(^170) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
HOW DOES THE TEST WORK?
Sputum is collected from the patient either from a deep cough or from suctioning
and sent to the lab where samples are smeared on petri dishes and incubated for
48 to 72 hours to grow the bacteria. Samples of the bacteria are stained and exam-
ined under a microscope to identify the bacteria. Once identified, known antibiotics
are administered to the bacteria in the petri dish to determine which antibiotic kills
the bacteria.
WHAT TO DO?
- Before the test:
- Determine which, if any, antibiotic the patient is taking.
- Use a sterile specimen container to avoid contamination.
- Collect sputum only and not saliva as the mouth contains many bacteria.
- During the test:
- Deep coughs are necessary to generate sputum.
- After the test:
- Continue taking the prescribed antibiotic.
Lymphangiography
WHY IS IT GIVEN?
This test produces a radiographic image of the lymphatic system to determine if
there are any abnormalities, such as edema of the legs, Hodgkin’s disease, lym-
phoma, lymphadenopathy, and lymphatic metastases. The results are useful in the
staging of lymphoma and Hodgkin’s disease and to determine the efficacy of
treatment.HOW DOES THE TEST WORK?
A radiopaque dye is injected via catheter into the lymphatic system and then the
patient is x-rayed. The dye remains present for up to one year so repeat testing can
be done.