Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Procedures, Conditions, and Treatments: Esophagus, GERD, PUD, and Barrett’s Esophagus

Barium swallow purpose

Visualizes structure and motility of esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using contrast

Barium swallow prep

NPO 8 hours, no smoking, increase fluids after

EGD structures

Esophagus, stomach, duodenum

EGD indications

GERD, GI bleeding, dysphagia, ulcers

EGD interventions

Biopsy, treat bleeding, dilate strictures

ERCP purpose

Diagnose/treat biliary and pancreatic disorders

ERCP NPO

Yes

ERCP nursing care

Check allergies, monitor pancreatitis, assess gag reflex

GERD cause

Weak lower esophageal sphincter

GERD symptoms

Heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia

GERD complications

Barrett's esophagus, esophagitis, hiatal hernia

Achalasia definition

LES fails to relax and no peristalsis

Achalasia symptoms

Dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain

Achalasia treatment

Dilation, botox, surgery

Achalasia teaching

Eat slowly, upright after meals

Barrett's esophagus change

Squamous to columnar epithelium

Barrett's significance

Precancerous condition

PUD causes

H. pylori, NSAIDs, excess acid

Gastric ulcer pain

Worse with eating

Duodenal ulcer pain

Better with eating, worse later

Antibiotics purpose (PUD)

Eradicate H. pylori

Acid reducers purpose

Decrease acid, promote healing

PUD lethal complication

Perforation

Perforation signs

Sudden pain, rigid abdomen, no bowel sounds

Gastrectomy deficiency

Vitamin B12

Reason B12 deficiency

Loss of intrinsic factor

Dumping syndrome cause

High sugar meals

Dumping timing

15-30 minutes after eating

Dumping treatment

Small meals, high protein/fat, limit fluids

Unconjugated bilirubin

Water insoluble

Bilirubin conversion

Liver

Albumin normal range

3.5-5.0 g/dL

Low albumin effects

Edema, ascites

Vitamin K issue

Bleeding risk

Gastric enzyme

Pepsin

Pepsin activation

Hydrochloric acid

Protein metabolism byproduct

Ammonia

Cancer prevention

Quit smoking, limit alcohol, weight loss

Barrett's monitoring

Regular surveillance

Dysphagia importance

Evaluate for cancer

Sigmoidoscopy frequency

Every 5 years

GERD teaching

Avoid triggers, elevate HOB, don't lie down