Microbiology and Cytology Quiz

Purpose of Specimen Collection

• Culture and sensitivity tests identify specific microorganisms and their drug sensitivities.
• Cytology involves the collection of three early morning specimens to detect lung cancer and determine specific cell types.
• Acid-fast bacillus (AFB) tests require the collection of sputum over three consecutive days to diagnose tuberculosis (TB).
• Specimen collection is used to assess the effectiveness of therapy.

Responsibilities in Sputum Collection

• Provide mouth care to avoid contamination from oral microorganisms.
• Instruct clients to breathe deeply and cough to obtain 4 to 10 mL of sputum.
• Use gloves and PPE for suspected TB cases and ensure specimen integrity by preventing contact with the outside of the container.
• Offer mouthwash after sputum collection to maintain oral hygiene.

Learning Outcomes

• Discuss nursing responsibilities during specimen collection.
• Explain the rationale behind collecting each type of specimen.
• Describe techniques for collecting stool, urine, sputum, and throat specimens.
• Demonstrate obtaining capillary blood specimens and collecting urine for culture using clean catch methods.

Introduction to Diagnostic Testing

• Diagnostic tests provide critical information about patients.
• Pre-test assessments focus on client preparation, including understanding biological, psychological, sociological, cultural, and spiritual contexts.
• Essential considerations include the patient's pregnancy status and any necessary adjustments for testing procedures.

Intra-Test Responsibilities

• Emphasize proper specimen collection while adhering to standard precautions and aseptic techniques.
• Provide emotional and physical support during testing and monitor vital signs.
• Ensure correct labeling, storage, and transport of specimens to prevent invalid results.

Post-Test Responsibilities

• Focus on nursing care after testing, including comparison of previous and current results.
• Modify nursing interventions based on test outcomes and report findings to appropriate team members.
• Understand the importance of reporting critical test results as mandated by National Patient Safety Goals.

Capillary Blood Glucose Measurement

• Identify glucose levels by collecting capillary blood specimens from the lateral aspect of the finger after cleaning the site.
• Adhere to the steps of purpose, assessment, planning, equipment, implementation, and evaluation during the process.

Responsibilities in Specimen Collection

• Comfort and secure the privacy and safety of clients during specimen collection.
• Explain the purpose and ensure aseptic technique throughout the procedure.
• Address factors such as medication that may affect test results, transport specimens promptly, and report abnormalities.

Stool Specimens

• Purpose includes detection of occult blood, analysis of dietary products, and identification of parasites, bacteria, or viruses.
• Instruct patients to defecate in a clean receptacle without contamination and to use minimal amounts for testing.
• Ensure specimens are sent to the lab immediately to maintain integrity.

Urine Specimens

• Collect clean voided urine for routine urinalysis, and require first morning urine for best results.
• Ensure specimens contain no fecal contamination and are collected without toilet tissue contacting the specimen.
• Specific guidelines should be followed for both standard and timed urine collections to guarantee accurate testing.

Timed Urine Specimens

• Collection periods can range from 1-2 hours to 24 hours to assess kidney function and glucose metabolism.
• Record pertinent information such as start and end times, and ensure all urine produced within the time frame is collected.

Urine Testing Procedures

• Urine tests may assess specific gravity, pH, and the presence of glucose, ketones, protein, or occult blood.
• Testing involves dipping a reagent strip and waiting for precise timing to compare color changes against a standard chart for accurate results.

Sputum Specimens

• Follow specific procedures for sputum collection to ensure valid test outcomes.
• Emphasize the importance of proper technique, timing, and specimen handling throughout the testing process.

This quiz covers essential aspects of microbiology and cytology including the identification of microorganisms, drug sensitivities, and the pathology of cells. Focused on specific techniques such as culture, sensitivity testing, and acid-fast bacillus collection methods, it is designed for students studying medical laboratory science.