(2) The patient must be educated about the procedure, the significance of
any preparation, and any post-procedural sequelae.
(3) Upper GI endoscopy (esophagoscopy, gastroscopy) requires that the
patient be fasting. Sedatives are administered prior to the procedure to relax the patient
and facilitate passage of the scope.
(4) If the patient wears dentures, have a denture cup available. The
physician may require the removal of the dentures prior to oral insertion of the scope.
(5) Colon endoscopy (proctoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy)
requires that the bowel be free of stool to enhance visualization. This is normally
accomplished with laxatives and cleansing enemas.
c. Post-Procedural Nursing Implications.
(1) Accidental perforation of the esophagus or colon may occur during
endoscopy. If pain or bleeding occur following the procedure, notify the professional
nurse. Note the following:
(a) Mouth or throat pain.
(b)
Rectal pain.
(c)
Abdominal pain.
(d) Bleeding from rectum.
(2) Withhold foods, fluids, and p.o. medications until the patient is fully alert
and gag reflex has returned.
(3)
Take vital signs per ward SOP.
1-24. BLOOD TESTS
a. General. There are many blood tests that can be used to assist in the
identification and measurement of gastrointestinal disorders. For example:
(1) Impaired glucose utilization may be detected by abnormal blood glucose
levels. Tests used are the fasting blood glucose, post-prandial blood glucose, and
glucose tolerance test.
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