Page 1483 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

c. Medications that stimulate gastric
secretions are withheld for 24 to 48
hours.
3. Postprocedure
a. Client may resume normal activities.
b. Refrigerate gastric samples if not tested
within 4 hours.

D. Upper GI endoscopy

1. Description
a. Also known as
esophagogastroduodenoscopy
b. Following sedation, an endoscope is
passed down the esophagus to view
the gastric wall, sphincters, and
duodenum; tissue specimens can be
obtained.
2. Preprocedure
a. The client must be NPO for 6 to 8 hours
before the test.
b. A local anesthetic (spray or gargle) is
administered along with medication
that provides moderate sedation just
before the scope is inserted.
c. Medication may be administered to
reduce secretions, and medication may
be administered to relax smooth
muscle.
d. The client is positioned on the left side
to facilitate saliva drainage and to
provide easy access of the endoscope.
e. Airway patency is monitored during
the test, and pulse oximetry is used to
monitor oxygen saturation; emergency
equipment should be readily available.
3. Postprocedure
a. Monitor vital signs.
b. Client must be NPO until the gag reflex
returns (1 to 2 hours).
c. Monitor for signs of perforation (pain,
bleeding, unusual difficulty in
swallowing, elevated temperature).
d. Maintain bed rest for the sedated client
until alert.
e. Lozenges, saline gargles, or oral
analgesics can relieve a minor sore
throat (not given to the client until the
gag reflex returns).

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