The healthcare provider prescribes diagnostic tests for a patient whose chest x-ray indicates pneumonia. Which diagnostic test should the nurse prepare the patient for?

Choice A rationale A CT scan of the chest can be performed to detect the severity of infection in pneumonia. However, it is not typically the first diagnostic test prescribed. It is usually recommended if the pneumonia isn’t clearing as quickly as expected. Choice B rationale Arterial blood gases (ABG) can be used to measure the oxygen level in your blood. Pneumonia can prevent your lungs from moving enough oxygen into your bloodstream. However, ABG is not typically the first diagnostic test prescribed for pneumonia. Choice C rationale A sputum culture test is often used to confirm the cause of infection in pneumonia. This test involves taking a sample of fluid from your lungs (sputum) after a deep cough and analyzing it to help pinpoint the cause of the infection. Choice D rationale Blood cultures can identify the germ causing your pneumonia and also show whether a bacterial infection has spread to your blood. However, they are not typically the first diagnostic test prescribed for pneumonia.