Diagnostic Procedures & Interpretation Flashcards

Which is the normal range for adult fasting blood glucose?

Answer: 70-99 mg/dL

A normal adult fasting glucose is about 70-99 mg/dL; 126 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes.

Which is the normal range for adult serum potassium?

Answer: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L

Normal serum potassium is about 3.5-5.0 mEq/L; 135-145 is the sodium range.

Which urine collection method is preferred for a urine culture and sensitivity?

Answer: Clean-catch midstream specimen

A clean-catch midstream specimen lowers contamination from skin and the urethra.

When starting a 24-hour urine collection, what is done with the first voided specimen?

Answer: It is discarded, and timing begins

The first void is discarded to empty the bladder, then all urine for the next 24 hours is collected, including the final void.

The lab calls the unit with a critical value and the HUC answers. What is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Notify the patient's nurse immediately so the licensed staff member can receive and read back the result

Critical values need immediate action, so the HUC gets the responsible licensed nurse right away to receive and read back the result.

A stool for occult blood (guaiac) test detects what?

Answer: Hidden blood in the stool

An occult blood test finds blood in stool that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

What does a culture and sensitivity (C&S) test determine?

Answer: The organism causing infection and which antibiotics are effective against it

A C&S identifies the infecting organism and tests which antibiotics will work against it.