Saunders Nursing Guide to Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests

Book excerpt: •This complete lab book contains the latest information on testing organized alphabetically for quick reference. •It is both student-friendly and provides great information for practicing nurses. •Significance of Test Results sections list the diseases and disorders that are associated with abnormal findings and Test Result Indications sections list the possible clinical significance of abnormal findings. •Tests are presented in a format that emphasizes the nurse's role, and includes Basics the Nurse Needs to Know and Nursing Care. •The clinical purpose of each test is identified, and how each test is performed is clearly explained. •A pronunciation guide for the name of each test helps with difficult terminology. - Alphabetical organization of the laboratory tests (featuring alphabetical thumb tabs) makes every test easy to find. - Also Called sections feature synonyms and abbreviations that help you identify specific tests. - Purpose of the Test states the indications of each test. - Basics the Nurse Needs to Know offers an explanation of each test in clear, simple language. - Normal Values in standard and SI units include variations for gender and age, where relevant. - How the Test is Done succinctly describes how each test is performed. - Significance of Test Results list the diseases and disorders that are associated with abnormal findings. - Interfering Factors list the factors, such as drugs, herbs, and improper specimen collection and handling, that inadvertently affect test results. - Nursing Care is divided into Pretest, During the Test, and Posttest, listing in detail what the nurse does in the testing process. - Nursing Response to Critical Values and Nursing Response to Complications detail what you should be alert for before, during, and after the test and how to manage dangerous situations. - Explicit incorporation of nursing concerns related to lab tests can only be found in this lab book. - Over 50 new and updated pieces of art highlight how results are interpreted, what equipment is used, and how various techniques are performed. - Over 20 new tests prepare you for the types of tests you will encounter during your clinical experience. - Patient Teaching icons make crucial nursing content easy to find. - New Student Resources on Evolve feature a variety of supplemental learning tools. - Skills materials, including skills checklists, PDFs of skills, and brief skills video clips, help you master specimen collection and basic diagnostic procedures. - Patient handouts provide practical, useable materials to make your clinical experience easier. - Audio pronunciations simplify the process of learning difficult terminology.