GI Labs & Diagnostics Flashcards
What is the Upper GI w/ Small Bowel
Follow-Through (SBFT)
Imaging study that provides visualization of oropharynx, esophagus, stomach and
small intestine via fluoroscopy and x-ray.
The patient swallows contrast medium & assumes different positions on table:
What medium is used in SBFT?
Barium, or Gastrograffin
How often are films taken in SBFT?
If SBFT done, films taken every 30 minutes until medium reaches terminal ileum
(movement of medium is observed w/ fluoroscopy, then X-rays are taken)
What nursing teaching is important for pre and post SBFT procedure?
PRIOR: NPO x 8 hrs before procedure; avoid smoking after midnight;
POST: after procedure, drink lots of fluids & take measures to
prevent constipation;
teach stool may be white
Why would Gastrograffin be used instead of Barium in an Upper GI w/ Small Bowel
Follow-Through (SBFT)?
Gastrograffin is swallowed instead of Barium if we are suspicious that the patient has had a perforation
True or False: Black stool post SBFT is an expected finding?
FALSE. An expected finding is White stool due to the barium used
What does the Barium Swallow/Modified Barium Swallow examine?
Thorough exam of the esophagus than UGI
What are the indications for a Barium Swallow/Modified Barium Swallow?
- Dysphagia
- Non-cardiac chest pain
- Painful swallowing
- Gastroesophageal reflux
What happens with the Modified Barium Swallow exam?
We give the patient different consistencies of foods to eat, in order to gain information about the patient’s current swallow reflex
Procedure for Lower GI/Barium Enema
Barium enema is inserted in the lower half of the patient. Ensure the patient’s bowel is clear of stool prior to procedure.
Lower GI pre procedure considerations:
“Enemas ‘til clear” & clear liquids the
night before procedure
• NPO x 8 hrs
Lower GI post procedure considerations:
- Cathartics afterwards prn (to help move barium out)
* Patient teaching: white stool is expected finding
What are Gastric Imaging Studies?
A type of nuclear imaging that determines how quickly the stomach empties
Indication for Gastric Imaging Studies?
Patients that have gastroparesis
Example: Diabetes mellitus, patients with gastric stasis
Also: PUD, ulcer surgery, diabetes, gastric malignancies or functional disorders
Clinical process of the Gastric Emptying Study:
Cooked egg containing Tc-99m (radioactive metal) and toast are eaten
with water; Images taken during digestion at 0, 1, 2, and 4 hrs later
Gastric Imaging Study Nursing implications:
Explain the ingested substances have only trace of radioactivity & poses no danger
• Explain need to lie flat during scanning
Computed tomography (CT)
- Non-invasive, radiologic exam
- Allows for exposures at different depths
- Use of oral/IV contrast accentuates density differences
- Nursing Implications:
- Assess for iodine/shellfish allergy, if contrast used
Can pregnant patients get an MRI?
NO. Contraindication is pregnancy
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Non-invasive, radiofrequency waves & magnetic field used
- Nursing Implications:
- Contraindicated w/ metal implants or if pregnant
What does “EGD” stand for?
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
- Esophago – gastro – duodeno – scopy
What is the purpose of an EGD?
• Purpose:
• To directly visualize UGI tract
• Looking for tumors, varices, mucosal inflammations, hiatal hernia,
polyps, ulcers & obstructions
• For therapeutic purposes
• Cauterize bleeding, open strictures, band esophageal varices
Nursing Implications of an EGD?
Nursing Implications:
• NPO x 8 hrs; consent form signed; post-procedure, NPO until gag reflex
returns (typically 2-4 hrs);
assess for signs of bleeding (perforation can happen and can be life-threatening
Explain the colonoscopy procedure:
Similar in concept to EGD.. It's the Scope of the colon. • Bowel prep: • Varies among MDs • GoLYTELY (substance that is drank prior to exam to assist with bowel cleansing) • During: • Sedated; lots of air insufflation • After: • Assess for signs of perforation and bleeding
What are some ways to assess patient for bleeding post colonoscopy?
- Vital Signs
- Bleeding through the colon
- Tenderness of the abdomen
