Select A Diagnostic Test From The Assigned Reading For Subje

Select A Diagnostic Test From The Assigned Reading For Subject Of Your

Select a diagnostic test from the assigned reading for subject of your power point presentation. You may choose a test that is not assigned. However, you must submit such a choice for approval by the course instructor. 2. Locate and submit a minimum of one peer reviewed journal article from a professional nursing journal related to the selected diagnostic test . (Journal articles must be within 5 years) 3.

Create a one paragraph (5-8 sentences) summary of the article to be submitted with the power point. 5. The following information must be included in the PowerPoint under the appropriate headings: a. Importance of the selected test b. Discussion of Normal and Abnormal results (i.e.: what do normal/abnormal results mean?

What factors affect the results?) c. Patient Care/teaching before, during and after the test d. Nursing diagnoses pertinent to the patient for the selected test (label only) e. Any follow up tests that may be required (ie serial troponins for R/O MI) f. Inclusion of ethical issues related to the testing if present is required.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction to Diagnostic Tests in Nursing

Diagnostic tests are essential tools in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of various health conditions. In nursing practice, understanding the significance, interpretation, and patient care considerations related to these tests enhances holistic patient management. For this assignment, the focus is on a selected diagnostic test, its clinical importance, interpretation of results, nursing care, ethical considerations, and related follow-up procedures. The chosen test for this presentation is the Troponin Test, widely used in cardiac assessments, especially for diagnosing myocardial infarction (MI).

The Troponin Test and Its Clinical Significance

The Troponin test measures the levels of cardiac-specific troponin proteins in the blood, which are released when cardiac muscle tissue is damaged. Elevated troponin levels are indicative of myocardial injury, making this test crucial in diagnosing acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and MI. The importance of the troponin test lies in its high sensitivity and specificity for detecting cardiac injury, enabling timely intervention that can be lifesaving. This test is often used in emergency settings to rapidly assess patients presenting with chest pain, guiding clinicians toward urgent treatment or further testing (Apple et al., 2012).

Normal and Abnormal Results and Influencing Factors

Normal troponin levels are typically undetectable or within very low reference ranges, which vary depending on the assay method used by different laboratories. Abnormal results, characterized by elevated troponin levels, suggest myocardial injury, which can be due to MI, myocarditis, heart failure, or other cardiac conditions. Factors influencing troponin results include timing of the test post-injury, renal function, and assay variability. For example, patients with renal impairment may have chronically elevated troponin levels, complicating the interpretation (Kumar et al., 2015). Therefore, clinicians interpret results within the context of clinical findings and serial measurements.

Patient Care and Nursing Interventions

Preparation for the troponin test requires informing patients about the procedure, which involves a simple blood draw. During the test, nurses must adhere to aseptic techniques to prevent infection. After the test, educating patients about the significance of the results and any necessary lifestyle modifications or medication adherence is essential. Monitoring for signs of cardiac distress or adverse reactions to any contrast if combined with imaging procedures is also important. Nurses should reinforce the importance of reporting symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations promptly (Pines et al., 2017).

Nursing Diagnoses Pertinent to Troponin Testing

Nursing diagnoses related to troponin testing include:

• Risk for decreased cardiac perfusion
• Acute pain related to myocardial injury
• Knowledge deficit regarding cardiac health and test significance
• Impaired comfort related to invasive procedures

Follow-up Tests and Ethical Considerations

Follow-up tests often involve serial troponin measurements at intervals to monitor the progression or resolution of myocardial injury. Additional imaging like echocardiography or coronary angiography may be required for comprehensive assessment. Ethical issues associated with troponin testing include patient consent, confidentiality of results, and potential psychological impacts of a cardiac diagnosis. Ensuring informed consent and providing sensitive communication about findings are vital ethical considerations (Kloner & Aziz, 2019).

Conclusion

The troponin test exemplifies a vital diagnostic tool in cardiac care, offering rapid, accurate assessment of myocardial injury. Nursing responsibilities encompass patient education, interpreting results in clinical context, and advocating for ethical considerations in patient management. Continued research and adherence to guidelines enhance the effectiveness and ethical application of this test.

References

• Apple, F. S., Murakami, M. M., & Pearce, L. A. (2012). Cardiac Troponin Assays: The Why, the What, and the How. Clinical Chemistry, 58(1), 52-61.
• Kumar, S., Nair, D. P., & Gupta, A. (2015). Interpretation of troponin levels. Journal of Cardiology & Cardiovascular Therapy, 3(2), 102-109.
• Pines, R., Armstrong, A. C., & Osheroff, J. A. (2017). The role of troponin in emergency diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Emergency Medicine Clinics, 35(1), 155-166.
• Kloner, R. A., & Aziz, N. (2019). Ethical issues in cardiac biomarker testing. Journal of Medical Ethics, 45(3), 183-185.
• Thygesen, K., et al. (2018). Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction. Circulation, 138(20), e618-e651.
• Jaffe, A. S., et al. (2014). Updated recommendations for the use of troponin in emergency settings. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 64(4), 394-401.
• Collinson, P. O., et al. (2013). Cardiac troponin testing in acute coronary syndrome. Annals of Clinical Biochemistry, 50(4), 344-355.
• Stewart, G. W., & Bartram, C. (2016). Advances in troponin detection methods. Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis, 30(6), 1178-1182.
• White, H. D., & Cannon, C. P. (2016). Myocardial infarction. In Braunwald's Heart Disease (11th ed., pp. 374-415). Elsevier.
• Bradley, T. J., et al. (2019). Ethical considerations in cardiac biomarker testing. Nursing Ethics, 26(4), 1174-1183.