What is a barium swallow/enema?
-indirect visualization
-x-ray film examination using an opaque contrast medium
(barium, which is swallowed) to examine the structure and
motility of the upper GI tract, including pharynx, esophagus, and
stomach
-barium instilled through the anal opening via an enema
provides visualization of the structures of the lower GI tract
-includes a clear liquid diet, laxatives the day before the
procedure, and in some instances enemas to empty out any
remaining stool particles.
What is a CT virtual colonoscopy?
-x-ray examination of the body from many angles using a
scanner analyzed by a computer
-oral contrast solution for the patient to drink may be ordered
before the test. Intravenous contrast solution may be injected
during the test to improve visualization
-does not replace the colonoscopy because it does not allow for
removal of polyps and for biopsies to be obtained.
What is a colonic transit study?
-patient swallows a capsule containing radiopaque markers.
-maintains a normal diet and fluid intake for 5 days and refrains
from medications that affect bowel function. On the fifth day x-
ray film examination is performed.
,What is a GI MRI?
-Preparation is NPO 4 to 6 hours before examination.
-patient needs to lie very still. If claustrophobia is a problem,
light sedation may be ordered.
-metallic objects, including metal objects on clothes, are allowed
in the room. A patient with a pacemaker or metal implanted in
the body may not be able to have magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI).
What are the risk factors for colorectal cancer?
-age over 50
-has had/have colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, IBD
-family history of colorectal cancer, familial adenomatous
polyposis, hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer
-race/ethnicity: African American, Jews of Eastern European
descent (Ashkenazi)
-high intake of red meat/processed meats
-obesity/physical inactivity
-smoking and healthy alcohol consumption
What are the warning signs of colorectal cancer?
-change in bowel habits
-rectal bleeding or blood in stool
-sensation of incomplete evacuation
-unexplained abdominal or back paina
When should Guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) be done?
annually
When should colorectal screening be done?
,-between 45 years old up through the age of 75 if in good health
-76 to 85 years old, personal preference
-not recommended over 85 y/o
When should the Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) be done?
annually
When should the flexible sigmoidoscopy be done?
every 5 years
When should a DNA stool test be done?
every 3 years
When should a computes tomography, colonography be done?
every 5 years
When should a colonoscopy be done?
every 10 years
A regular bedpan
curved smooth upper end and a sharper edged lower end and is
about 5cm deep
Fracture bedpan
-designed for patients with lower-extremity fractures
-has a shallow upper end about 2.5 cm deep
-fits under the buttocks toward the sacrum, the deeper end goes
under the upper thighs
What is the proper positioning for a patient on a bedpan?
elevate the head of the bed 30-45 degrees
, Assisting a patient on and off a bedpan: Delegation and
collaboration
-can be delegated to AP
-make sure the AP does hand hygiene and correctly positions
patient with mobility restrictions
Assisting a patient on and off a bedpan: Equipment needed
-clean gloves
-bed pan
-bed pan cover
-perineal wipes
What is an enema?
-instillation of a solution into the rectum and sigmoid colon
-promotes defecation by stimulating peristalsis
-volume of fluid instilled breaks up the fecal mass, stretches the
rectal wall, initiates the defecation reflex
-vehicle for medications that exert a local effect on rectal
mucosa
-can provide immediate relief of constipation, to empty bowels
Cleansing enema
-promote the complete evacuation of feces from the colon
-stimulates peristalsis through the infusion of a large volume of
solution or through local irritation of the mucosa of the colon
-tap water, normal saline, soapsud solution, low-volume
hypertonic saline
Digital removal of stool