Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Procedures

Tests that measure liver enzymes and proteins to evaluate liver health.

Blood tests (like amylase, lipase, etc.) that provide info on the gastrointestinal system's function.

A procedure using a thin tube with a camera to view the inside of the digestive tract.

X-ray exam of the gastrointestinal tract after ingesting contrast.

Indications for GI diagnostic procedures.

A test that checks for bilirubin in urine, which can indicate problems with the liver or bile ducts.

A test that measures the amount of urobilinogen in urine, which is a breakdown product of bilirubin.

This test is done when there's suspicion of a disorder involving the liver or bile ducts.

A quick test using a special dipstick to check for bilirubin in a urine sample.

A test that involves collecting all urine over 24 hours to measure the total urobilinogen levels.

An enzyme found primarily in the liver and heart. Elevated levels can indicate liver damage or inflammation, as well as heart problems.

An enzyme also found in the liver, but more specific to liver damage compared to AST. Elevated levels often indicate hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver injury.

An enzyme found in the liver, bone, and other tissues. Elevated levels can indicate liver damage, bone disease, or other conditions.

Elevated bilirubin levels can indicate problems with the liver, bile ducts, or even red blood cell breakdown. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down, and it's usually processed by the liver.

A protein produced by the liver that plays an important role in maintaining blood volume and pressure. Decreased levels can suggest liver disease, malnutrition, or other problems.

A decreased albumin level can indicate liver disease, as the liver produces albumin. It can also be seen with malnutrition or kidney problems.

A stool sample can be analyzed for blood, parasites, bacteria, and genetic changes that may indicate intestinal cancer.

Cards impregnated with guaiac are used to detect occult blood in stool samples. Usually, 3 samples taken on different days are needed.

This test analyzes stool for the presence of eggs (ova) and parasites, such as Giardia lamblia.

This test is used to identify bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile, which can cause diarrhea.

Stool samples are examined for DNA changes in the vimentin gene, which might indicate an increased risk of intestinal cancer.

Before an occult blood test, avoid certain foods and medications for a week. This helps ensure accurate results.

Collect stool samples following specific guidelines, including timeframes and storage methods. This ensures accurate results.

Inform the client about when and how they will receive their test results.

At least three positive guaiac fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) indicate gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. A positive finding suggests blood from the GI tract due to conditions like ulcers, colitis, or cancer.

A positive result for ova and parasites in a stool sample indicates a gastrointestinal parasitic infection. This means you have tiny critters living in your digestive system.

A positive Clostridium difficile test in stool indicates infection with this opportunistic bacteria. This often occurs after broad-spectrum antibiotics, immune suppression, or excessive diarrhea.

A change in the vimentin gene in stool can be a sign of colorectal cancer. This change is a potential indicator of certain cancer cells.

A positive finding for blood in a stool sample generally indicates gastrointestinal bleeding. This could be from ulcers, inflammation, or even cancer.

A type of endoscopy focusing on the colon, used to view and potentially remove polyps, diagnose bleeding, and detect cancer.

A type of endoscopy examining the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to diagnose problems like ulcers, bleeding, or inflammation.

An endoscopic procedure that visualizes and treats bile ducts and the pancreas, often used to remove gallstones or diagnose inflammation.

A procedure using a tiny camera swallowed by the patient to visualize the small intestine, aiding in diagnosing bleeding, inflammation, or other conditions.

The patient must not eat or drink for a specified period before the procedure to ensure an empty stomach and reduce the risk of complications.

Proper bowel preparation with laxatives and/or enemas is crucial for clear visualization during colonoscopy and other procedures.

Certain medications, such as NSAIDs, warfarin, and aspirin, may increase the risk of bleeding during endoscopic procedures.

Recent radiographic examinations using barium can interfere with the clarity of endoscopic images.

Older patients may require special considerations due to potential difficulties with understanding the procedure, tolerating positioning, and following instructions.

Vital signs, signs of complications, and food restrictions should be closely monitored after endoscopic procedures.

After a biopsy, food restrictions are often prescribed to prevent irritation or complications.

Proper communication and education are vital to ensure patient understanding and compliance with the procedure.

Before a colonoscopy, the client must avoid certain medications like aspirin and anticoagulants. This helps reduce the risk of bleeding during the procedure.

Colonoscopy is a procedure where a long, flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum to view the entire colon. It's used to diagnose polyps, bleeding, and cancer.

During a colonoscopy, the client lies on their left side with their knees drawn up towards their chest.

Colonoscopies are often performed with moderate sedation using medications like midazolam, fentanyl, or propofol. This helps the client relax and be comfortable during the procedure.

After a colonoscopy, the provider should be notified if the client experiences severe pain, which could indicate a perforation. Monitor for rectal bleeding and vital signs.

An EGD is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It's used to view, diagnose, and sometimes treat problems in these areas.

Before an EGD, you need to be NPO (nothing by mouth) for 6 to 8 hours. Remove dentures and notify your doctor about any medications you're taking.

During an EGD, you'll be positioned on your left side with your head slightly elevated.

After an EGD, you'll be monitored for vital signs and breathing until you're awake. You can't eat or drink until your gag reflex returns. Report any bleeding, pain, or infection, and don't drive for 12-18 hours.

EGDs are used to identify areas of bleeding, dilate esophageal strictures, diagnose gastric lesions, and diagnose celiac disease.

ERCP is a procedure using an endoscope inserted through the mouth to visualize the biliary tree (bile ducts), gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.

ERCP helps diagnose and treat conditions like gallstones, inflammation, or blockages in the biliary tree and pancreas.

X-rays are taken after injecting contrast into the common bile duct, allowing doctors to see the structures.

Before ERCP, patients must fast for 6-8 hours, remove dentures, and be informed about the procedure and positioning changes.

After ERCP, patients need monitoring of vital signs, airway, and potential complications like bleeding or infection.

A procedure where a tiny camera-equipped capsule is swallowed to visualize the small intestine for 8 hours.

Used to diagnose bleeding, inflammation, Crohn's disease, and Celiac disease in the small intestine.

Fast for 8-10 hours before the test, and nothing by mouth for the first 2 hours of the test. Eat normally 4 hours after swallowing the capsule.

Return the data recorder after 8 hours for image download. You will pass the capsule in your stool.

The capsule does NOT view the colon.

A procedure that uses a shorter scope to visualize the anus, rectum, and sigmoid colon. It helps diagnose colon cancer, investigate GI bleeding, and monitor inflammatory bowel disease.

Before the procedure, you'll need to follow a clear liquid diet for 24 hours and be NPO (nothing by mouth) after midnight. You may also need bowel prep with laxatives or enemas.

The patient lies on their left side during the procedure.

After the procedure, vital signs and respiratory status are monitored. Look for rectal bleeding and encourage increased fluid intake. Expect some increased flatulence.

No anesthesia is typically required for a sigmoidoscopy as it's a relatively short and minimally invasive procedure.

Use of moderate sedation during procedures carries the risk of the client becoming overly sedated, leading to complications like difficulty waking up, poor breathing, and changes in blood pressure.

Signs of oversedation include: difficulty awakening the client, weak breathing, low oxygen levels, rapid heart rate, and high or low blood pressure.

If oversedation occurs, be prepared to give medications to reverse the sedation, provide oxygen to improve breathing, keep the airway open, and call for help.

After moderate sedation, clients should avoid driving or making major decisions until the effects wear off, as their judgment and reflexes may be impaired.

Immediately notify the healthcare provider if oversedation occurs, and request assistance from other team members.

Signs of bleeding that can include cool and clammy skin, low blood pressure (hypotension), fast heart rate (tachycardia), dizziness, and rapid breathing (tachypnea).

Assess the bleeding site, monitor vital signs, check blood tests (especially hemoglobin and hematocrit), and notify the provider immediately.

Patients should report any fever, pain, or continued bleeding to their provider.

A severe and excessive loss of blood from the body, often due to trauma or medical conditions.

Hemorrhage can lead to shock, organ damage, and even death without prompt treatment.

A natural reflex that prevents choking by triggering muscle contractions in the back of the throat to prevent swallowing of foreign objects.

A type of sedation that partially suppresses consciousness but allows the patient to respond to verbal commands.

Numbing medicine applied to the skin or mucous membranes to decrease pain and sensitivity.

Difficulty breathing, often indicated by shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or unusual sounds like wheezing.

Inform the healthcare provider immediately about any concerning changes in a patient's condition.

A hole in the digestive system, causing potential leakage and infection. Symptoms include pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention.

Watch for signs of infection like elevated white blood cell count (WBC), indicating the body's fight against bacteria or other invaders.

Immediately inform your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms, such as fever, pain, or bleeding.

An increased white blood cell count, suggesting the body is battling an infection.

A potential complication of a perforated GI tract, where blood leaks from the hole.

X-ray examinations of the esophagus, stomach, and entire intestinal tract, with or without contrast, to detect anatomical or functional abnormalities.

Suspected conditions like ulcers, tumors, bleeding, or altered bowel habits like constipation or diarrhea.

A GI series where a barium solution is swallowed to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine).

A type of GI series that tracks the barium solution as it passes through the small intestine, visualizing its structure and movement.

A procedure where barium solution is inserted into the rectum and colon to visualize the large intestine.

Preparing the intestines by restricting food, fluids, and using laxatives or enemas to clear the tract for a clear image during imaging tests like barium enema studies.

Assess the client's understanding of bowel preparation and ensure there are no contraindications, like the risk of bowel perforation or obstruction.

Monitor for the elimination of contrast material, encourage increased fluid intake, and watch for any signs of retained barium or constipation.

Findings like altered bowel shape, size, increased motility, or obstruction can indicate a variety of conditions.

Schedule the procedure before any upper GI studies to avoid interference with the images.