Certified Gastroenterology RN Pre and Post-Procedure Care Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient with type 2 diabetes, managed with daily long-acting insulin and metformin, is scheduled for an 8:00 AM colonoscopy.
Which instruction regarding their diabetes medications is most appropriate for the morning of the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Hold the metformin and consult the prescribing provider for instructions on adjusting the long-acting insulin dose.

Answer

Take both your metformin and long-acting insulin as usual with a small sip of water.

Answer

Hold both medications completely without consulting the provider since you are NPO.

Answer

Take your metformin as prescribed but hold all insulin doses for the day.

Question 2

A patient is being monitored in the recovery area following an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Which of the following assessment findings is the strongest indicator of potential post-ERCP pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

New onset of severe, persistent mid-epigastric pain that radiates to the back.

Answer

A sore throat and mild dysphagia.

Answer

Abdominal bloating and the passage of flatus.

Answer

A single episode of vomiting bile-colored fluid.

Question 3

The gastroenterology nurse is performing a pre-procedure medication reconciliation for a patient scheduled for a colonoscopy with possible polypectomy. Which of the following patient-reported medications requires the MOST urgent clarification with the prescribing provider?

Accepted Answer

Clopidogrel 75 mg daily.

Answer

Levothyroxine 100 mcg daily.

Answer

Metoprolol succinate 50 mg daily.

Answer

Amlodipine 10 mg daily.

Question 4

A patient in the recovery unit two hours after an upper endoscopy (EGD) develops acute chest pain, neck pain, and dysphagia. During assessment, the nurse palpates crepitus in the suprasternal notch. Which action should the nurse take FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Place the patient on NPO status and notify the physician immediately.

Answer

Reassure the patient that a sore throat is a common side effect.

Answer

Administer a prescribed PRN oral analgesic for the pain.

Answer

Elevate the head of the bed and apply supplemental oxygen.

Question 5

A nurse is providing discharge instructions for a patient who underwent a colonoscopy with several large polypectomies. Which instruction is crucial for minimizing the risk of delayed post-polypectomy bleeding?

Accepted Answer

Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and air travel for 7-14 days as directed by your provider.

Answer

Take a mild laxative for the next two days to prevent constipation.

Answer

You can resume your normal diet immediately but avoid alcohol for 48 hours.

Answer

Monitor your temperature and report any fever over 101°F (38.3°C).

Question 6

When providing education to a patient about using a large-volume polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution for colonoscopy preparation, which of the following instructions is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Chilling the solution and drinking it through a straw may improve tolerance and reduce nausea.

Answer

Mix the powder with a dark-colored soda or sports drink to improve the flavor.

Answer

Drink the entire solution as quickly as possible, ideally within one hour, to ensure the best result.

Answer

You must drink only the prep solution; no other clear liquids are permitted during this time.