An endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera at its tip, is used during an endoscopy to examine the digestive tract, the respiratory tract, or other internal organs. A gastroenterologist, a doctor specially trained to detect and treat problems of the digestive system, typically performs the surgery. But the issue of whether a nurse can perform an endoscopy comes up.
Most of the time, a nurse cannot conduct an endoscopy on their own. While doing the surgery, an endoscopic nurse can help the gastroenterologist or surgeon. Registered nurses with additional training to help in endoscopic procedures are known as endoscopy nurses. They are in charge of getting the patient ready for the procedure, giving out sedatives and analgesics, keeping an eye on the patient’s vital signs, and helping the doctor perform the procedure.
The patient’s safety and wellbeing are the endoscopy nurse’s primary concerns throughout the process in Australia. They keep track of the patient’s vital signs, offer emotional support, and help the doctor spot any potential issues before, during, or after the treatment. To avoid any illnesses, they also make sure the equipment is sterile and properly maintained.
Endoscopy nurses in the UK are highly skilled specialists with annual salaries up to £35,000. Their duties are comparable to those of Australian endoscopic nurses, but they are also in charge of overseeing the endoscopy unit and making sure that all the equipment is up to date and in working order.
Like any medical procedure, endoscopy has some risks and potential drawbacks. Bleeding, perforation, infection, and bad reactions to sedatives or analgesics are the most frequent consequences. These problems, nevertheless, are uncommon, occurring in less than 1% of instances.
A powerful diagnostic tool, endoscopy can find a variety of illnesses and problems. It is frequently used to find tumors, ulcers, and other gastrointestinal diseases. It can also be used to identify lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses including pneumonia and asthma. Endoscopy can also be used to diagnose diseases of the ear, nose, and throat, the urinary tract, and the reproductive system.
In conclusion, an endoscopy nurse can help the doctor during the process even though they cannot do an endoscopy on their own. In order to ensure the patient’s safety and wellbeing throughout the process, endoscopy nurses are highly qualified specialists who perform a critical role. Endoscopy is a useful diagnostic tool that can identify a variety of diseases and ailments. It is often safe and has few side effects.