Diagnostic Testing
● CT with IV contrast:
○ Assess allergies (especially iodine/contrast, not shellfish).
○ Check renal function (kidneys clear the dye).
○ Pacemakers/metal are relevant for MRI, not CT.
● Barium swallow:
○ Can cause constipation → encourage fluids, laxatives may be needed.
○ The patient must be NPO 8 hrs before the test.
○ Stools may appear white/clay-colored afterward.
● IVP (intravenous pyelogram):
○ Always check for allergies (iodine/contrast) before the procedure.
● MRI:
○ Pacemaker = absolute contraindication.
● Colonoscopy prep:
○ Clear liquid diet for 2 days.
○ No red/purple liquids (mimic blood).
Urinary System & Specimens
● Urine specimen collection:
○ Clean catch (midstream): Clean urethra, void first part in toilet, collect midstream in
sterile container.
, ○ Foley catheter specimen: Use sterile port, never from drainage bag.
○ 24-hr urine collection:
■ Discard the first void, then collect all urine after.
■ Must keep cold/refrigerated.
● Catheters:
○ Patients may “feel the need to void” due to bladder spasms or kinked tubing. Always
check patency first.
○ If inserted into vagina → leave in place as a landmark, start again with new sterile
supplies.
● Urinary retention (post-op):
○ Always assess → palpate bladder, check tubing, then escalate.
● Age-related changes → ↑ UTI risk:
○ Older adults retain more urine after voiding → urinary stasis.
● Incontinence care:
○ Avoid caffeine (bladder irritant).
○ Bladder training = gradually increase intervals between voids, keep diary, do not restrict
fluids <1000 mL/day.
Bowel Elimination
● Constipation:
○ Prevention: fluids, fiber, physical activity.
○ High-protein diet ↑ BUN but doesn’t help bowel.
○ Best foods: fruits, veggies, whole grains.
● CT with IV contrast:
○ Assess allergies (especially iodine/contrast, not shellfish).
○ Check renal function (kidneys clear the dye).
○ Pacemakers/metal are relevant for MRI, not CT.
● Barium swallow:
○ Can cause constipation → encourage fluids, laxatives may be needed.
○ The patient must be NPO 8 hrs before the test.
○ Stools may appear white/clay-colored afterward.
● IVP (intravenous pyelogram):
○ Always check for allergies (iodine/contrast) before the procedure.
● MRI:
○ Pacemaker = absolute contraindication.
● Colonoscopy prep:
○ Clear liquid diet for 2 days.
○ No red/purple liquids (mimic blood).
Urinary System & Specimens
● Urine specimen collection:
○ Clean catch (midstream): Clean urethra, void first part in toilet, collect midstream in
sterile container.
, ○ Foley catheter specimen: Use sterile port, never from drainage bag.
○ 24-hr urine collection:
■ Discard the first void, then collect all urine after.
■ Must keep cold/refrigerated.
● Catheters:
○ Patients may “feel the need to void” due to bladder spasms or kinked tubing. Always
check patency first.
○ If inserted into vagina → leave in place as a landmark, start again with new sterile
supplies.
● Urinary retention (post-op):
○ Always assess → palpate bladder, check tubing, then escalate.
● Age-related changes → ↑ UTI risk:
○ Older adults retain more urine after voiding → urinary stasis.
● Incontinence care:
○ Avoid caffeine (bladder irritant).
○ Bladder training = gradually increase intervals between voids, keep diary, do not restrict
fluids <1000 mL/day.
Bowel Elimination
● Constipation:
○ Prevention: fluids, fiber, physical activity.
○ High-protein diet ↑ BUN but doesn’t help bowel.
○ Best foods: fruits, veggies, whole grains.
