Barium Enema Procedure Flashcards
What temp must the barium be?
- room temp, or slightly warm. NEVER warmer than body temp
What position is the patient in for insertion?
Lateral recumbent or Left Sim’s Position
what is Left Sim’s position?
Pt on left side, right leg flexed up
How will you know what position to put the patient in for the exam?
Rad will let you know
What is the tech’s responsibility during BEs?
Explain the procedure thoroughly to ensure patient’s calm and aware of whats going on
What might a patient experience during BE?
- abdominal cramping
- Urge to have bowel movement during exam
These are all normal, effects may decrease as exam progresses
If cramping doesn’t go away, what can we do?
- provide an anticholinergic drug (scopolmine/hyoscine/buscopan) or glucagon via IV (can be done before or during exam)
glucagon is contraindicated by:
patients who are insulin-dependent
After giving the patients drugs, what must be done?
Observe during and 30 minutes after exam for adverse reactions
After receiving mentioned drugs, patient must be accompanied by another person because patient may experience:
- dry mouth/thirst
- tachycardia
- urinary retention
- blurred vision
What are the post-exam instructions to be given to patients?
- increase fluid/fiber intake for several days (if not contraindicated)
- Explain to patient that their stool will be white or light colored till they pass all Ba
- Inform patients that if they dont get any bowel movements within 24 hours, to call the physician
- Tell pt to rest
Why is it important for patients to increase fluid/fiber intake post barium enema?
Because patients have increased risk of fecal impaction, abdominal obstruction, or severe dehydration
What post exam symptoms may the patient experience?
- abdominal pain and distention
- constipation
- rectal bleeding
- flatulence
- nausea
- headache
- polyuria/nocturia
