Gastroenterology nursing : the official journal of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates
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An abdominal radiograph is considered the "gold standard" for determining the position of flexible small-bore nasogastric/orogastric tubes. However, placement must be checked frequently while a tube is in place, and the summative radiation risk of multiple radiographs, as well as their expense, make the development of adequate bedside placement-locating methods imperative. Several methods of detecting tube placement have been investigated in adults, including: aspirating gastric contents and measuring the pH, bilirubin, pepsin, and trypsin levels; examining the visual characteristics of aspirate; placing the proximal end of the tube under water and observing for bubbles in synchrony with expirations; measuring the carbon dioxide level at the proximal end of the nasogastric/orogastric tube; auscultation for a gurgling sound over the epigastrium or left upper quadrant of the abdomen; and measuring the length from the nose/mouth to the proximal end of the tube. ⋯ Research on gastric tube placement in children is relatively new because children are challenging to study in that they are considered a vulnerable population. This review of the literature includes results of both adult and pediatric studies. Tube placement error rates varied from 1.9% to 89.5% in adults and between 20.9% and 43.5% in children.
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Intravenous sedation is routinely administered for endoscopic examinations to help alleviate patient anxiety and discomfort. The goal of moderate sedation is to provide patient comfort to facilitate the completion of the procedure. ⋯ Propofol is a rapid acting sedative-hypnotic that produces the desired level of consciousness without the residual sedative effect that often persists with the use of benzodiazepines and analgesics. This article reviews current literature regarding the use of propofol for sedation of patients in the endoscopy setting, and highlights the trends in research that may impact future nursing practice.
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This article uses a case study to demonstrate the proper use of Narcan (naloxone hydrochloride injection, USP) for the reversal of the effects of opiates which can occur during moderate or "conscious" sedation for procedures in the endoscopy setting. Alternative treatments for the sedation, hypotension, and respiratory depression are discussed, as are instructions and rationale for partial reversal. Guidelines to ensure patient safety are also presented.
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This article describes the use of interventional endoscopic ultrasonography, namely, endoscopic ultrasound-guided injection therapy for the treatment of pain. With the assistance of endoscopic ultrasonography, it is now possible to safely inject the celiac plexus with pharmacological agents to provide analgesia in painful pancreatic conditions such as cancer and chronic pancreatitis. The indications for celiac plexus injection, the procedure, required accessories, complications, and nursing care are discussed.
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Intestinal transplantation offers new hope to children with intestinal failure and life-threatening complications of parenteral nutrition. As more transplant centers are adding intestinal transplantation to their existing programs, new challenges are presented to nursing professionals. ⋯ This article focuses on donor selection and preparation, the surgical procedure for intestinal transplantation, the immediate postoperative course, immunosuppression, rejection, infections, fluid and electrolyte support, and nutrition. The information presented represents the approach taken at University of Nebraska Medical Center/Nebraska Health Systems.