SGNA Equipment and Technology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which device is used during colonoscopy to mechanically close a biopsy site or control small bleeding vessels?
- Hemostatic clip (endoclip) (Correct answer)
- Argon plasma coagulator
- Band ligator
- Injection needle
Correct answer: Hemostatic clip (endoclip)
Hemostatic clips are metal clips deployed through the endoscope working channel to mechanically approximate tissue edges, close vessels, or mark biopsy sites.
Question 2: What is the advantage of narrow band imaging (NBI) during endoscopy?
- Enhances visualization of mucosal vascular patterns and surface texture without dyes (Correct answer)
- Improves depth perception
- Reduces procedure time
- Increases biopsy accuracy by doubling tissue samples
Correct answer: Enhances visualization of mucosal vascular patterns and surface texture without dyes
NBI uses specific wavelengths of blue and green light that are highly absorbed by hemoglobin, highlighting mucosal vasculature and pit patterns for lesion characterization.
Question 3: Argon plasma coagulation (APC) achieves hemostasis by which mechanism?
- Conducting ionized argon gas to deliver non-contact electrocoagulation to tissue (Correct answer)
- Injecting epinephrine directly
- Mechanical compression of vessels
- Applying thermal heat via direct probe contact
Correct answer: Conducting ionized argon gas to deliver non-contact electrocoagulation to tissue
APC ionizes argon gas to create an electrical plasma that conducts current to tissue without direct contact, providing controlled coagulation for bleeding or ablation.
Question 4: Before using electrosurgical equipment during endoscopy, the nurse should verify:
- Proper grounding pad placement and confirmed absence of implanted cardiac devices (Correct answer)
- Patient has no allergies to latex only
- Room temperature is below 68°F
- Patient has eaten within 2 hours
Correct answer: Proper grounding pad placement and confirmed absence of implanted cardiac devices
Electrosurgical units require proper grounding pad placement to prevent burns, and implanted devices like pacemakers may require precautions or cardiology consultation.
Question 5: What is the function of the endoscope's deflection controls (up/down and left/right)?
- Angulate the distal tip to navigate GI tract curves and improve visualization (Correct answer)
- Control air/water irrigation
- Adjust image brightness
- Activate biopsy forceps
Correct answer: Angulate the distal tip to navigate GI tract curves and improve visualization
The deflection dials angulate the endoscope's articulating distal tip in four directions, allowing the endoscopist to navigate curves, retroflex, and visualize all mucosal surfaces.
Question 6: A video processor in the endoscopy tower serves what primary function?
- Converts endoscope camera signals to a displayable video image (Correct answer)
- Powers the scope's light source
- Manages insufflation pressure
- Controls scope irrigation pump speed
Correct answer: Converts endoscope camera signals to a displayable video image
The video processor receives raw electronic signals from the endoscope's camera chip (CCD/CMOS) and converts them into high-quality video images displayed on the monitor.
SGNA Equipment and Technology 2
Which device is used during colonoscopy to mechanically close a biopsy site or control small bleeding vessels?