GI Labs & Diagnostics

Question 1

What is the Upper GI w/ Small Bowel

Follow-Through (SBFT)

Answer 1

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:

Question 2

What medium is used in SBFT?

Answer 2

Barium, or Gastrograffin

Question 3

How often are films taken in SBFT?

Answer 3

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)

Question 4

What nursing teaching is important for pre and post SBFT procedure?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Why would Gastrograffin be used instead of Barium in an Upper GI w/ Small Bowel
Follow-Through (SBFT)?

Answer 5

Gastrograffin is swallowed instead of Barium if we are suspicious that the patient has had a perforation

Question 6

True or False: Black stool post SBFT is an expected finding?

Answer 6

FALSE. An expected finding is White stool due to the barium used

Question 7

What does the Barium Swallow/Modified Barium Swallow examine?

Answer 7

Thorough exam of the esophagus than UGI

Question 8

What are the indications for a Barium Swallow/Modified Barium Swallow?

Answer 8

• Dysphagia
• Non-cardiac chest pain
• Painful swallowing
• Gastroesophageal reflux

Question 9

What happens with the Modified Barium Swallow exam?

Answer 9

We give the patient different consistencies of foods to eat, in order to gain information about the patient’s current swallow reflex

Question 10

Procedure for Lower GI/Barium Enema

Answer 10

Barium enema is inserted in the lower half of the patient. Ensure the patient’s bowel is clear of stool prior to procedure.

Question 11

Lower GI pre procedure considerations:

Answer 11

“Enemas ‘til clear” & clear liquids the
night before procedure
• NPO x 8 hrs

Question 12

Lower GI post procedure considerations:

Answer 12

• Cathartics afterwards prn (to help move barium out)

* Patient teaching: white stool is expected finding

Question 13

What are Gastric Imaging Studies?

Answer 13

A type of nuclear imaging that determines how quickly the stomach empties

Question 14

Indication for Gastric Imaging Studies?

Answer 14

Patients that have gastroparesis
Example: Diabetes mellitus, patients with gastric stasis
Also: PUD, ulcer surgery, diabetes, gastric malignancies or functional disorders

Question 15

Clinical process of the Gastric Emptying Study:

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Gastric Imaging Study Nursing implications:

Answer 16

Explain the ingested substances have only trace of radioactivity & poses no danger
• Explain need to lie flat during scanning

Question 17

Computed tomography (CT)

Answer 17

• 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

Question 18

Can pregnant patients get an MRI?

Answer 18

NO. Contraindication is pregnancy

Question 19

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Answer 19

• Non-invasive, radiofrequency waves & magnetic field used
• Nursing Implications:
• Contraindicated w/ metal implants or if pregnant

Question 20

What does “EGD” stand for?

Answer 20

• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

- Esophago – gastro – duodeno – scopy

Question 21

What is the purpose of an EGD?

Answer 21

• 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

Question 22

Nursing Implications of an EGD?

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Explain the colonoscopy procedure:

Answer 23

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

Question 24

What are some ways to assess patient for bleeding post colonoscopy?

Answer 24

• Vital Signs
• Bleeding through the colon
• Tenderness of the abdomen

Question 25

What if there is stool within the colon upon colonoscopy time?

Answer 25

The procedure is stopped, and patient will be informed to redo the bowel prep

Question 26

Medical term for “burping”?

Answer 26

Eructation

Question 27

Types of fecal tests

Answer 27

Stool for Occult Blood
Stool for Ova and Parasites
Stool Culture

Question 28

What foods to avoid prior to known stool for occult blood test?

Answer 28

Red Meat! Keep diet free of red meat for 24-48 before test (evidence is
debatable)