Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Testing Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Presenter: Cathy from Level Up RN
• Topic: Diagnostic testing related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system
• Includes a quiz at the end
• Recommended to use Level Up RN medical-surgical nursing flashcards

Diagnostic Tests

EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)

• Procedure:
  • Uses moderate sedation
  • Scope inserted down the throat
  • Visualizes esophagus, stomach, duodenum
• Preparation:
  • Patient must be NPO (nothing by mouth) for 6-8 hours prior
  • No bowel prep required

Sigmoidoscopy

• Procedure:
  • Visualizes anus, rectum, sigmoid colon
  • No anesthesia required
• Preparation:
  • Patient must be NPO after midnight
  • Requires polyethylene glycol solution (e.g., GoLytely) for bowel cleaning

Colonoscopy

• Procedure:
  • Uses moderate sedation
  • Visualizes anus, rectum, sigmoid colon, descending, transverse, and ascending colon
• Preparation:
  • Patient must be NPO after midnight
  • Requires polyethylene glycol solution for bowel cleaning

GI Series (Gastrointestinal Series)

• Purpose:
  • Identifies GI abnormalities (ulcers, tumors, obstructions)
• Procedure:
  • Patient drinks barium
  • X-rays taken as barium moves through GI tract
• Preparation:
  • Patient must be NPO for 8 hours prior
  • No smoking or gum chewing for 8 hours prior
• Post-procedure:
  • Increase fluid intake to flush out barium
  • Stools will appear whitish until barium is cleared

Lab Values Related to GI System

• Available in Level Up RN medical-surgical and lab values flashcards
• AST and ALT: Elevated levels indicate liver dysfunction (cirrhosis, hepatitis)
• Amylase and Lipase: Elevated indicates pancreatic dysfunction (pancreatitis)
• Bilirubin: Elevated in liver dysfunction, hemolytic anemia, and blood transfusion reactions
• Ammonia: Elevated in liver disease, can cause encephalopathy (confusion due to brain buildup)
• Albumin, Prealbumin, Total Protein: Decreased in liver dysfunction and malnutrition

Quiz

1. Question: What test visualizes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum under moderate sedation?
   • Answer: EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
2. Question: What patient teaching should be provided after a GI series?
   • Answer: Increase fluid intake to flush out barium; stool will be white until barium is cleared
3. Question: What two labs may be elevated in the presence of pancreatitis?
   • Answer: Amylase and Lipase

Conclusion

• Next video will cover disorders of the GI system
• Stay tuned for further learning