Large Intestine/BE

Question 1

What are the 2 basic methods for demonstration of the colon?

Answer 1

1. Barium filled colon (single contrast)

2. Barium and air filled colon (double contrast)

Question 2

Describe the 2 stage method for filling the colon with air and barium:

Answer 2

Tip the pt and fill colon with barium. The tip is then removed and the pt evacuates all barium out of their colon. The pt is then re-tipped and air is pumped into the colon.

Question 3

What specific position will the pt likely be in for the tipping procedure prior to a BE?

Answer 3

Sim’s

Question 4

List 3 basic ways to cleanse the colon prior to a BE examination:

Answer 4

1. Enemas
2. Dietary Restrictions
3. Laxatives

Question 5

When and why is it advantageous to use iodine based contrast for colon examinations?

Answer 5

When the patient has a suspected perforation in their colon. It is advantageous because if the contrast leaks out of the colon, the body will be able to absorb it.

Question 6

When preparing the barium bag for a BE examination, the proper water temperature should be –1–. Why?

Answer 6

41 degrees. If it is 32 degrees it will be too cold for the pt, the barium has an Anestetic Effect on the colon, and it is hard for the pt to hold it in. If the barium is 98.6 degrees it is too hot and it could cause damage to the mucosal lining of he colon.

Question 7

What 2 body positions will best demonstrate the hepatic flexure open?

Answer 7

LPO and RAO

Question 8

The most anterior portion of the colon is the –1–.

Answer 8

Transverse Colon

Question 9

Which of the following breathing methods will help the patient to remain relaxed during the BE examination and aide in tip retention?

Answer 9

Slow deep nasal and mouth breathing

Question 10

During upright imaging of the colon the air will be in the –1–.

Answer 10

Transverse Colon

Question 11

Transit time from ingestion to colonic filling is –1–.

Answer 11

3-4 hrs

Question 12

The enema bag should be placed no higher than –1– inches above the level of the anus.

Answer 12

24 inches

Question 13

Explain the importance of a clean colon for accurate examination.

Answer 13

Must have a cleansed colon for procedure so feces won’t be mistaken for polyps or lesions in the colon.

Question 14

A barium enema exam is known as a –1– study.

Answer 14

Diagnostic

Question 15

The proper Kv for barium studies should be –1–.

Answer 15

90-120 Kv

Question 16

Explain the basic proper tipping procedure for a BE exam.

Answer 16

Place pt in Sim’s position, lubricate tip, lift butt cheek to expose anus. Tell the pt to take a slow deep breath in through their nose and then blow it out through their mouth. Insert tip anteriorly then superiorly (no more than 3-4 inches) when the pt blows out their breath.

Question 17

For full recumbent abdominal images of the colon the CR should be directed to –1–.

Answer 17

Iliac crest

Question 18

The PA axial projection will utilize a CR angle and direction of –1–.

Answer 18

30-40 degrees caudal

Question 19

The proper degree of obliquity for the BE exam is –1–.

Answer 19

35-45 degrees

Question 20

The rectum and distal sigmoid will best be demonstrated in the –1–.

Answer 20

Lateral

Question 21

The splenic flexure will be seen open in the –1– position.

Answer 21

LAO

Question 22

The CR should be directed to –1– for the AP axial projection.

Answer 22

2 inches below crest

Question 23

When performing the PA projection during a double contrast colon exam, –1– may appear in the transverse colon.

Answer 23

Barium

Question 24

The CR should be directed to –1– for a lateral position. The radiographer may also place the bottom of the IR where as a positioning aid?

Answer 24

1. ASIS

2. The bottom of the film at the bottom of the butt cheek.

Question 25

Which position will best demonstrate the rectosimoid area of the colon?

Answer 25

AP axial

Question 26

When a left lateral decub position is performed barium will likely be seen best in what part of the colon?

Answer 26

Descending Colon

Question 27

What are the muscle bands of the colon that help create a puckered appearance?

Answer 27

Taenea Coli

Question 28

What is the general term for a surgical procedure that will form an artificial opening in the intestine?

Answer 28

Enterostomy

Question 29

What is the major roll of the radiographer during the fluoro portion of the BE procedure?

Answer 29

To help/assist the pt

Question 30

How should the CR centering be adjusted when doing upright imaging of he colon?

Answer 30

Center a little lower than the usual

Question 31

What must be included on all full abdominal images of the colon during a BE examination?

Answer 31

The whole colon from the top of the splenic flexure to the tip in the pt's anus.

Question 32

It is okay to demonstrate the colon using multiple IRs when necessary.

Answer 32

True

Question 33

It is not important to question the pt about the colon prep and its success prior to the BE exam.

Answer 33

False

Question 34

Proper lubrication should always be used for rectal tipping.

Answer 34

True

Question 35

The radiographer should never forcibly insert a rectal tip.

Answer 35

True

Question 36

What is a benefit of using air as a contrast of colon demonstration?

Answer 36

Better visualization of the mucosal lining of the colon and it distends the bowel.

Question 37

The radiograph that is taken following the emptying of the colon is known as the --1--.

Answer 37

Post-evacuation radiograph

Question 38

What body habitus will likely need to utilize multiple IRs during colon examinations?

Answer 38

Hypersthenic

Question 39

Explain how to do a "flexure shot."

Answer 39

Use a 10x12 film LW, put the top of the film in the pt's axilla, and center off the midline a little to pt's left for a splenic flexure shot. Do the splenic flexure shot more than hepatic because the splenic flexure is so high in the abdominal cavity.

Question 40

Barium is very dense and more difficult to penetrate than iodine contrast. What is the atomic number of barium that makes it this dense?

Answer 40

56

Question 41

Most BE bags have a capacity of --1-- ml.

Answer 41

4000 ml

Question 42

The BE tip should not be inserted into the rectum more than --1-- inches.

Answer 42

3-4 inches

Question 43

The medical term for a bowel movement is --1--.

Answer 43

Defacation

Question 44

A growth or mass protruding from a mucous membrane is called a --1--. This pathology is a major concern in colon studies.

Answer 44

Polyp