Module 4 - Exams of the GI System

Question 1

What contrast agent is commonly used for GI studies due to its radiopacity and safety?

Answer 1

Barium Sulphate

Question 2

What type of contrast appears black on radiographic images?

Answer 2

Negative contrast (e.g., air)

Question 3

What is a key contraindication for using barium in a GI study?

Answer 3

Suspected bowel or esophageal perforation

Question 4

What water-soluble contrast agents are used when barium is contraindicated?

Answer 4

Gastrografin or Hexabrix

Question 5

What does NPO mean in preparation for a GI study?

Answer 5

Nothing by mouth (no food or fluids)

Question 6

Why must patients be NPO before a UGI or SBFT?

Answer 6

To prevent image distortion and allow proper barium adhesion

Question 7

What dietary preparation is required for an SBFT?

Answer 7

Low-residue diet for 2 days and NPO after evening meal

Question 8

What position helps move the esophagus off the spine in a UGI study?

Answer 8

LPO (Left Posterior Oblique)

Question 9

What is the purpose of gas pills in a UGI exam?

Answer 9

To expand the stomach for better visualization

Question 10

What is the first radiographic position typically taken in an SBFT?

Answer 10

Supine (15 minutes post barium ingestion)

Question 11

What is a key step after a barium enema to relieve internal pressure?

Answer 11

Siphoning barium back into the enema bag

Question 12

What complication can result from aspirated barium?

Answer 12

Aspiration pneumonia

Question 13

What can occur if barium enters the peritoneal cavity through a perforation?

Answer 13

Barium peritonitis

Question 14

What are patients advised to do after a GI contrast study to prevent constipation?

Answer 14

Drink plenty of water

Question 15

How far should a rectal tube be inserted during a barium enema?

Answer 15

3–4 inches in an anterior-superior direction

Question 16

What position is used for rectal tube insertion?

Answer 16

Sims (LAO) position

Question 17

What is the suggested height range for a barium enema bag?

Answer 17

24–30 inches above the table

Question 18

What is the radiographic appearance of barium on images?

Answer 18

White (radiopaque)

Question 19

What is a common side effect of Buscopan used during a barium enema?

Answer 19

Temporary blurry vision

Question 20

What is the radiologic purpose of using a double contrast enema?

Answer 20

To outline the inner surface of the colon with barium and air

Question 21

What radiographic projection best demonstrates barium in the fundus during a UGI?

Answer 21

AP (supine)

Question 22

What projection is also called the ‘GI position’ for optimal gastric peristalsis?

Answer 22

RAO (Right Anterior Oblique)

Question 23

In an SBFT, what position improves image quality by compressing the abdomen?

Answer 23

Prone position

Question 24

What is the purpose of using a retention cuff during a barium enema?

Answer 24

To hold the rectal tube in place

Question 25

What contrast media concentration is used for SBFT to allow x-ray penetration?

Answer 25

Low-density barium (13–15% W/V)

Question 26

What helps speed up barium transit during an SBFT for patients with slow GI motility?

Answer 26

Cold barium, iced water, Gastrografin, tea/coffee, or walking

Question 27

What must be done if a patient shows repeated resistance or pain during rectal tube insertion?

Answer 27

Stop and notify the radiologist

Question 28

What still image is used in a UGI to visualize air in the fundus and barium in the body?

Answer 28

PA projection

Question 29

What are common clinical indications for a barium enema?

Answer 29

Diverticular disease, IBD, colon cancer screening, incomplete colonoscopy

Question 30

What is the appearance of air on a radiographic image?

Answer 30

Black (radiolucent)

Question 31

What are contraindications for a barium enema?

Answer 31

Acute bowel condition, pregnancy, suspected perforation, recent radiation therapy

Question 32

What is the key purpose of patient bowel prep for a barium enema?

Answer 32

To ensure diagnostic image quality and prevent misdiagnosis

Question 33

What fluoroscopic tool is used to separate bowel loops during SBFT terminal ileum imaging?

Answer 33

Compression paddle

Question 34

What should patients inform technologists about if they recently had a barium study?

Answer 34

That they ingested barium (to avoid imaging artifacts in other exams)

Question 35

What is the name of the procedure where barium is infused via nasogastric tube to the duodenum?

Answer 35

Enteroclysis

Question 36

What is the main reason barium should not be used in cases of suspected perforation?

Answer 36

It is not absorbed by the body and may cause peritonitis

Question 37

What is the radiographic appearance of the colon after draining barium in a double contrast enema?

Answer 37

Thin residual coating of barium on the colon wall

Question 38

What type of barium is required for a double contrast enema?

Answer 38

Thick, high-density barium for mucosal coating

Question 39

What is the expected appearance of stool after a barium study?

Answer 39

Chalky white

Question 40

What should technologists check regarding enema tip placement before inflation?

Answer 40

That the tip is correctly inserted 3–4 inches and not causing discomfort