Diagnostic Procedures That Help to Determine Additional Needs
Diagnostic procedures enable professionals to be able to determine conditions individuals may have, it is
defined as a procedure performed on a patient to diagnose a condition, disease, or illness (NHS Data
Model and Dictionary, 2021). When determining a person’s condition, individuals usually receive
primary care followed by secondary care then tertiary care if still needed. Primary Care is the first level
of contact an individual sees within the healthcare system such as a GP, secondary care refers to the
second tier of the health system in which patients from primary care are usually to specialists in
hospitals for treatment and tertiary care refers to the third level in which patients receive specialized
consultative care usually after being referred from primary and secondary care (IES, 2015).
Similarly, Rebecca and Ben’s primary needs are combined with their secondary needs as they initially
started their treatment within a hospital setting. Firstly, Rebecca was brought into hospital as an
emergency patient after being in a fatal car accident. Therefore, Rebecca would have had an overall
needs assessment carried out so that they can conclude what conditions or illnesses Rebecca may have.
As part of her secondary care, Rebecca would have an MRI scan as this can show which injuries she
acquired directly from her accident as well as portray pain or numbness from a herniated disk, or other
injuries that have radiated in other parts of the body (PRW, 2019). An MRI, Magnetic Resonance
Imaging, scan is a procedure that can last from 15 minutes up to one and a half hours depending on how
big the size of the area being scanned is in relation to how many images need to be captured or are
being taken. However, it is a harmless procedure and Rebecca would not have been in any pain
undergoing this, she would have been able to listen to music whilst she laid there during the scan (NHS,
2021). MRI scans can play an important role when diagnosing conditions, alongside the observations
taken by other professionals such as those within mental health, meaning that an MRI can help to
diagnose conditions taking place within the brain (General Electric Company, 2019). Similarly, Ben would
also have an MRI scan, this is because Ben was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome whilst he was in the
womb. Downs Syndrome is when an individual is born with an extra chromosome because of a change
in the sperm or egg during pregnancy (NHS, 2019). Ben would have had an MRI scan as the professionals
are able to use this procedure to detect structural brain abnormalities which are usually exhibited in
those with DS. Therefore, the professionals can determine whether Ben may have a reduced gross brain
weight, enlarged ventricles, a lower number and depth of cerebral sulci and hypoplasia of brain
structures such as the brainstem, cerebellum, frontal, and temporal lobes (Annus Tiina et al, 2017). In
addition, Rebecca would have had an X-Ray scan to check any injuries that she may have acquired
during the car accident as they are used to detect a range of conditions. X-Rays are a type of radiation
that can pass through the body with a detector at the other end portraying an image (NHS, 2018). X-rays
are used to convey problems that may be affecting soft tissue, such as internal organs as well as bones
and joints as it can be used to examine most areas of the body. Therefore, bone fractures and breaks,
scoliosis, tumors, and lung problems can be detected through X-rays (NHS, 2018), this meant that
professionals caring for Rebecca were able to diagnose her with a fractured spine through using this
procedure. Rebecca would have also had a psychological assessment undertaken due to the accident
she had been in which increased her risk of developing psychological problems. A psychological
evaluation is the first line of defense in diagnosing and treating mental health illnesses, allowing
psychologists to gain an understanding of the severity and duration of individuals symptoms (Russell, R,
2021). This means that mental health professionals can understand what Rebecca may have been going
through and what support she may have needed, such as her feelings and behaviors and any stress she
,may have been going through. These evaluations can determine mental health illnesses such as
depression, PTSD, and anxiety which means that the professionals are then able to provide the best
treatment possible. Rebecca may also have had blood tests taken to see whether she had any infections
after her accident, by taking blood from one of her arteries the professionals would have been able to
check her oxygen levels (Khatri, M, 2020). A blood test involves a syringe inserted in a vein to draw out
blood (NHS, 2018). This means that the professionals could see whether Rebecca had suffered from any
lung conditions, which could happen because of trauma causing fluid to leak into the lungs which
prevents the lungs giving the body the oxygen it needs to survive (Khatri, M, 2020). Similarly, Ben would
also have had a blood test taken shortly after his birth due to being diagnosed with DS during pregnancy.
Ben would have had a karyotype test, a type of blood test, so that the professionals could identify and
gather more information on the type of Downs Syndrome he has (Boston Children’s Hospital). This
means that the professionals were able to understand and approach Ben’s care in a similar way to other
individuals with the same condition. Rebecca would have been given a cognitive assessment after her
car accident so that the professionals can see how her memory may have been affected. Cognitive
assessments are used to measure an individual’s thinking abilities, this allows the professionals to build
a picture of their patient’s abilities over a range of skills therefore allowing them to monitor changes
that may occur overtime (Alzheimer’s society, 2021). This means that these tests will be able to portray
whether Rebecca had suffered from any brain injuries which would also allow the professionals to
conclude ways in which they could reduce the challenges if Rebecca sustained any difficulties with her
cognition. Similarly, Ben would also have had cognitive assessments undertaken in association with
being diagnosed with downs syndrome. There is a rated cognitive scale for DS to measure everyday
cognitive abilities across memory, executive function, and language domains (M. Startin, C, et al, 2019).
This means that the professionals will be able to provide Ben with the most accurate support because of
the knowledge they already have through other individuals who have developed different challenges
associated with having DS. Rebecca would have also had a mobility test so that they can see whether
the accident had affected her movement. A patient mobility assessment is a process for determining
how much a patient can move, as well as what equipment would be needed to assist them with
completing daily tasks (Garrido, H, 2017). Therefore, the professionals would have assessed Rebecca’s
movement which allowed them to realize that Rebecca had lost all movement from below her cervical
spine. The mobility test would have allowed the professionals to diagnose Rebecca as paralyzed.
Similarly, Ben would also have had mobility tests due to individuals with DS having problems with their
gross motor skills as they usually have hypotonia, meaning that Ben would have increased reaction time
in performing voluntary activities, muscle weakness due to inadequate co-contraction and improper
sensory integration (J Pediatr Neurosci, 2014). Therefore, assessing Ben’s mobility means that the
professionals can provide him with the specific aids and equipment he may need to help him to move
around and complete daily activities with ease. Rebecca would have also had a urinalysis test to see
whether she may have caught any infections. A urinalysis is a test of urine to detect and manage a wide
range of disorders such as urinary tract infections, kidney disorders and diabetes (Mayo Clinic, 2019). By
ensuring that a urinalysis is undertaken the professionals can determine any internal trauma that may
have affected Rebecca’s organs such as her kidneys. This is because individuals that have been involved
in traumatic car accidents could result in having bruised kidneys, also known as a renal hematoma,
which means that there is bleeding inside the kidney (Top Doctors, 2021). Therefore, if Rebecca
sustained any injuries to her kidneys the urinalysis would be able to detect this meaning that the
professionals would be able to treat any complications. Similarly, Ben would have urinalysis tests
, undertaken due to diabetes linking to having a higher prevalence in DS than the general population
(Fonseca, T, et al, 2005). As there is a comparison between obesity in those with DS, a urinalysis will help
to diagnose whether they are suffering with diabetes alongside their current health conditions. This
allowed the professionals to discover that Ben has type 2 diabetes meaning that they can help him to
monitor and control his sugar levels. Rebecca would have also had a sputum sample taken to check to
see whether she may have caught any respiratory infections or injuries after her accident. A sputum
sample is gooey substance that comes up from an individual’s chest when they have an infection in their
lungs or airways, it is made up of white blood cells that fight infection mixed with germs that allow
professionals to determine what may be causing someone’s illness (Felson, S, 2020). Following her car
accident Rebecca could have potentially experienced strained or bruised muscles and ribs as well as
punctured lungs, fractured sternum, and ribs due the severity of the car crash. Therefore, the
professionals would have taken this test to indicate whether any of these injuries may have occurred.
Similarly, ben would have had sputum tests undertaken in association with him being diagnosed with
DS. This is because most individuals with DS are more likely than others to develop infections of
respiratory tract and even require hospitalization (Downs Syndrome Association, 2018). Therefore, the
professionals would have been able to monitor Ben’s condition using this procedure and hence provide
Ben with the correct treatment as soon as it is needed. Rebecca would have been given a stool sample
to rule out any health complications she may have sustained. A stool sample is poo, as it contains
bacteria and other substances that are in an individual’s immune system (NHS, 2019). As Rebecca was in
a car accident, she is at risk to having “seat belt syndrome”, the way in which one’s body reacts when a
pushed against a seatbelt during an abrupt stop of an accident (AICA Orthopedics, 2020). This means
that the professionals would have been able to determine whether Rebecca may have had acquired any
injuries to her internal organs or her abdominal muscles by detecting infections or antigens within the
stool sample. Similarly, Ben would have also had stool samples undertaken as approximately 3% of
babies with DS are born with imperforate anus, meaning no open anus for stool to pass from, and 2-15%
of infants with DS are born with Hirschsprung disease, meaning their large intestine does not function
properly due to a lack of certain nerve cells (NDSS, 2021). The gastrointestinal system includes parts of
the body included in the digestion of food, therefore by professionals taking stool samples to monitor
Ben they can diagnose whether he would have had any gastrointestinal infections. They would then be
able to provide him with the appropriate treatment he needs to restore his health. Rebecca would have
undergone an endoscopy following her car accident so the professionals could evaluate her internal
body and check for any injuries that they may have not picked up upon. An endoscopy is a procedure
where organs inside your body are looked at using an instrument called an endoscope, it has a light and
a camera and portrays images on a television screen (NHS, 2019). This means that the professionals can
identify whether Rebecca had sustained any injuries internally as car accidents are the most frequent
cause of blunt gastric traumatic injuries which are increasingly seen in young populations (Benatta, M,
2012). Therefore, an endoscopic evaluation would be able to conclude if Rebecca had any gastric lesions
occur meaning that appropriate treatment could then be carried out to maintain her health. Rebecca
would have also undertaken a colonoscopy so that the professionals could identify whether she may
have sustained rectal injuries. A colonoscopy is a test to check inside an individual’s bowls, it has a small
camera attached that passes into an individual’s bottom (NHS, 2019). Colonoscopy is a similar procedure
to endoscopy, and both help to detect blunt trauma, however colonoscopy helps the professionals to
examine Rebecca’s colon more closely allowing them to receive a more accurate image of her condition.
Rebecca would have also had an ECG taken so that the professionals could check her heartbeat. An ECG
Diagnostic procedures enable professionals to be able to determine conditions individuals may have, it is
defined as a procedure performed on a patient to diagnose a condition, disease, or illness (NHS Data
Model and Dictionary, 2021). When determining a person’s condition, individuals usually receive
primary care followed by secondary care then tertiary care if still needed. Primary Care is the first level
of contact an individual sees within the healthcare system such as a GP, secondary care refers to the
second tier of the health system in which patients from primary care are usually to specialists in
hospitals for treatment and tertiary care refers to the third level in which patients receive specialized
consultative care usually after being referred from primary and secondary care (IES, 2015).
Similarly, Rebecca and Ben’s primary needs are combined with their secondary needs as they initially
started their treatment within a hospital setting. Firstly, Rebecca was brought into hospital as an
emergency patient after being in a fatal car accident. Therefore, Rebecca would have had an overall
needs assessment carried out so that they can conclude what conditions or illnesses Rebecca may have.
As part of her secondary care, Rebecca would have an MRI scan as this can show which injuries she
acquired directly from her accident as well as portray pain or numbness from a herniated disk, or other
injuries that have radiated in other parts of the body (PRW, 2019). An MRI, Magnetic Resonance
Imaging, scan is a procedure that can last from 15 minutes up to one and a half hours depending on how
big the size of the area being scanned is in relation to how many images need to be captured or are
being taken. However, it is a harmless procedure and Rebecca would not have been in any pain
undergoing this, she would have been able to listen to music whilst she laid there during the scan (NHS,
2021). MRI scans can play an important role when diagnosing conditions, alongside the observations
taken by other professionals such as those within mental health, meaning that an MRI can help to
diagnose conditions taking place within the brain (General Electric Company, 2019). Similarly, Ben would
also have an MRI scan, this is because Ben was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome whilst he was in the
womb. Downs Syndrome is when an individual is born with an extra chromosome because of a change
in the sperm or egg during pregnancy (NHS, 2019). Ben would have had an MRI scan as the professionals
are able to use this procedure to detect structural brain abnormalities which are usually exhibited in
those with DS. Therefore, the professionals can determine whether Ben may have a reduced gross brain
weight, enlarged ventricles, a lower number and depth of cerebral sulci and hypoplasia of brain
structures such as the brainstem, cerebellum, frontal, and temporal lobes (Annus Tiina et al, 2017). In
addition, Rebecca would have had an X-Ray scan to check any injuries that she may have acquired
during the car accident as they are used to detect a range of conditions. X-Rays are a type of radiation
that can pass through the body with a detector at the other end portraying an image (NHS, 2018). X-rays
are used to convey problems that may be affecting soft tissue, such as internal organs as well as bones
and joints as it can be used to examine most areas of the body. Therefore, bone fractures and breaks,
scoliosis, tumors, and lung problems can be detected through X-rays (NHS, 2018), this meant that
professionals caring for Rebecca were able to diagnose her with a fractured spine through using this
procedure. Rebecca would have also had a psychological assessment undertaken due to the accident
she had been in which increased her risk of developing psychological problems. A psychological
evaluation is the first line of defense in diagnosing and treating mental health illnesses, allowing
psychologists to gain an understanding of the severity and duration of individuals symptoms (Russell, R,
2021). This means that mental health professionals can understand what Rebecca may have been going
through and what support she may have needed, such as her feelings and behaviors and any stress she
,may have been going through. These evaluations can determine mental health illnesses such as
depression, PTSD, and anxiety which means that the professionals are then able to provide the best
treatment possible. Rebecca may also have had blood tests taken to see whether she had any infections
after her accident, by taking blood from one of her arteries the professionals would have been able to
check her oxygen levels (Khatri, M, 2020). A blood test involves a syringe inserted in a vein to draw out
blood (NHS, 2018). This means that the professionals could see whether Rebecca had suffered from any
lung conditions, which could happen because of trauma causing fluid to leak into the lungs which
prevents the lungs giving the body the oxygen it needs to survive (Khatri, M, 2020). Similarly, Ben would
also have had a blood test taken shortly after his birth due to being diagnosed with DS during pregnancy.
Ben would have had a karyotype test, a type of blood test, so that the professionals could identify and
gather more information on the type of Downs Syndrome he has (Boston Children’s Hospital). This
means that the professionals were able to understand and approach Ben’s care in a similar way to other
individuals with the same condition. Rebecca would have been given a cognitive assessment after her
car accident so that the professionals can see how her memory may have been affected. Cognitive
assessments are used to measure an individual’s thinking abilities, this allows the professionals to build
a picture of their patient’s abilities over a range of skills therefore allowing them to monitor changes
that may occur overtime (Alzheimer’s society, 2021). This means that these tests will be able to portray
whether Rebecca had suffered from any brain injuries which would also allow the professionals to
conclude ways in which they could reduce the challenges if Rebecca sustained any difficulties with her
cognition. Similarly, Ben would also have had cognitive assessments undertaken in association with
being diagnosed with downs syndrome. There is a rated cognitive scale for DS to measure everyday
cognitive abilities across memory, executive function, and language domains (M. Startin, C, et al, 2019).
This means that the professionals will be able to provide Ben with the most accurate support because of
the knowledge they already have through other individuals who have developed different challenges
associated with having DS. Rebecca would have also had a mobility test so that they can see whether
the accident had affected her movement. A patient mobility assessment is a process for determining
how much a patient can move, as well as what equipment would be needed to assist them with
completing daily tasks (Garrido, H, 2017). Therefore, the professionals would have assessed Rebecca’s
movement which allowed them to realize that Rebecca had lost all movement from below her cervical
spine. The mobility test would have allowed the professionals to diagnose Rebecca as paralyzed.
Similarly, Ben would also have had mobility tests due to individuals with DS having problems with their
gross motor skills as they usually have hypotonia, meaning that Ben would have increased reaction time
in performing voluntary activities, muscle weakness due to inadequate co-contraction and improper
sensory integration (J Pediatr Neurosci, 2014). Therefore, assessing Ben’s mobility means that the
professionals can provide him with the specific aids and equipment he may need to help him to move
around and complete daily activities with ease. Rebecca would have also had a urinalysis test to see
whether she may have caught any infections. A urinalysis is a test of urine to detect and manage a wide
range of disorders such as urinary tract infections, kidney disorders and diabetes (Mayo Clinic, 2019). By
ensuring that a urinalysis is undertaken the professionals can determine any internal trauma that may
have affected Rebecca’s organs such as her kidneys. This is because individuals that have been involved
in traumatic car accidents could result in having bruised kidneys, also known as a renal hematoma,
which means that there is bleeding inside the kidney (Top Doctors, 2021). Therefore, if Rebecca
sustained any injuries to her kidneys the urinalysis would be able to detect this meaning that the
professionals would be able to treat any complications. Similarly, Ben would have urinalysis tests
, undertaken due to diabetes linking to having a higher prevalence in DS than the general population
(Fonseca, T, et al, 2005). As there is a comparison between obesity in those with DS, a urinalysis will help
to diagnose whether they are suffering with diabetes alongside their current health conditions. This
allowed the professionals to discover that Ben has type 2 diabetes meaning that they can help him to
monitor and control his sugar levels. Rebecca would have also had a sputum sample taken to check to
see whether she may have caught any respiratory infections or injuries after her accident. A sputum
sample is gooey substance that comes up from an individual’s chest when they have an infection in their
lungs or airways, it is made up of white blood cells that fight infection mixed with germs that allow
professionals to determine what may be causing someone’s illness (Felson, S, 2020). Following her car
accident Rebecca could have potentially experienced strained or bruised muscles and ribs as well as
punctured lungs, fractured sternum, and ribs due the severity of the car crash. Therefore, the
professionals would have taken this test to indicate whether any of these injuries may have occurred.
Similarly, ben would have had sputum tests undertaken in association with him being diagnosed with
DS. This is because most individuals with DS are more likely than others to develop infections of
respiratory tract and even require hospitalization (Downs Syndrome Association, 2018). Therefore, the
professionals would have been able to monitor Ben’s condition using this procedure and hence provide
Ben with the correct treatment as soon as it is needed. Rebecca would have been given a stool sample
to rule out any health complications she may have sustained. A stool sample is poo, as it contains
bacteria and other substances that are in an individual’s immune system (NHS, 2019). As Rebecca was in
a car accident, she is at risk to having “seat belt syndrome”, the way in which one’s body reacts when a
pushed against a seatbelt during an abrupt stop of an accident (AICA Orthopedics, 2020). This means
that the professionals would have been able to determine whether Rebecca may have had acquired any
injuries to her internal organs or her abdominal muscles by detecting infections or antigens within the
stool sample. Similarly, Ben would have also had stool samples undertaken as approximately 3% of
babies with DS are born with imperforate anus, meaning no open anus for stool to pass from, and 2-15%
of infants with DS are born with Hirschsprung disease, meaning their large intestine does not function
properly due to a lack of certain nerve cells (NDSS, 2021). The gastrointestinal system includes parts of
the body included in the digestion of food, therefore by professionals taking stool samples to monitor
Ben they can diagnose whether he would have had any gastrointestinal infections. They would then be
able to provide him with the appropriate treatment he needs to restore his health. Rebecca would have
undergone an endoscopy following her car accident so the professionals could evaluate her internal
body and check for any injuries that they may have not picked up upon. An endoscopy is a procedure
where organs inside your body are looked at using an instrument called an endoscope, it has a light and
a camera and portrays images on a television screen (NHS, 2019). This means that the professionals can
identify whether Rebecca had sustained any injuries internally as car accidents are the most frequent
cause of blunt gastric traumatic injuries which are increasingly seen in young populations (Benatta, M,
2012). Therefore, an endoscopic evaluation would be able to conclude if Rebecca had any gastric lesions
occur meaning that appropriate treatment could then be carried out to maintain her health. Rebecca
would have also undertaken a colonoscopy so that the professionals could identify whether she may
have sustained rectal injuries. A colonoscopy is a test to check inside an individual’s bowls, it has a small
camera attached that passes into an individual’s bottom (NHS, 2019). Colonoscopy is a similar procedure
to endoscopy, and both help to detect blunt trauma, however colonoscopy helps the professionals to
examine Rebecca’s colon more closely allowing them to receive a more accurate image of her condition.
Rebecca would have also had an ECG taken so that the professionals could check her heartbeat. An ECG
