Sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and laboratory
evaluation of GI symptoms Questions with Correct
answers
When would xrays commonly be ordered for GI evaluation? What
would be some contraindications for use? Correct Answer-o View
radiopaque objects within GI tract
o Use contrast dye to visualize mass lesions or structural abnormalities
o Fluoroscopy monitors progress of contrast
o Contraindication:
♣ Suspected perforation (water soluble dye better than barium - in terms
of allergies etc)
When is an abdominal ultrasound commonly used? Correct Answer-•
Easy, cheap, and non-invasive
• No considerations
• Common uses:
o Gallbladder
o Liver
o Kidneys
o Renal artery stenosis
, What is an endoscopy and the positives of using this diagnostic
technique? Correct Answer-• Camera to look inside of GI tract
• Ability to combine diagnosis AND therapy in some instances!
• Evaluate blood flow and imaging of lesion
What would you do for preparation for an endoscopy? Correct Answer-o
Hold blood thinners
o Stop iron and fiber supplements prior
o No solid foods at least 6-8 hrs and no liquids 4 hrs prior
o Colon prep - gallon of nasty tasting substance.
Contraindications for endoscopy? Correct Answer-Shock, MI,
peritonitis, perforation, fulminant colitis
What are the 3 types of endoscopy? Correct Answer-• Colonoscopy:
bottom up and goes all the way to the small bowel
• Gastroscopy: top down and stops at the small intestine
• Sigmoidscopy: cheaper but misses a lot of the colon. Cheaper and can
be done in the office. Goes just through the descending colon.
evaluation of GI symptoms Questions with Correct
answers
When would xrays commonly be ordered for GI evaluation? What
would be some contraindications for use? Correct Answer-o View
radiopaque objects within GI tract
o Use contrast dye to visualize mass lesions or structural abnormalities
o Fluoroscopy monitors progress of contrast
o Contraindication:
♣ Suspected perforation (water soluble dye better than barium - in terms
of allergies etc)
When is an abdominal ultrasound commonly used? Correct Answer-•
Easy, cheap, and non-invasive
• No considerations
• Common uses:
o Gallbladder
o Liver
o Kidneys
o Renal artery stenosis
, What is an endoscopy and the positives of using this diagnostic
technique? Correct Answer-• Camera to look inside of GI tract
• Ability to combine diagnosis AND therapy in some instances!
• Evaluate blood flow and imaging of lesion
What would you do for preparation for an endoscopy? Correct Answer-o
Hold blood thinners
o Stop iron and fiber supplements prior
o No solid foods at least 6-8 hrs and no liquids 4 hrs prior
o Colon prep - gallon of nasty tasting substance.
Contraindications for endoscopy? Correct Answer-Shock, MI,
peritonitis, perforation, fulminant colitis
What are the 3 types of endoscopy? Correct Answer-• Colonoscopy:
bottom up and goes all the way to the small bowel
• Gastroscopy: top down and stops at the small intestine
• Sigmoidscopy: cheaper but misses a lot of the colon. Cheaper and can
be done in the office. Goes just through the descending colon.
