Diagnostic Procedures Flashcards
liver function tests: indications
Suspected liver, pancreatic, or biliary tract disorder
liver function tests: considerations (pre/postprocedure)
- Preprocedure: explain how blood is obtained and what info this will provide
- Postprocedure: inform when and how results are provided
urine bilirubin (AKA urobilinogen): indications
Suspected liver or biliary tract disorder
urine bilirubin: preprocedure
- Nursing actions: can be performed using a dipstick (urine bilirubin) or a 24 hour urine collection (urobilinogen)
- Client edu: teach client how to collect urine
what does a positive/elevated finding indicate in regards to a urine bilirubin?
a positive or elevated finding indicates: possible liver disorder (cirrhosis, hepatitis), biliary obstruction, hemolytic anemia, or pernicious anemia
AST elevation indication
hepatitis or cirrhosis
ALT elevation indication
hepatitis or cirrhosis
ALP elevation indication
liver damage
amylase elevation indication
pancreatitis
lipase elevation indication
pancreatitis
total bilirubin elevation indication
altered liver function, bile duct obstruction, or other hepatobiliary disorder
direct (conjugated) bilirubin elevation indication
altered liver function, bile duct obstruction, or other hepatobiliary disorder
indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin elevation indication
altered liver function, bile duct obstruction, or other hepatobiliary disorder
albumin decrease indication
hepatic dz
alpha fetoprotein elevation indication
liver cancer, cirrhosis, hepatitis
ammonia elevation indication
liver dz
FOBT and stool samples
- A stool sample is collected and tested for blood, ova and parasites (Giardia lamblia), and bacteria (c. diff)
- Stool can also be assessed for changes in vimentin gene–>can predispose a client to cancer of the intestine
FOBT indications
- GI bleeding
- unexplained diarrhea
preprocedure nursing actions and client education for FOBT
- Provide client with cards impregnated w/ guaiac that can be mailed to provider or w/ a specimen collection cup
- If the cards are used, 3 samples are required
- Instruct client about proper collection technique
- Medication restrictions (anticoags, NSAIDs) for 7 days before testing starts
- Dietary restrictions before obtaining samples: vitamin C rich foods, red meat, chicken, fish
preprocedure nursing actions and client education for stool for ova/parasites/bacteria
- Provide client w/ a specimen cup
- Instruct client about proper collection technique: time frame for submission to lab, need for refrigeration
interpretation of findings of FOBT
- At least 3 repeats of a positive guaiac FOBT confirms GI bleeding
- A positive finding for blood is indicative of GI bleeding: ulcer, colitis, cancer
what does a positive finding in a stool sample of _____ indicate?
- ova/parasites
- c. diff
- change in vimentin gene
- A positive finding for ova/parasites is indicative of a GI parasite infection
- A positive finding for c. diff is indicative of this opportunistic infection, which usually becomes established secondary to use of broad spectrum abx
- A change in vimentin gene can be an indicator of colorectal cancer
endoscopy
- Allow direct visualization of body cavities, tissues, and organs thru the use of a flexible, lighted tube (endoscope)
- Performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes
- Can perform biopsies, remove abnormal tissue, and perform minor surgery, such as cauterizing a bleeding ulcer
- A contrast medium can be injected to allow visualization of structures beyond the capabilities of the cope
potential dx with endoscopy
- GI bleeding
- Ulcerations
- Inflammation
- Polyps
- Malignant tumors
client presentation that may indicate colonoscopy
- Anemia (secondary to bleeding)
- Abdominal discomfort
- Abdominal distention or mass
nursing actions for endoscopy
- Verify consent form is signed
- Assess V/S and allergies
- Evaluate baseline labs and report unexpected findings
- Evaluate CXR, ECG, and ABGs
- Evaluate medical hx for inc risk for complications
- Age: influences client’s ability to understand procedure, tolerance of positioning, and compliance w/ pretest preparation
- Current health status: consider conditions and meds that can affect the client’s tolerance of and recovery from procedure
- Cognitive status: determine understanding of procedure and baseline mental status
- Support system: determine whether a support person will assist the client after procedure
- Recent food/fluid intake: can affect the ability to visualize key structures and inc risk for aspiration
- Notify provider if dietary restrictions not followed
- Medications: NSAIDs, warfarin, aspirin inc risk of complications
- Previous radiographic exams: any recent exams using barium can affect the ability to view structures
- Notify provider if contrast has recently been used
- Electrolyte and fluid status: imbalances secondary to repeated enemas can affect bowel prep, esp in older adults
- Ensure client follows proper bowel prep (laxatives, enemas)
- Inadequate bowel prep can result in cancellation/delays and can lead to client experiencing extended periods of NPO or being on a liquid diet
postprocedure for endoscopy
- Monitor for V/s and assess for complications
- if biopsy performed, food restrictions may be used
colonoscopy: what is it? anesthesia? position?
- Use a flexible fiberoptic colonoscope which enters thru the anus to visualize the rectum and sigmoid, descending, transverse, and ascending colon
- Anesthesia: moderate sedation is used
- Midazolam (an opiate such as fentanyl) and/or propofol
- Positioning: left side with knees to chest
colonoscopy prep
- Bowel prep
- Can include laxatives, such as bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol
- Should not use polyethylene glycol in older adults b/c can cause F&E imbalances
- Can also inhibit the absorption of some medications
- Clear liquid diet: avoid red, purple, orange
- NPO after midnight
- Client should avoid aspirin, anticoags, and antiplatelet meds
colonoscopy postprocedure
- Notify provider of severe pain (possible perforation) or indication of hemorrhage
- Monitor for rectal bleeding, V/S, respiratory status
- Maintain open airway
- Resume normal diet as prescribed
- Inc fluid intake
- Inc flatulence due to air instillation in procedure
- Do not drive/use equipment for 12-18 hours after procedure
EGD: what is it? anesthesia? position
- Insertion of endoscope thru mouth into esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to identify or treat areas of bleeding, dilate an esophageal stricture, and diagnose gastric lesions or celiac dz
- Anesthesia: moderate sedation per IV access
- Topical anesthetic to depress the gag reflex
- Atropine to dec secretions
- positioning: left side lying with HOB elevated
EGD: prep and postprocedure
- Preparation:
- NPO 6-8 hours
- Remove dentures prior to procedure
- Postprocedure:
- Monitor V/S, resp status
- Maintain open airway until client is awake
- Notify provider of bleeding, abdominal or chest pain, and any evidence of infection
- w/ hold fluids until return of gag reflex
- d/c IV fluid therapy when the client tolerates oral fluids w/o n/v
- Instruct client not to drive or use equipment for 12-18 hours
- Use throat lozenges if sore throat persists
ERCP: what is it? anesthesia? positioning?
- Insert endoscope thru mouth into biliary tree via duodenum
- Allows visualization of biliary ducts, gall bladder, liver, and pancreas
- X-rays taken after contrast medium is injected into common duct
- Anesthesia: moderate sedation by IV access
- Topical anesthetic to depress gag reflex
- Atropine to dec secretions
- Positioning: initially semi prone w/ repositioning throughout procedure
ERCP: prep and post procedure
- Preparation:
- NPO 6-8 hr
- Remove dentures prior to procedure
- Explain procedure and need to change positions during procedure
- Post procedure:
- Monitor V/S and respiratory status
- Maintain open airway until client is awake
- Notify HCP of bleeding, abdominal or chest pain, and any evidence of infection
- w/hold fluids until return of gag reflex
- d/c IV fluid therapy when client tolerates oral fluids w/o n/v
- Do not use equipment or drive for 12-18 hours after procedure
- Use throat lozenges if sore throat persists
M2A: what is it? anesthesia? position?
- Swallow capsule w/ a glass of H2O for video enteroscopy to visualize the entire small bowel over an 8 hour period
- Not used to view colon
- Anesthesia: none
- Positioning: return to normal activity during study
M2A: prep and postprocedure
- Preparation:
- Fast (water only) for 8-10 hour before the test and NPO for first 2 hour of testing
- Normal eating 4 hours after swallowing capsule
- Abdomen is marked for location of sensor
- 8 lead sensors are placed and connected to a data recorder which captures images of small intestine
- Fast (water only) for 8-10 hour before the test and NPO for first 2 hour of testing
- Postprocedure:
- After 8 hours, client returns the recorder to download images
- Evacuate the capsule in stool
sigmoidoscopy: what is it? anesthesia? position?
- Scope is shorter than a colonoscope, allowing visualization of the anus, rectum, and sigmoid colon to test for colon cancer, investigate for a GI bleed, diagnose or monitor inflammatory bowel dz
- Anesthesia: none required
- Positioning: on left side
sigmoidoscopy: prep and postprocedure
- Preparation:
- Bowel prep (laxatives like bisacodyl, cleansing enema, or sodium bisphosphate enema)
- Clear liquid diet at least 24 hours before procedure
- NPO after midnight
- Client must avoid meds as indicated by the provider
- Postprocedure:
- Monitor V/S and respiratory status
- Monitor for rectal bleeding
- Resume normal diet as prescribed
- Encourage inc fluid intake
- Instruct client that there can be inc flatulence due to air instillation during the procedure
list the possible complications of GI diagnostic procedures
- oversedation
- hemorrhage
- aspiration
- perforation of GI tract
oversedation as complication of GI procedures
- use of moderate sedation places client at risk for oversedation
- Manifestations:
- Difficult to arouse
- Poor respiratory effort
- Evidence of hypoxemia
- Tachycardia
- Elevated or low BP
- Nursing actions:
- May have to administer antidotes for sedatives administered prior to and during procedure
- Administer O2 and monitor V/S
- Maintain open airway
- Notify provider ASAP
- Client edu:
- Driving and major decision making are restricted until the effects of sedation have worn off
- Varies w/ the type of agent use
hemorrhage as a complication of GI diagnostic procedures
- Manifestations:
- Bleeding
- Cool and clammy skin
- hypoTN
- Tachycardia
- Dizziness
- Tachypnea
- Nursing actions:
- Assess site for hemorrhage
- Monitor V/S
- Monitor diagnostic test results: Hgb and Hct
- Client edu: report fever, pain, and bleeding
aspiration as a complication of GI diagnostic procedures
- Using moderate sedation or topical anesthesia can affect the gag reflex
- Manifestations:
- Dyspnea
- Tachypnea
- Adventitious breath sounds
- Tachycardia
- Fever
- Nursing actions:
- Keep client NPO until gag reflex returns
- Ensure client is awake and alert prior to food/fluid consumption
- Notify HCP if delay in return of gag reflex
- Client Edu: report respiratory congestion or compromise to HCP
perforation of the GI tract as the complication of diagnostic procedure
- Manifestations:
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Fever
- n/v
- Abdominal distention
- Nursing actions:
- Monitor tests for infection including inc WBC
- Client edu:
- Report fever, pain, and bleeding to the provider
GI series
- Done w/ or w/o contrast to help define anatomic or functional abnormalities
- Includes radiography imaging of esophagus, stomach, and entire intestinal tract
- Upper GI imaging done by having the client drink barium
- For small bowel follow through, barium is traced thru the small intestine to the ileocecal junction
- A barium enema is done by instilling radiopaque liquid into rectum and colon
potential dx for a GI series
- Gastric ulcers
- Peristaltic disorders
- Tumors
- Varices
- Intestinal enlargements or constrictions
client presentation that could indicate a the need for a GI series
- Abdominal pain
- Altered elimination habits: constipation, diarrhea
- GI bleeding
GI series: preprocedure
- Nursing Considerations:
- Inform the client about meds, food and fluid restrictions (clear liquid and/or low residue diet, NPO after midnight), and avoid smoking or chewing gum (inc peristalsis)
- Assess client’s understanding of bowel prep (laxatives, enemas) so image will not be distorted by feces
- Barium enema studies must be scheduled prior to upper GI studies
- Assess for contraindications to bowel prep: possible bowel perforation or obstruction, inflammatory disorder
- Client edu:
- Restrict food/fluids for bowel prep
GI series: postprocedure
- Nursing Actions:
- Monitor elimination of contrast material, and administer laxative if prescribed
- Inc fluid intake to promote elimination of contrast material
- Client edu:
- Instruct the client to monitor elimination of contrast material and to report retention of contrast material (constipation) or diarrhea accompanied by weakness
- Discuss need for OTC meds to prevent constipation resulting from barium
- Stools will be white 24-72 hours until barium clears
- Client should report fullness of abdomen, pain, or delay in return to brown stool