Respiratory system diagnostic tests: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
In [[medicine]], the '''respiratory examination''' is performed as part of a [[physical examination]], or when a patient presents with a respiratory problem ([[dyspnea]] (shortness of breath), [[cough]], [[chest pain]]) or a history that suggests a [[ | In [[medicine]], the '''respiratory examination''' is performed as part of a [[physical examination]], or when a patient presents with a respiratory problem ([[dyspnea]] (shortness of breath), [[cough]], [[chest pain]]) or a history that suggests a pathology of the lungs. | ||
==Respiratory system diagnostic tests== | |||
===Sputum examination=== | |||
* Appearance, color, presence of blood, and smell | |||
** Colorless ([[Bronchitis]]) | |||
** Green (pulmonary infection) | |||
** Red ([[carcinoma]]) | |||
** Frothy pink ([[pulmonary edema]]) | |||
** Black (pollutants) | |||
* Order tests - Routine microscopy (gram and ZN stain), cytology, culture | |||
===Peak expiratory flow=== | |||
* Maximal forced expiration through [[peak flow meter]]. | |||
* Used to estimate airway caliber in [[COPD]], and [[asthma]] | |||
===Pulse oximetry=== | |||
* Quick, non-invasive way of measurement of peripheral oxygen saturation | |||
* Its alarm is usually set on 90% | |||
* A decrease of oxygen saturation below 80% needs attention. | |||
* In some cases for instance, [[COPD]], an oxygen saturation below 80% is normal and patient is compensated | |||
* False results may be due to: | |||
** Skin pigmentation | |||
** Nail paints | |||
** [[Carbon monooxide poisoning]] | |||
** [[Dyshemoglobulinemia]] | |||
** Poor perfusion | |||
== | ===Arterial blood gas=== | ||
* | * Heparinized blood from peripheral arteries like radial, brachial, and femoral | ||
* | * Measure pH, PaO2, PaCO2, and FiO2 (percent of inspired oxygen) | ||
*[ | * For interpretation of ABG click [[Arterial blood gas|here]] | ||
==References== | |||
{{Reflist|2}} | |||
[[Category:Pulmonology]] | [[Category:Pulmonology]] | ||
[[Category:Medical tests]] | [[Category:Medical tests]] | ||
Latest revision as of 16:00, 26 May 2012
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
In medicine, the respiratory examination is performed as part of a physical examination, or when a patient presents with a respiratory problem (dyspnea (shortness of breath), cough, chest pain) or a history that suggests a pathology of the lungs.
Respiratory system diagnostic tests
Sputum examination
- Appearance, color, presence of blood, and smell
- Colorless (Bronchitis)
- Green (pulmonary infection)
- Red (carcinoma)
- Frothy pink (pulmonary edema)
- Black (pollutants)
- Order tests - Routine microscopy (gram and ZN stain), cytology, culture
Peak expiratory flow
- Maximal forced expiration through peak flow meter.
- Used to estimate airway caliber in COPD, and asthma
Pulse oximetry
- Quick, non-invasive way of measurement of peripheral oxygen saturation
- Its alarm is usually set on 90%
- A decrease of oxygen saturation below 80% needs attention.
- In some cases for instance, COPD, an oxygen saturation below 80% is normal and patient is compensated
- False results may be due to:
- Skin pigmentation
- Nail paints
- Carbon monooxide poisoning
- Dyshemoglobulinemia
- Poor perfusion
Arterial blood gas
- Heparinized blood from peripheral arteries like radial, brachial, and femoral
- Measure pH, PaO2, PaCO2, and FiO2 (percent of inspired oxygen)
- For interpretation of ABG click here