Organized alphabetically by tests, this reference guide provides quick and reliable access to information on more than 420 laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures. With additional information provided for each procedure and extensive nursing implications rationales, this text serves as a valuable resource for nursing students and professionals alike.

For each test you will find:

• Reference values with guidelines for both adults and children
• Description
• Purpose
• Clinical problems
• Procedures
• Factors affecting test results
• Nursing implications with rationales for nursing actions
• Client teaching
• Drug effects

New to this Edition:

• Additional diagnostic procedures, such as colonoscopy, pacemaker monitoring, sigmoidoscopy, and many more
• More laboratory tests, such as Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody, Antithrombin III, Brain Natriuretic Peptide, SARS, West Nile Virus Antibodies, and many more
• Extensive updates for HIV tests, pulmonary function tests, cardiac catheterization, bone densitometry, and many more
• Unique coverage of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) test includes lists of the therapeutic range, peak action time, and toxic levels
• Expanded section on Laboratory/Diagnostic Assessments of Body Functions covers twelve body systems and helps the nurse in assessing clients with selected health problems
• Updated laboratory test values for adults and children, listed according to laboratory departments
• Pretests and posttests included in the nursing implications sections
• An overview of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• A new section on the school nurse’s functions in education, screening, and testing