Certified Gastroenterology RN Pre and Post-Procedure Care 3

Question 1

A diabetic patient taking insulin is NPO for a morning colonoscopy. Which pre-procedure action is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Hold or reduce insulin per provider orders and monitor blood glucose

Answer

Fasting patients on insulin need dose adjustment and glucose monitoring to prevent hypoglycemia.

Question 2

Which statement by a patient indicates informed consent for ERCP may be inadequate?

Accepted Answer

"I'm not sure what procedure I'm actually having done"

Answer

A patient who cannot describe the planned procedure does not demonstrate understanding, so the provider must re-educate before proceeding.

Question 3

After ERCP, a patient reports severe epigastric pain radiating to the back with nausea. The nurse should suspect which complication?

Accepted Answer

Post-ERCP pancreatitis

Answer

Epigastric pain radiating to the back with nausea after ERCP is the classic presentation of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Question 4

Following an EGD with topical throat anesthetic, when may the patient safely resume oral intake?

Accepted Answer

After the gag reflex returns

Answer

Oral intake must wait until the gag reflex returns to prevent aspiration.

Question 5

A patient reports shoulder pain after a colonoscopy in which CO2 insufflation was used. What is the best nursing response?

Accepted Answer

Explain that referred pain from retained gas is common and usually resolves quickly

Answer

Insufflated gas can irritate the diaphragm causing referred shoulder pain, which typically resolves as gas is absorbed or passed.

Certified Gastroenterology RN Practice Test