Endoscopy is also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The purpose of this procedure is to observe or know if there are ulceration or tumor in the esophagus, gastric cavity or duodenum.
Our nursing responsibilities are:
*Understand the procedure.
*Put the patient on NPO 6-8 hours before the procedure. If the patient eats we can’t see the stomach, we can see lots of food chime in there. After the test is done, the patient is not allowed to eat or drink immediately because he was given medication to numb his throat. Should wait for the gag reflex to return before she can eat or drink to prevent aspiration.
*Check for gag reflex
*Check any dysphagia and bleeding
*Tell the patient once the gag reflex returns he will be given a warm saline to gurgle. We avoid giving them narcotics with this procedure because the pain does go away very quickly.