

* Be cautious for collapsed lung (pneumothorax)