Diagnostic Testing

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Chest X-ray

CT, MRI, and V/Q Scan

CT

Uses radiation to capture image "slices" across the transverse plane

CT pulm angio best for PE

If contrast is ordered, consider renal fxn

MRI

Uses energy from protons to create images, has excellent tissue contrast and shows lymph nodes, blood vessels, etc

alternative to angio with iodine based contrast agents

Can provoke anxiety due to enclosed space

V/Q scan

Two sets of gamma radiation are recorded, pt receives IV of radioisotope for perfusion and breathes radioisotope for ventilation testing

Used with CT pulm angio unanavailable

Complete chest x-ray prior to v/q scan

pt may be on vent

Bronchoscopy

Possible complications:

larygospasm, bronchospasm

bleeding

vagal responses

vomiting

hypotension

pneumothorax

cardia dysrhythmias

hypoxemia

https://infonet.nyp.org/Nursing/Standards/ComputerizedTomographyCTGuidedLungBiopsyinthe%20RadiologyDepartmentAssistingwith.pdf

https://infonet.nyp.org/Nursing/Standards/MRISafetyProceduresforInpatientUnits.pdf

https://infonet.nyp.org/Nursing/Standards/EndoBronchTransbronchialNeedleAspirationTBNAusewithFlexibleBronchoscopyAssistingwith.pdf