Which item is included under Labs in the protocol?

Which item is included under Labs in the protocol?

• A. Pregnancy
• B. Urinalysis
• C. Chest imaging
• D. Electrocardiography

Answer: (A)

In the Trauma Nursing Process protocols, labs are the quick set of tests obtained to get essential physiologic information early. A pregnancy test is included here for women of childbearing potential because knowing whether the patient is pregnant directly influences urgent management decisions. It helps determine safe imaging choices (to minimize fetal exposure when possible) and guides medication selection and obstetric considerations if needed. Chest imaging belongs in the imaging category, since it refers to radiography or ultrasound findings used to diagnose injuries. Electrocardiography is a monitoring/diagnostic tool used to assess cardiac rhythm and electrical activity, not a laboratory test. Urinalysis is a laboratory test, but the protocol in this item specifically highlights pregnancy as the item categorized under Labs.

In the Trauma Nursing Process protocols, labs are the quick set of tests obtained to get essential physiologic information early. A pregnancy test is included here for women of childbearing potential because knowing whether the patient is pregnant directly influences urgent management decisions. It helps determine safe imaging choices (to minimize fetal exposure when possible) and guides medication selection and obstetric considerations if needed.

Chest imaging belongs in the imaging category, since it refers to radiography or ultrasound findings used to diagnose injuries. Electrocardiography is a monitoring/diagnostic tool used to assess cardiac rhythm and electrical activity, not a laboratory test. Urinalysis is a laboratory test, but the protocol in this item specifically highlights pregnancy as the item categorized under Labs.