 Discuss various diagnostic tests related to the integumentary system.  Discuss nursing considerations related to the above.

 Patient and family history  Patients symptoms  Onset  Cause  Duration  Treatment

 Observation  Inspection  Palpation  Percussion

 Blood tests › Serum immunoglobulinE (IgE) › CBC › Hormone levels › Electrolytes › Serum chemistries › ABG’s 

 Removal of living tissue  Microscopic examination  Used to confirm or establish a diagnosis  Establish a diagnosis  Follow the course of treatment

 Allergens within occlusive patches are applied to normal skin for 48 hours  If the client is allergic, erythematous skin reaction will occur  Pt should discontinue any antihistamines 2 days before the test 

 Fluid from a vesicle is applied to a glass slide, stained and examined under a microscope, used to diagnosis herpes zoster, herpes simplex, varicella

 Immunofluorescence is the labeling of antibodies or antigens with fluorescent

 An ultraviolet light  Certain disease producing bacteria and fungi show characteristic color  Identifies tinea capitis

 Identifies the agent that causes allergies or dermatitis  Similar to a TB test.

 Scratch test (also known as a puncture or prick test).  Done on the forearm or back  Scrape the skin  Examine the skin under microscope

 Culture and Sensitivity -Determines the presence of microorganisms and identifies the antibiotic that will kill or inhibit growth of the microorganism  May be of the blood, drainage, or tissue specimens  Can isolate specific bacterium  Wound cultures › Purulent or suspicious looking exudate  Done when S&S of infection are present