Medical-surgical Nursing Demystified

CHAPTER 2 Respiratory System^139

• During the test:
  
  
  • The injection needs to be given intradermally on the forearm. If it is given
    at the wrong depth, the reading will not be accurate and there may be irri-
    tation or damage to the tissue.
  
  
  
  


• After the test:
  
  
  • Patients need to return in 48 to 72 hours to have the injection area evalu-
    ated for induration.
  
  
  
  


• Teach the patient:
  
  
  • That a positive test result means they have been exposed to the disease.
  
  
  • Further testing may need to be done depending on the outcome of this test.
  
  
  • There may be slight redness at the injection site later on the day of injec-
    tion. This does not mean that the test is positive or that the patient has TB.
    The result is read at 48 to 72 hours.
  
  
  
  

Lung Biopsy

WHY IS IT DONE?

Removal of a tissue sample to be examined by the histology lab for abnormalities.

HOW DOES THE TEST WORK?

A tissue sample can be extracted by inserting a needle through the chest and into
the lung or by using a bronchoscope. A biopsy can also be performed as an open
procedure through the chest wall, opening the lung to remove tissue samples.

WHAT TO DO?

• Before the test:
  
  
  • The patient must sign an informed consent. This is required for an inva-
    sive procedure which will remove something from the body.
  
  
  • NPO for 8 hours to decrease the chance of aspiration if done as an open
    procedure.
  
  
  
  


• During the test:
  
  
  • Monitor vital signs, skin color, and respiratory effort; cardiac monitor.