Nursing Interventions For Diagnostic Exams

Front 1

Abdominal scan

Back 1

PRE-EXAM: NPO 4 hours befor exam if contrast medium to be used; dye may be injected
POST EXAM: Diarrhea may occur

Front 2

Amniocentesis

Back 2

PRE-EXAM: Monitor fetal heart tones & mother's blood pressure; Keep bladder full to stablilize uterus before 20 weeks gestation; empty bladder after 20 weeks to avoid chance of puncture.

Front 3

Arteriography

Back 3

PRE-EXAM: Dye to be injected; NPO 2-8 hours before exam; mark site of peripheral pulses; ensure coagulation studies complete and WNL; Void before study to prevent discomfort.
POST EXAM: Assess peripheral arterial pulses; Neuro assessment if cerebral arteriograph done; Maintain pressure at puncture site; Neurovascular checks and compare affected with nonaffected extremity; Administer analgesics as ordered, report severe pain; Fluids to prevent dehydration.

Front 4

Barium enema

Back 4

PRE-EXAM: Usually NPO after midnight; Assist with bowel prep -- can be exhausting or cause dehydration in elderly; bowel prep begins day before procedure with cathartics, laxatives, enemas; Clear liquids only on day before procedure; Notify radiologist if fecal matter includes solid waste material, should be clear with minimal solids. POST-EXAM: Regular diet following procedure; Monitor stools, barium may cause constipation; administer topical anesthetics if ordered for anal discomfort; Administer MOM per protocol; Monitor for fluid & electrolyte imbalances; teach patient that stools will be white until barium expelled.

Front 5

Barium swallow

Back 5

PRE-EXAM: Usually NPO after midnight; Assess ability to swallow. POST-EXAM: Monitor stools, barium may cause constipation; Administer MOM per protocol; Teach patient that stools will be white until barium expelled.

Front 6

Blood chemistries

Back 6

PRE-EXAM: NPO as indicated, water permitted; no smoking or drinking for 24 hours; dietary intake affects results for two weeks. POST-EXAM: Observe site for bleeding, apply pressure as needed; Ensure patient receives meal after blood drawn; Report results, esp. abnormals; patient teaching as determined by results.

Front 7

Bone marrow aspiration

Back 7

PRE-EXAM: Assess coagulation studiest; assist physician in obtaining specimens; Sedative if necessary, patient to lie still throughout procedure. POST-EXAM: Apply pressure to puncture site, observe for bleeding; Monitor for signs of shock (increased pulse, decreased blood pressure), and for pain; resume normal activity 30 to 60 min after procedure; mild analgesics as ordered; report severe pain.