Pulmonary Diagnostics

1. Skin Test: Mantoux Test or tuberculin skin test

• This is used to determine if a person has been infected or has been
exposed to the TB bacillus. This utilizes the PPD (Purified Protein
Derivatives). The PPD is injected intradermally usually in the inner
aspect of the lower forearm about 4 inches below the elbow. The test
is read 48 to 72 hours after injection.
• (+) Mantoux Test is induration of 10 mm or more. But for HIV
positive clients, induration of about 5 mm is considered positive
• (+) Mantoux test signifies exposure to Mycobacterium Tubercle
bacilli
2. Chest X-Ray
• This is a NON-invasive procedure involving the use of x-rays with
minimal radiation. The nurse instructs the patient to practice the on cue
to hold his breath and to do deep breathing
• Instruct the client to remove metals from the chest. Rule out pregnancy
first.
Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI)
• The CT scan is a radiographic procedure that utilizes x-ray machine.
• The MRI uses magnetic field to record the H+ density of the tissue. It
does NOT involve the use of radiation. The contraindications for this
procedure are the following: patients with implanted pacemaker,
patients with metallic hip prosthesis or other metal implants in the
body.
3. Fluoroscopy
• Studies the lung and chest in motion
4. Indirect Bronchography
• A radiopaque medium is instilled directly into the trachea and the
bronchi and the entire bronchial tree or selected areas may be
visualized through x-ray.
 • Nursing interventions before Bronchogram
Secure written consent
Check for allergies to sea foods or iodine or anesthesia
NPO for 6 to 8 hours
• Pre-op meds: atropine SO4 and valium, topical anesthesia sprayed;
followed by local anesthetic injected into larynx. The nurse must have
oxygen and anti spasmodic agents ready
• Nursing interventions after Bronchogram
o Side-lying position
o NPO until cough and gag reflexes returned
o Instruct the client to cough and deep breathe client
5. Bronchoscopy
• This is the direct inspection and observation of the larynx, trachea and
bronchi through a flexible or rigid bronchoscope.
• Passage of a lighted bronchoscope into the bronchial tree for direct
visualization of the trachea and the tracheobronchial tree.
Diagnostic uses
 To collect secretions
 To determine location or pathologic process and collect specimen
for biopsy
 To evaluate bleeding sites
Therapeutic uses
 To Remove foreign objects
 To Excise lesions
 To remove tenacious secretions
 To drain abscess
 To treat post-operative atelectasis
Nursing interventions before Bronchoscopy
 Informed consent/ permit needed
 Explain procedure to the patient
  Atropine and valium pre-procedure; topical anesthesia sprayed
followed by local anesthesia injected into the larynx
 Instruct on NPO for 6-8 hours
 Remove dentures, prostheses and contact lenses
 The patient is placed supine with hyperextended neck during the
procedure
Nursing interventions after Bronchoscopy
 Put the patient on Side lying position
 Tell patient that the throat may feel sore with some initial swallowing
difficulty
 Maintain on NPO. Check for the return of cough and gag reflex
before giving fluid per Orem.
 Watch for cyanosis, hypotension, tachycardia, arrythmias,
hemoptysis, and dyspnea. These signs and symptoms indicate
perforation of bronchial tree. Refer the patient immediately!
6. Lung scan
• Following injection of a radioisotope, scans are taken with a
scintillation camera. Measure blood perfusion through the lungs.
Confirm pulmonary embolism or other blood- flow abnormalities
• Instruct the patient to Remain still during the procedure
7. Sputum examination
• Indicated fro examination of the sputum: Gross appearance, Sputum
C&S, AFB staining, and for Cytologic examination/ Papanicolaou
examination
 Early morning sputum specimen is to be collected
 Rinse mouth with plain water
 Use sterile container.
 Sputum specimen for C&S is collected before the first dose of
anti-microbial therapy.
  For AFB staining, collect sputum specimen for three consecutive
mornings.

8. Biopsy of Lung
• Transbronchoscopic biopsy—done during bronchoscopy,
Percutaneous needle biopsy and Open lung biopsy
9. Lymph node biopsy
• Scalene or cervicomediastinal
To assess metastasis of lung cancer
10. Pulmonary Function studies
• Done to evaluate the mechanical function of the lungs
Vital capacity(4700 ml)
• The maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after a maximum
inhalation
Reduced in COPD
Tidal volume(500 ml)
• The volume of air inhaled and exhaled with normal quiet breathing
• Relaxed inspiration followed b a relaxed expiration
Inspiratory reserve volume(3000 ml)
• The maximum volume that can be inhaled following a normal quiet
inhalation.
Expiratory reserve volume(1200 ml)
• The maximum volume that can be exhaled following the normal quiet
exhalation
Functional Residual Capacity(2300 ml)
• The volume of air that remains in the lungs after normal, quiet
exhalation
Residual volume(1100 ml)
• The volume of air that remains in the lungs after forceful exhalation
Inspiratory Capacity(3500 ml)
• The maximum amount of air that can be inhaled following a normal
quiet expiration
Total Lung Capacity(5800 ml)
• Maximum amount of air in the lungs after a maximum inspiration

11.Arterial Blood Gas Studies

Purpose
To assess ventilation and acid—base balance
Radial artery is the common site for withdrawal of blood specimen
Allen’s test is done to assess for adequacy of collateral circulation of the
hand (the ulnar arteries)
Utilize a 10-ml. Pre-heparinized syringe to prevent clotting of specimen and
container with ice to prevent hemolysis of the specimen
12.Thoracentesis
• Aspiration of fluid or air from the pleural space
• Nursing intervention before Thoracentesis
 Secure consent
 Take initial vital signs
 Position: Upright leaning on overbed table
 Instruct to remain still, avoid coughing during insertion of the
needle
 Pressure sensation is felt on insertion of needle
• Nursing interventions after Thoracentesis
o Turn on the unaffected side to prevent leakage of fluid in the
thoracic cavity
o Bed rest
o Check for expectoration of blood
o Monitor vital sign
 COMMON RESPIRATORY INTERVENTIONS
1. Oxygen Therapy
 Low flow oxygen provides partial oxygenation with patient breathing a
combination of supplemental oxygen and room air.
 High flow oxygen provides all necessary oxygenation, with patients
breathing only oxygen supplied from the mask and exhaling through a
one-way vent.
 Oxygen administration involves the use of nasal cannula ( delivers
maximally 5 liters/min), Simple face mask, tracheostomy collar, face
tent, venturi mask, partial rebreather and non-rebreather mask.
 The nurse should prevent skin breakdown by checking nares, nose
and applying gauze or cotton as necessary
 Ensure that COPD patients receive only LOW flow oxygen because
these persons respond to hypoxia, not increased CO levels.
2. Tracheobronchial suctioning
 Suction only when necessary not routinely
 Use the smallest suction catheter if possibl
 Client should be in semi or high Fowler’s position
 Use sterile gloves, sterile suction catheter
 Hyperventilate client with 100% oxygen before and after suctioning
 Insert catheter with gloved hand (3-5“ length of catheter insertion) without
applying suction. Three passes of the catheter is the maximum, with 10
seconds per pass.
 Apply suction only during withdrawal of catheter
 The suction pressure should be limited to less than 120 mmHg
 When withdrawing catheter rotate while applying intermittent suction
 Suctioning should take only 10 seconds (maximum of 15 seconds)
 Evaluate: clear breath sounds on auscultation of the chest
3. Bronchial Hygiene Measures
 Suctioning: oropharyngeal; nasopharyngeal
  Steam inhalation
 Aerosol inhalation
 Medimist inhalation
4. Chest Physiotherapy (CPT)
 These are procedures for patients with respiratory disorders like COPD,
cystic fibrosis, lung abscess, and pneumonia. The therapy is based on the
fact that mucus can be knocked or shaken from airways and helped to
drain from the lungs.
 Postural drainage- use of gravity to aid in the drainage of secretions.
Patient is placed in various positions to promote flow of drainage from
different lung segments using gravity. Areas with secretions are placed
higher than lung segments to promote drainage. Patient should maintain
each position for 5-15 minutes depending on tolerability.
 Percussion- produces energy wave that is transmitted through the chest
wall to the bronchi. The chest is struck rhythmically with cupped hands
over the areas were secretions are located. Avoid percussion over the
spine, kidneys, breast or incision and broken ribs. Areas should be
percussed for 1-2 minutes
 Vibration- works similarly to percussion, where hands are placed on
client’s chest and gently but firmly rapidly vibrate hands against thoracic
wall especially during client’s exhalation. This may help dislodge
secretions and stimulate cough. This should be done at least 5-7 times
during patient exhalation.
 Suctioning
 Nursing Interventions in CPT
o Verify doctor’s order
o Assess areas of accumulation of mucus secretions.
o Position to allow expectoration of mucus secretions by gravity
o Place client in each position for 5-10 to 15 minutes
o Percussion and vibration done to loosen mucus secretions
 o Change position gradually to prevent postural hypotension
o Client is encouraged to cough up and expectorate sputum
o Procedure is best done 60 to 90 minutes before meals or in the
morning upon awakening and at bedtime.
o Provide good oral care after the procedure
5. Incentive Spirometry
To enhance deep inhalation

6. Closed Chest Drainage (Thoracostomy tube)

 Chest tube is used to drain fluid and air out of the mediastinum or
pleural space into a collection chamber to help re-establish normal
negative pressure for lung re-expansion.
Purposes
 To remove air and/or fluids from the pleural space
 To reestablish negative pressure and re-expand the lungs
Procedure
The chest tube is inserted into the affected chest wall at the level of 2nd to
3rd intercostals space to release air or in the fourth intercostals space to remove
fluid.
Types of Bottle Drainage
One-bottle system
 The bottle serves as drainage and water-seal
 Immerse tip of the tube in 2-3 cm of sterile NSS to create water-
seal.
 Keep bottle at least 2-3 feet below the level of the chest to allow
drainage from the pleura by gravity.
 Never raise the bottle above the level of the heart to prevent
reflux of air or fluid.
Assess for patency of the device
  Observe for fluctuation of fluid along the tube. The fluctuation
synchronizes with the respiration.
 Observe for intermittent bubbling of fluid; continues bubbling
means presence of air-leak
In the absence of fluctuation:
 Suspect obstruction of the device—Assess the patient first, then
if patient is stable- check for kinks along tubing; milk tubing
towards the bottle (If the hospital allows the nurse to milk the
tube)
 If there is no obstruction, consider lung re-expansion; validated
by chest x-ray
 Air vent should be open to air.
Two-bottle system
IF not connected to the suction apparatus
o The first bottle is drainage bottle; the second bottle is water-
seal bottle
o Observe for fluctuation of fluid along the tube (water-seal bottle
or the second bottle) and intermittent bubbling with each
respiration.
NOTE! IF connected to suction apparatus
• The first bottle is the drainage and water-seal bottle; the
second bottle is suction control bottle.
• Expect continuous bubbling in the suction control bottle;
intermittent bubbling and fluctuation in the water-seal
• Immerse tip of the tube in the first bottle in 2 to 3 cm of sterile
NSS; immerse the tube of the suction control bottle in 10 to
20 cm of sterile NSS to stabilize the normal negative pressure in
the lungs.
• This protects the pleura from trauma if the suction pressure
is inadvertently increased
 Three-bottle system
 The first bottle is the drainage bottle; the second bottle is
water seal bottle, the third bottle is suction control bottle.
 Observe for intermittent bubbling and fluctuation with respiration
in the water- seal bottle; continuous GENTLE bubbling in the
suction control bottle. These are the expected observations.
 Suspect a leak if there is continuous bubbling in the WATER
seal bottle or if there is VIGOROUS bubbling in the suction
control bottle.
 The nurse should look for the leak and report the observation at
once. Never clamp the tubing unnecessarily.
 If there is NO fluctuation in the water seal bottle, it may mean
TWO things- either the lungs have expanded or the system is
NOT functioning appropriately.
 In this situation, the nurse refers the observation to the
physician, who will order for an X-ray to confirm the suspicion.
Important Nursing considerations
Encourage doing the following to promote drainage:
o Deep breathing and coughing exercises
o Turn to sides at regular basis
o Ambulate
o ROM exercise of arms
o Mark the amount of drainage at regular intervals
o Avoid frequent milking and clamping of the tube to
prevent tension pneumothorax
What the nurse should do if:
 If there is continuous bubbling, the nurse obtains a toothless
clamp, close the chest tube at the point where it exits the
chest for a few seconds.
  If bubbling in the water seal bottle stops, the leak is likely in
the lungs, but if the bubbling continues, the leak is between
the clamp and the bottle chamber.
 Next, the nurse moves the clamp towards the bottle
checking the bubbling in the water seal bottle.
 If bubbling stops, the leak is between the clamp and the
distal part including the bottle.
 But if there is persistent bubbling, it means that the drainage
unit is leaking and the nurse must obtain another set.
 In the event that the water seal bottle breaks, the nurse
temporarily kinks the tube and must obtain a receptacle or
container with sterile water and immerse the tubing.
 She should obtain another set of sterile bottle as
replacement. She should NEVER CLAMP the tube for a
longer time to avoid tension pneumothorax.
 In the event the tube accidentally is pulled out, the nurse
obtains vaselinized gauze and covers the stoma.
 She should immediately contact the physician.
Removal of chest tube—done by physician
The nurse Prepares:
 Petrolatum Gauze
 Suture removal kit
 Sterile gauze
 Adhesive tape
Place client in semi-Fowler’s position
Instruct client to exhale deeply, then inhale and do valsalva maneuver as
the chest tube is removed.
Chest x-ray may be done after the chest tube is removed
Asses for complications: subcutaneous emphysema; respiratory
distress
7. ARTIFICIAL AIRWAY
a. Oral airways- these are shorter and often have a larger lumen. They are
used to prevent the tongue form falling backward.
b. Nasal airways- these are longer and have smaller lumen Which causes
greater airway resistance
c. Tracheostomy- this is a temporary or permanent surgical opening in the
trachea. A tube is inserted to allow ventilation and removal of secretions. It
is indicated for emergency airway access for many conditions. The nurse
must maintain tracheostomy care properly to prevent infection.