Appen. II

Question 1

Angiography

Answer 1

X-ray imaging of blood vessels. A contrast substance is injected into a blood vessel, and x-ray images are taken of the vessel.

Question 2

Bone density scan/DEXA

Answer 2

Low-energy x-rays are used for this study, which measures bone thickness and reveals areas of bone deficiency and osteoporosis. This study is most often performed on the lower spine or hips.

Question 3

Cardiac catheterization

Answer 3

Procedure in which a catheter (tube) is passed via vein or artery into the chambers of the heart to measure the blood flow out of the heart and the pressures and oxygen content in the heart chambers.
Contrast material is also introduced into heart chambers, and x-ray pictures are taken to show heart and heart valve structure.

Question 4

Chest x-ray

Answer 4

An x-ray image of the chest wall, lungs, and heart. It may show infection (pneumonia or tuberculosis), emphysema, damage due to occupational exposure, lung tumors, fluid accumulation, or heart enlargement.

Question 5

CT scan

Answer 5

X-ray images that show the body in cross-section. Contrast material may be used to highlight structures such as the liver, brain, or blood vessels, and barium can be swallowed to outline gastrointestinal organs.

Question 6

Doppler ultrasound

Answer 6

Technique that focuses sound waves on blood vessels and measures blood flow as echoes bounce off red blood cells. Arteries or veins in the arms, neck, legs, or abdomen are examined to detect vessels that are occluded (blocked) by clots or atherosclerosis.

Question 7

Echocardiogram

Answer 7

Imaging of the heart by introducing high-frequency sound waves through the chest into the heart. It is a highly useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of diseases of the valves that separate the heart chambers and diseases of the heart muscle.

Question 8

MRI

Answer 8

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
A powerful magnetic field is created surrounding the whole patient, or only the heard, and water molecules are aligned and then relaxed, generating electromagnetic currents that provide a detailed picture of organs and blood vessels.

Question 9

Mammogram

Answer 9

X-ray recording or record of the breast. X-rays of low voltage are beamed at the breast, and images are produced.

Question 10

Ultrasound

Answer 10

Images are produced by beaming high-frequency sound waves (not x-ray) into the body and capturing the echoes that bounce off organs. These echoes are then processed to produce an image showing the difference between fluid and solid masses and the general position of organs.

Question 11

Bone scan

Answer 11

A radioactive substance is injected intravenously, and its uptake in bones is detected with a scanning device. Tumors in bone can be detected by increased uptake of the radioactive material in the areas of the lesions.

Question 12

MUGA scan

Answer 12

Test that uses radioactive technetium to measure the rate of cardiac output of blood by a multiple-gated acquisition technique. AKA technetium-99m ventriculography

Question 13

Thyroid scan and uptake

Answer 13

In a thyroid scan, radioactive iodine is injected intravenously or swallowed and then collects in the thyroid gland. A scanning device detects the radiotracer in the gland tissue, producing an image that shows the size, shape, and position of the thyroid. It evaluates the function of the thyroid. Radioactive iodine is swallowed and a probe is placed over the thyroid gland to detect increased or decreased activity, as shown by the thyroid’s ability to absorb the radiotracer.

Question 14

Amniocentesis

Answer 14

Surgical puncture to remove fluid from the sac (amnion) that surrounds the fetus in the uterus. The fluid contains cells from the fetus that can be examined with a microscope for chromosomal analysis. Levels of chemicals in amniotic fluid also can detect defects in the fetus.

Question 15

Arthrocentesis

Answer 15

Puncture to remove fluid from a joint. This usually is done through the skin with a percutaneous needle.

Question 16

Aspiration

Answer 16

Withdrawal of fluid by suction through a needle or tube. The term aspiration pneumonia refers to an infection caused by inhalation of food or an object into the lungs.

Question 17

Auscultation

Answer 17

Process of listening for sounds produced within the body. This is most often performed with the aid of a stethoscope to determine the condition of the heart and lungs and blood vessels or to detect the fetal heartbeat.

Question 18

Biopsy

Answer 18

Removal of a piece of tissue from the body for subsequent examination under a microscope. The procedure is performed with a surgical knife or by needle aspiration or core biopsy, or via an endoscopic approach.

Question 19

Bronchoscopy

Answer 19

Visual examination of the bronchial passages through a flexible tube (endoscope) inserted into the airway.

Question 20

Colonoscopy

Answer 20

Visual examination of the colon using a flexible tube (endoscope) inserted through the rectum and passed into the large bowel.

Question 21

Digital rectal examination

Answer 21

The physician inserts a gloved finger into the patient’s rectum to detect rectal cancer and as a primary method to detect prostate cancer

Question 22

Endoscopy

Answer 22

Inspection of an organ or body cavity through a narrow, tube-like instrument (endoscope) inserted into the organ or cavity. The endoscope is placed through a natural opening (the mouth or anus) or into a surgical incision, such as through the abdominal wall.

Question 23

Holter monitoring

Answer 23

Electrocardiographic recording of heart activity over an extended period of time. The Holter monitor device is worn by the patient as normal daily activities are performed. It detects heart rhythm abnormalities.

Question 24

Laparoscopy

Answer 24

Examination of the abdominal cavity through an endoscope inserted into the abdomen. After the patient receives a local anesthetic, a laparoscope is placed through an incision in the abdominal wall. This procedure gives the physician a view of the abdominal cavity, the surface of the liver and spleen, and the pelvic region. It can be used to remove some organs and tumors and for fallopian tube ligation to prevent pregnancy.

Question 25

Lumbar puncture

Answer 25

Introduction of a hollow needle into a space surrounding the spinal cord to withdraw fluid for analysis. Later, contrast material may be injected for imaging.

Question 26

Palpation

Answer 26

Examination by touch. This is a technique of manual physical examination by which a doctor feels underlying tissues and organs through the skin.

Question 27

Percussion

Answer 27

The technique of striking a part of the body with short, sharp taps of the fingers to determine the size, density, and position of the underlying parts by the sound obtained. It is commonly used over the lungs to detect fluid, atelectasis, and infection, and on the abdomen to examine the liver.

Question 28

Pulmonary function test

Answer 28

Measurement of the air taken into and exhaled from the lungs by means of an instrument called a spirometer. The test results may be abnormal in patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or occupational exposures to asbestos, chemicals and dusts.

Question 29

Stress test

Answer 29

Electrocardiography performed during exercise. With intense exercise, the ECG may become abnormal as a result of poor blood flow through blocked arteries. This study may reveal hidden heart disease or confirm the cause of cardiac signs and symptoms.

Question 30

Thoracentesis

Answer 30

Insertion of a needle into the chest to remove fluid from the space surrounding the lungs (pleural cavity). After injection of a local anesthetic, a hollow needle is placed through the skin and muscles of the back and into the space between the lungs and chest wall.

Question 31

Venipuncture/ Phlebotomy

Answer 31

Puncture of a vein to remove samples of blood for analysis