ATS Pulmonary Function Laboratory Manual

chapter 18

Patient Preparation (Pre-Test Instructions) Pre-Test Instructions • Patients will be instructed to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for exercise. • Patients should use their usual waking aids during the test (cane, walker, etc.). • A light meal is acceptable before early morning or early afternoon tests. • Patients with respiratory and/or cardiac disease are instructed to use all regular medications as ordered on the normal daily schedule.

Procedure

Pre-Test Preparation

Step Action 1. Check patient identification. Ask the patient to state or spell his/her first and last names, and date of birth. Verify the spelling and date of birth against ID band, and/or requisition. IF THEN Patient unable to provide information • Get information from family member or caregiver, if present. • Notify person in charge, if a family member or caregiver is not present to provide the information.

The identifiers do not match

• Contact registration. • Resolve discrepancies before proceeding. • Do not proceed. • Notify patient’s nurse or registration desk.

The ID band is present but not at- tached to the patient Check for a complete physician’s order. Collect and record demographic information.

2. 3. 4.

Explain the test to the patient.

5. The results from a resting ECG done during the previous 6 months will be reviewed by the ordering phy- sician or laboratory medical director. Stable exertional angina is not an absolute contraindication for the 6MWT, but patients with this disorder will perform the test with their anti-angina medication. 6. Medications to treat asthma and angina will be available, including supplemental O 2 , sublingual nitro- glycerine, aspirin (not-enteric coated), and albuterol (metered dose inhaler or solution for nebulizer). A telephone or other means will be readily available to enable a call for help, and the medical director will establish the appropriate location for the crash cart. 7. Physicians are not required to be present during all tests. The physician ordering the test, supervising laboratory physician, or the laboratory’s standard operating procedure should define whether physician attendance at a specific test is required. 8. Technologists should be trained in at least Basic Life Support by attending an American Heart Associa- tion accredited program. Advanced cardiac life support training is desirable.

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