Barium follow tthrough 2 Flashcards
What after-care instructions should be given to a patient after a Barium Follow-Through?
Inform the patient that bowel movements will appear white due to barium for a few days.
Advise the patient to drink plenty of fluids.
Ensure the patient does not leave until any blurring of vision resolves.
What are potential complications of a Barium Follow-Through?
Leakage of barium from unsuspected perforations.
Aspiration of barium into the trachea.
Conversion of partial large bowel obstruction into complete obstruction.
Barium appendicitis if barium impacts in the appendix.
Side effects of pharmacological agents.
What is the role of metoclopramide in patient preparation for a Barium Follow-Through?
It enhances the rate of gastric emptying, ensuring faster passage of barium through the small bowel.
What is the central ray alignment for delayed images in a Barium Follow-Through?
Perpendicular to the image receptor at the level of the iliac crests
What is the purpose of using a compression pad during imaging?
To displace overlying loops of small bowel that may obscure the terminal ileum.
Why is a preliminary plain abdominal film taken before a Barium Follow-Through?
To assess the baseline condition of the abdomen and rule out contraindications like perforation or obstruction.
Why is the prone position preferred for early images in a Barium Follow-Through?
It provides better separation of bowel loops and uniform X-ray penetration.
What is the role of the right side dependent position in a Barium Follow-Through?
It aids in rapid gastric emptying, allowing the barium to move quickly into the small bowel for imaging.
What is the purpose of dedicated spot views of the terminal ileum?
To clearly visualize the terminal ileum and ileocecal junction, which are critical for diagnosing conditions like Crohn’s disease.
Why is the ileocecal junction important in a Barium Follow-Through?
It is the site where the small intestine meets the large intestine, and its visualization is critical for diagnosing conditions like Crohn’s disease or obstructions.
What is the purpose of angling the X-ray tube toward the pelvis during imaging?
To separate overlapping loops of the small bowel for better visualization.
Why is the supine position with the right side up used for imaging the terminal ileum?
Because the ileum enters the cecum in the posteromedial part, and this position provides the best view of the ileocecal junction.
What is the purpose of taking delayed images during a Barium Follow-Through?
To track the progression of barium through the small bowel and ensure the ileocecal junction is fully opacified.
What is the role of the iliac crests in delayed imaging?
The image receptor is centered at the level of the iliac crests for delayed images to capture the lower abdomen and pelvis, where the terminal ileum and cecum are located.
What is the purpose of tilting the patient head down during imaging?
To help separate loops of the small bowel and improve visualization of specific areas.
What is the purpose of using oblique projections during imaging?
To separate overlapping loops of the small bowel and provide clearer views of specific areas, such as the terminal ileum.
What is the purpose of advising the patient to drink plenty of fluids after the procedure?
To help flush out the barium from the gastrointestinal tract and prevent complications like constipation or impaction.
What is the purpose of using a compression pad for terminal ileum views?
To displace overlying loops of small bowel and provide a clear view of the terminal ileum and ileocecal junction.
