Study guide Q Upper & Lower GI

6/26/2026- Not completed.

What patient teaching is necessary pre and post diagnostic testing where barium is used?

• Before procedure

  • NPO for at least 8 hours

  • Avoid smoking after midnight

  • Pt required to drink contrast medium                       

  • Assume various position on x-ray table                             

• After procedure

  • Stools may be WHITE up to 72 hours

  • Prevention of constipation & fecal impaction:

    • Fluids

    • Laxatives

What must patients be taught when undergoing an endoscopy? What should be monitored?

• Before Procedure

  • NPO for at least 8 hours

  • Signed Consent

  • Local anesthesia may be sprayed in back of throat

    • Pt may experience sore throat post procedure

  • Sedation during procedure                                     

• After Procedure

  • Keep NPO until gag reflex returns

  • Warm saline gargles for sore if sore throat

  • Monitor temperature spikes for perforation

    • Q 15-30 minutes for 1-2 hours

What is GERD and its risk factors?

Definition:

• Chronic symptoms of mucosal damage caused by reflux of stomach acid into the lower esophagus.

Etiology & Pathophysiology:

• Incompetent LES → allow gastric contents to move from stomach to esophagus → esophageal irritation & inflammation.

• Efficiency of ant reflux mechanism, volume of gastric contents, potency of refluxed material, efficiency of esophageal clearance, resistance of the esophageal tissue to injury and the ability to repair tissue determine the presence and severity of GERD.

Risk Factors:

• Obesity

• Nicotine

• Alcohol

• Foods- Chocolate, fatty foods, peppermint, tea, coffee

• Drugs- Anticholinergics, Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, morphine, progesterone

What are clinical manifestations of GERD?

• Heartburn (Pyrosis)

  • Burning, tight sensation felt beneath the lower sternum with spread to jaw and throat.

  • New onset in elderly requires medical evaluation.

• Regurgitation

  • Hot, bitter, sour liquid into throat or mouth.

• Dyspepsia

  • Pain or discomfort in upper abdomen.

• Respiratory

  • Coughing, wheezing, dyspnea.

• ENT

  • Hoarseness

  • Sore throat, hypersalivation

  • globus sensation (lump in throat)

  • Choking

• Chest pain

  • Common with elderly patient with GERD

  • Mimics angina but relieved with antacids

What are potential complications of GERD?