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A patient is scheduled for surgery. Which laboratory and/or diagnostic tests are routinely carried out before any surgery is performed?

User Nizzy
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Final answer:

Routine pre-operative tests include a CBC, blood type and screen, coagulation studies, and possibly a chest x-ray or EKG. The surgical team verifies patient information, surgical details, and reviews any specific medical concerns. Agglutination in both anti-A and anti-B blood tests indicates a normal Blood Type AB.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before surgery, several routine laboratory and diagnostic tests are typically performed to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. The surgical team, including the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional, will review the patient's medical history, confirm the administration of prophylactic antibiotics if necessary, ensure the availability of all necessary imaging results, and verify surgical site and procedure. They will also assess critical aspects of the surgery, such as anticipated blood loss and any specific concerns related to anesthesia or patient health status.

Some common pre-operative tests include complete blood count (CBC), blood type and screen, coagulation studies, electrolytes, renal function tests, and a chest x-ray or electrocardiogram (EKG) depending on the patient’s age and health. The team ensures sterility, equipment availability, reviews the patient's identity, allergies, airway and aspiration risks. Diagnoses requiring specific lab tests, like suspected cancer, might include blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, and endoscopy. Endocrinologists often use stimulation or suppression tests to diagnose endocrine disorders, including diabetes, which may involve fasting blood glucose or A1C tests.

As for a patient's blood type determination before surgery, if agglutination occurs in both the anti-A and anti-B wells, this indicates a Blood Type AB, which is a normal blood typing response. No error is made in this case. Understandably, these tests ensure compatibility for potential blood transfusions during surgery and help in managing blood glucose levels for diabetic patients during the perioperative period.

User Renaud Tarnec
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