Colonoscopy

Question 1

What happens during a colonoscopy?

Answer 1

Directly visualizes the entire colon up to the ileocecal valve with the use of a flexible fiberoptic scope. New technology may allow the patient to swallow a capsule that transmits pictures of the colon to a remote receiver

Question 2

Pre-Procedure

Answer 2

1. 1 week prior to exam stop taking iron supplements, aspirin, and ibuprofen
2. 3 days prior stop all raw vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds
3. Drink lots of fluid the day before the exam
4. Take laxative (golytely or phospho soda) to flush the colon
5. NPO 4-8 hours before exam
6. IV started and sedation given

Question 3

Post Procedure

Answer 3

1. Patient may experience abdominal cramping due to the colon being inflated with air during the procedure
2. Monitor for rectal bleeding
3. Monitor for signs of perforation
4. Monitor VS
5. Monitor abdominal pain

Question 4

What conditions might a person undergoing a colonoscopy be diagnosed with?

Answer 4

irritable bowel disease