Nursing School

Barium Enema
Home
Helpful Sites
Diagnosis Cards
Evolution
Nursing 103
Nursing 104
Nursing 205
Nursing 206

Diagnostic test:  “BARIUM ENEMA”

 

X-ray of the large colon

 

-Takes 60 minutes, outpatient testing, given for changes in bowel including constipation, diarrhea & abdominal pain

 

Pre-Op Preparation: clear liquid diet the day prior to the test, 8 oz water q2h day prior, 1 bottle mag. Citrate day prior, 5 Dulcolax tabs taken evening before, NPO after midnight, Dulcolax suppository morning of the test

 

During Procedure:

  1. baseline x-rays are taken
  2. Barium is instilled into rectum
  3. Patient lies in different positions while more x-rays are taken
  4. Patient goes to bathroom to expel solution
  5. More x-rays are taken

 

Post-Op: give MOM 60ml to prevent constipation, obstruction or impaction

 

 

Upper GI series/Barium Swallow

 

-Given for complaints of: nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, change in stool, difficulty swallowing, indigestion.

 

Pre-Op Prep:

-Explain procedure

-NPO after midnight

 

During Procedure:

-drink barium solution

-x-rays taken as barium moves through GI tract

 

Post-Op:

-give 60 ml MOM

-increase fluid intake

We can all thank Sara for being such a good student

Feel compelled to help me get through college while working only part-time and driving a million miles a day? Well, I won't twist your arm, but all you have to do is push the button. Either way, the information is free.