Medical-surgical Nursing Demystified

(^204) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
WHAT TO DO?

• Before the test:
  
  
  • The patient must sign an informed consent for an invasive procedure per
    policy.
  
  
  • Position the patient lying appropriately for selected site and drape for
    privacy.
  
  
  
  


• After the test:
  
  
  • Place pressure on the site of the aspiration to reduce risk of bleeding.
  
  
  • Monitor the aspiration site for bleeding.
  
  
  
  

Fecal Occult Blood Test

WHY IS IT GIVEN?

To determine if blood is being passed in the stool, even though it can’t be seen.

HOW DOES THE TEST WORK?

Stool sample is collected and applied to a card. A reagent is applied to the sample

to test. If blood is present in the stool sample, a color change occurs.

WHAT TO DO?

• Before the test advise patient:
  
  
  • No eating red meats, beets, turnips, and horseradish 48 hours before the
    test; these may interfere with the test.
  
  
  • No aspirin, vitamin C, iron, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medica-
    tions 48 hours before the test; these may interfere with test results.
  
  
  
  

Coagulation Studies

WHY IS IT DONE?

This determines the effectiveness of the patient’s ability to clot.