Medical-surgical Nursing Demystified

(^134) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
WHAT TO DO?

• Before the procedure:
  
  
  • Verify that the patient is not allergic to contrast dye, iodine, or shellfish.
    If the patient is, then either another diagnostic study will be done, or the
    patient will be premedicated for this test if no other test is deemed appro-
    priate. Diphenhydramine and prednisone may be given prior to the test to
    lessen or prevent an allergic reaction while closely monitoring the patient.
  
  
  • The patient must sign an informed consent based on institutional policy.
  
  
  • Instruct the patient that a flushed feeling is common when the dye is in-
    jected intravenously.
  
  
  
  


• During the procedure:
  
  
  • Monitor patient for tolerance of procedure and possible reaction to dye.
  
  
  
  


• After the procedure:
  
  
  • Monitor the insertion site for bleeding.
  
  
  
  

Sputum Culture and Sensitivity

WHY IS IT DONE?

Sputum from the patient is cultured to determine which, if any, bacteria is con-

tained in the sputum and determine which antibiotic kills the bacteria.

HOW DOES THE TEST WORK?

Sputum is collected from the patient in a sterile container and sent to the lab where

the sample is smeared in petri dishes and incubated to grow the bacteria. Samples

of the bacteria are stained and examined under a microscope to identify the bacte-

ria. The samples are checked periodically, but are usually given 72 hours to com-

plete the testing process. Once identified, bacteria are exposed to known antibiotics

to determine which antibiotic kills the bacteria.

WHAT TO DO?

• Before the test:
  
  
  • Use a sterile specimen container to determine that the bacteria that grow
    in the lab have come from the patient and not from contamination.