Running head: ADULT ASSESSMENT TOOLS OR DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
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Adult Assessment Tools or Diagnostic Tests
Heather Bisca
Walden University
Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning
NURS - 6512N
Dr. Kirkendol
September 15, 2019
ADULT ASSESSMENT TOOLS OR DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
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Adult Assessment Tools or Diagnostic Tests
The purpose of this paper is to discuss how the assessment and diagnostic tool,
mammograms, is used in healthcare. It will describe its purpose, how it is conducted, and what
information it gathers. It will evaluate the test’s validity and reliability, as well as explain any
issues with sensitivity and predictability values.
How the Assessment Tool is Used in Healthcare
Various organizations suggest regular mammograms should start at age 40. Some
organizations disagree and propose the elimination of routine screening altogether. Scientists
continue to address a puzzling problem: are mammograms helping women, or hurting them? For
many women, the chance to reduce their risk of dying from breast cancer, even by a small
amount, with a simple procedure, makes mammography seem worthwhile. In one study,
researchers collected data on more than 700,000 women and totaled the money spent on breast
cancer in the United States between 2011 and 2013. They found that $4 billion were spent each
year on breast cancer care and testing (Sohn, 2015).
Mammogram Purpose
Mammography is an X-ray imaging of breasts designed to detect tumors and other
abnormalities. Mammography can be used for screening or diagnostic purposes in evaluating a
breast lump. Screening mammography is used to detect breast changes in women who have no
signs, symptoms, or new breast abnormalities. The goal is to detect cancer before clinical signs
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- Summer '15
