Term
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Definition
| Endoscopy is the direct visual examination of body organs or cavities. |
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Term
| Esophagogastroduodenoscopy |
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Definition
visual examination of the esophagus, the stomach, and the duodenum.
Preparation
•A signed consent form is required for this procedure.
•Fasting is required 6 to 12 hours before the test (check agency policy).
•Dentures need to be removed before the test.
•Remind the patient that he will be awake but sedated and that a local anesthetic will be sprayed into the mouth and throat to depress the gag reflex. |
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Term
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Definition
visual examination of the large intestine from the anus to the ileocecal valve
Preparation
•Ensure that an informed consent is signed.
•Preparation prior to test may involve:
•Clear liquid diet (24–48 h before test)
•2 day bowel preparation—strong cathartic and Dulcolax on day 1 and enema the day of the test, or•1 day bowel preparation—ingestion of a gallon of bowel cleanser, such as GoLytely, in a short period of time
•Sedation will be given before the test. |
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Term
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Definition
visual examination of the sigmoid colon,the rectum, and the anal canal.
Preparation
•Ensure that an informed consent is signed.
•Preparation usually consists of light meal before the test and two Fleet enemas.
•Sedation is not usually required. |
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Term
| Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) and Small Bowel Series |
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Definition
This involves fluoroscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine after ingestion of barium sulfate.
Preparation
•Ensure that an informed consent is signed.
•Keep patient NPO after midnight the day of the test.
•Inform patient that a chalky-tasting barium contrast mixture will be given to drink before the test. |
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Term
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Definition
This involves a series of radiographs that examine the large intestine after rectal instillation of barium sulfate.
Preparation
•An informed consent must be signed.
•Preparation may consist of dietary modifications, increased fluid intake, a cathartic, NPO after midnight, and enemas until clear before the test.
•Review the patient’s history for any history of ulcerative colitis or active GI bleeding that would prohibit the use of the standard bowel preparation. |
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Term
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Definition
Uses ultrasound waves to visualize organs via a small transducer placed against the skin.
Preparation
•Assure the patient that no radiation is employed and that the test is painless.
•Patient must be NPO for a minimum of 8 hours before the examination.
•Explain that gel will be applied to the skin and that a sensation of warmth or wetness may be felt. The gel does not stain, but avoid wearing nonwashable clothing.
•Abdominal ultrasound must be performed before studies involving barium, as retained barium may compromise the study. |
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Term
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) |
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Definition
This test provides physiologic information and detailed anatomic views of tissues using a superconducting magnet and radio frequency signals.
Preparation
•Evaluate the patient for need for sedation. Patients who are claustrophobic or unable to lie still during study may benefit from sedation.
•Patient may need to fast or consume only clear liquids prior to study. Patient should avoid alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, andiron supplements prior to the study.
•Patients with implanted surgical clips or other metallic structures and those with implanted electromechanical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, drug infusion pumps,and cochlear implants, should not be exposed to MRI procedures.
•An informed consent is required.
•Pregnant patients are not routinely scanned because an increase in amniotic fluid/fetal temperature may be harmful. |
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Term
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Definition
Thin beams of x-rays are directed at and move around the abdomen, resulting in computer-manipulated pictures that are not obscured by overlying anatomy.
Preparation
•An oral contrast is consumed before the study if the uppergastrointestinal tract is to be examined.
•Intravenous iodine contrast is usually administered.
•Assess for patient allergies to iodine, IV contrast, and/or shellfish. Prestudy preparation may be required if allergies are present.
•Assess for renal impairment; check laboratory values for elevated BUN and creatinine levels.
•Patient should be NPO for at least 4 hours before study.
•CT scan is contraindicated for pregnant patients.
•An informed consent is required.
•Metformin (Glucophage) must be discontinued prior to study and held after study to prevent renal failure. Consult with physician for patient medication modifications. |
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Term
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Definition
| opening at the end of anal canal |
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Term
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Definition
| the inability of the anal sphincter to control the discharge of fecal and gaseous material |
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Term
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Definition
| program that manipulates factors within a person’s control (timing of defecation, exercise,diet) to produce a regular pattern of comfortable defecation without medication or enemas |
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Term
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Definition
| medication that strongly increases gastrointestinal motility and promotes defecation |
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Term
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Definition
| an opening into the colon that permits feces to exit through the stoma |
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Term
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Definition
| passage of dry, hard, fecal material |
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Term
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Definition
| emptying of the intestinal tract; synonym for bowel movement |
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Term
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Definition
| passage of liquid and unformed stools |
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Term
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Definition
| introduction of solution into the lower bowel |
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Term
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Definition
| collection in the rectum of hardened feces that cannot be passed |
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Term
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Definition
| involuntary or inappropriate passing of stool or flatus |
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Term
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Definition
| intestinal waste products |
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Term
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Definition
| excessive formation of gases in the gastrointestinal tract |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| abnormally distended rectal veins |
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Term
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Definition
| opening into the small intestine allows fecal content from the ileum to be eliminated through the stoma |
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Term
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Definition
| drug used to induce emptying of the intestinal tract |
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Term
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Definition
| blood present in such minute quantities that it cannot be detected with the unassisted eye |
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Term
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Definition
| general term referring to an artificial opening; usually used to refer to an opening created for the excretion of body wastes |
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Term
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Definition
| paralysis of intestinal peristalsis |
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Term
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Definition
| involuntary, progressive wave-like movement of the musculature of the gastrointestinal tract |
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Term
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Definition
| artificial opening for waste excretion located on the body surface |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| oval- or cone-shaped substance that is inserted into a body cavity and that melts at body temperature |
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Term
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Definition
| forcible exhalation against a closed glottis, resulting in increased intrathoracic pressure |
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