CGRN Patient Education and Discharge Teaching

Question 1

Which discharge instruction is most important for a patient who received moderate sedation for colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Do not drive, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 24 hours, and go home with a responsible adult

Answer

Sedatives such as midazolam and fentanyl can impair judgment and reaction time for hours after the patient seems alert. Standard instructions are no driving, machinery, alcohol or important decisions for 24 hours, and discharge to a responsible adult.

Question 2

For a morning colonoscopy using a split-dose prep, when should the second dose usually be taken?

Accepted Answer

About 4–6 hours before the procedure, finished at least 2 hours before

Answer

Split dosing gives better bowel cleansing. The second half is started about 4–6 hours before the procedure and finished at least 2 hours before, or as anesthesia guidelines require, to lower aspiration risk.

Question 3

What is the best way to confirm that a patient understands their post-procedure instructions?

Accepted Answer

Have the patient explain the instructions back in their own words (teach-back)

Answer

Teach-back is an evidence-based health literacy technique. The patient restates the key points, so the nurse can spot misunderstandings and correct them. A yes/no question often gets a polite 'no questions' without any real understanding.

Question 4

A patient had a large polyp removed by polypectomy. Which teaching about delayed bleeding is correct?

Accepted Answer

Delayed bleeding can happen up to about 2 weeks later; report large amounts of rectal blood or clots right away

Answer

Delayed post-polypectomy bleeding happens when the cautery scar (eschar) sloughs off, usually within 1–14 days. Patients should report significant bright red blood, clots, dizziness or fainting right away.

Question 5

After esophageal dilation, which symptom should the patient be taught to report immediately?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain, fever, or crackling under the skin of the neck (subcutaneous emphysema)

Answer

Chest pain, fever, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath or subcutaneous emphysema after dilation can mean esophageal perforation, a surgical emergency. A mild sore throat is expected.

CGRN - Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse Practice Test

CGRN - Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse Practice Test

CGRN Patient Education and Discharge Teaching