Upper Endoscopy Procedures Flashcards

A patient is undergoing an upper endoscopy with biopsy. Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for this procedure?

Answer: Suspected bowel perforation

A suspected or confirmed bowel perforation is an absolute contraindication to an upper endoscopy because insufflating air into the GI tract can worsen the perforation and lead to life-threatening peritonitis. While the other conditions are relative contraindications and require careful consideration and management, a perforation poses an immediate and severe risk.

A 58-year-old male is scheduled for an EGD to evaluate dysphagia. He has a history of type 2 diabetes and takes metformin. Which pre-procedure instruction by the CGRN is most appropriate?

Answer: "You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure."

Due to the administration of sedation during an EGD, the patient's judgment and reflexes will be impaired. It is a standard safety protocol that the patient must have a responsible adult to drive them home. Patients are typically NPO for 6-8 hours for solids and at least 2 hours for clear liquids. Instructions regarding medications like metformin and aspirin require specific physician orders based on the patient's condition.

During an upper endoscopy, the gastroenterologist visualizes the junction between the pale esophageal mucosa and the reddish-pink gastric mucosa. The CGRN identifies this landmark as the:

Answer: Z-line (ora serrata)

The Z-line, or esophagogastric junction, is the anatomical landmark where the squamous epithelium of the esophagus meets the columnar epithelium of the stomach, characterized by a visible change in color. The pyloric sphincter is at the outlet of the stomach, the Ampulla of Vater is in the duodenum, and the Ligament of Treitz marks the duodenojejunal flexure.

A patient in the recovery area following an EGD with polypectomy begins to complain of a new-onset, sharp, substernal chest pain that worsens with swallowing. The patient's vital signs are: BP 100/60, HR 115, RR 22, Temp 100.8°F. The nurse's immediate priority is to suspect which complication?

Answer: Esophageal perforation

The combination of chest pain, dysphagia, tachycardia, and low-grade fever following an endoscopic procedure are classic signs of an esophageal perforation. While other complications are possible, perforation is a life-threatening emergency directly related to the instrumentation of the esophagus and requires immediate recognition and intervention.

Which of the following is a primary nursing responsibility in the post-procedure care of a patient who received moderate sedation for an upper endoscopy?

Answer: Monitoring respiratory status and level of consciousness.

The primary concern for a patient recovering from moderate sedation is cardiopulmonary monitoring. The nurse must frequently assess the patient's respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, heart rate, and level of consciousness until they have returned to their baseline. Introducing food too early can cause aspiration, especially if the gag reflex is not fully returned. Ambulation should wait until the patient is fully awake and stable. A sore throat is common but is typically managed with lozenges or sips of cool liquids, not opioids.

A patient is being prepared for an EGD. The nurse confirms that informed consent has been obtained. Which element is essential for the consent to be considered valid?

Answer: The patient was able to explain the procedure and its risks in their own words.

Valid informed consent requires that the patient demonstrates an understanding of the procedure, its benefits, potential risks, and available alternatives. Having the patient verbalize this understanding is a key method for the nurse to verify comprehension. The number of witnesses, timing of the signature (as long as it's before the procedure and sedation), and family co-signatures (unless the patient is incapacitated) are not the primary determinants of valid consent.