Nursing Role in Diagnostic Specimen Collection

Learning Objectives

• Nurses are responsible for specimen collection techniques for accurate diagnosis.
• Nurses communicate relevant information both orally and in writing.
• Nurses are accountable for ongoing professional and personal development.
• Nurses apply ethical principles during specimen collection.
• Nurses perform proper nasal swabs.

Roles of Nurses in Diagnostic Tests

• Specimen collection depends on patient symptoms (e.g., respiratory infection requires sputum collection).
• Nurses provide detailed preparation and collection instructions to ensure quality specimens.
• Nurses inform anxious patients regarding the diagnostic process to ease anxiety.
• Patient consults a clinician, then clinician orders lab tests.
• Nurses collect specimens and transport them to the lab.
• Nurses educate patients on specimen collection and transport procedures.
• Specimen and patient data are entered into the lab computer.

Specimen Handling and Recording

• Nurses must accurately label specimen containers.
• Accurate data recording prevents errors and conflicts between staff.
• Specimens are examined macroscopically and microscopically.
• Preliminary reports are issued, and cultures are incubated.
• Clinicians interpret reports and prescribe treatments if necessary.
• Patient outcomes are monitored for treatment success or failures.
• Nurse involvement is vital throughout the whole diagnostic process.

Responsibilities of Healthcare Professionals in Specimen Submission

• Collaboration between team members is vital for correct diagnosis.
• Correct clinical specimens and tests are selected and requested.
• Proper collection and transport of specimens to the laboratory is necessary.
• Safety precautions must be strictly followed, especially when dealing with potentially infectious materials.

Bacterial vs. Viral Infections

• Bacteria are larger than viruses and can reproduce independently.
• Viruses need a host cell to replicate.
• Bacteria can have beneficial effects (e.g., aiding digestion).
• Viral infections usually cause diseases, attacking various cells.
• Bacterial illnesses commonly last longer than 10 days; most viral conditions last 2-10 days.
• Antibiotics treat bacterial infections.
• Vaccines treat viral infections.

How Bacteria and Viruses Cause Disease

• Virulence is a pathogen's ability to infect and cause disease.
• Virulence factors aid in host colonization and immune evasion.

Roles of Nurses Related to Diagnostic Testing: Integumentary

• Intact skin acts as a physical barrier, preventing the entry of pathogens.

Mpox (Monkeypox)

• Mpox is a zoonotic viral infection caused by a orthopox virus.
• Human-to-human transmission occurred in 2022.
• Initial symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia, fatigue, lymphadenopathy.
• Mpox involves skin lesions that develop through several stages.
• Mpox is diagnosed via laboratory tests, including viral isolation, PCR, microscopy, and serology tests.
• Treatment typically is self-limiting and supportive. Antiviral treatment, such as tecovirimat, exists.
• Mpox transmission includes direct and indirect contact.
• Transmission also includes vertical from pregnant female to fetus/infant.
• Proper specimen collection and handling are crucial for diagnosis.

Scabies

• Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite.
• Symptoms include intense itching, especially at night, and rash.
• Diagnosis is made through skin scrapping and microscopic examination to look for mites or mite by-products.
• Treatment involves topical creams and sometimes oral medications.
• Scabies treatment can involve the entire family, due to the contagious nature.

Specimen Collection and Handling

• Accurate specimen labelling ensures identification and integrity.
• Correct information on specimens and containers is essential.

Specimen Storage

• Specimens should be stored in leak-proof, sterile containers following laboratory procedures for time and temperature.
• Appropriate transport procedures are important for accurate specimen handling throughout the process.

This quiz covers the essential responsibilities of nurses in specimen collection techniques for accurate diagnosis. It highlights the importance of communication, ethical principles, and proper procedures during the collection process. Gain insights into how nurses educate patients and handle specimens effectively.