In order to care for patients during endoscopic operations, gastroenterologists collaborate closely with endoscopy nurses, a specialized group of healthcare workers. An endoscope, a lengthy, thin tube with a camera and light connected to it, is used during an endoscopy, a diagnostic or therapeutic treatment, to examine the interior of the body. Endoscopes are put into the body naturally through holes like the mouth, nose, or anus, as well as by tiny skin incisions.
An endoscopy nurse’s primary responsibilities include assisting with the planning, carrying out, and post-procedure care of endoscopic treatments. They assist with the insertion and removal of the endoscope in addition to giving the patient direct care, monitoring vital signs, and administering medication. The many endoscopic procedures, such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, bronchoscopy, and cystoscopy, among others, must be understood by endoscopy nurses.
An endoscopy can a nurse perform? In order to undertake endoscopic operations, nurses are ineligible. Endoscopic procedures are only taught to licensed physicians, such as gastroenterologists or surgeons. Endoscopy nurses, however, are vital to helping the doctor during the process, guaranteeing patient safety, and offering patients emotional support.
Patient education is a crucial nursing issue for patients undergoing endoscopic surgery. Endoscopy nurses are responsible for informing patients about the operation, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as what to expect both during and after the treatment. The need of adhering to post-operation instructions, such as avoiding particular meals or activities, as well as the preparation, such as refraining from eating or drinking before the treatment, must be explained to patients.
Endoscopy does have certain possible risks, despite being a generally safe operation. These issues can cause anything from moderate discomfort to potentially fatal situations. Bleeding, infection, perforation, aspiration, and negative responses to sedation or anesthesia are examples of complications. Endoscopy nurses are responsible for attentively monitoring patients before, during, and after the procedure, looking for any indications of difficulties, and implementing the necessary measures.
The nurse takes numerous safety measures before the client receives the EGD. The nurse will watch over the patient to make sure they adhere to the preparation instructions, which may include fasting or using laxatives to clean their bowels. In addition, the nurse will evaluate the patient’s vital signs, do a physical assessment, and look for any allergies or underlying illnesses that can raise the likelihood of problems. Along with reviewing the patient’s medical history and current prescriptions, the nurse will work with the doctor to alter or stop any drugs that might conflict with the procedure.
Finally, it should be noted that endoscopy nurses are critical to the provision of secure and efficient patient care during endoscopic treatments. They collaborate closely with doctors to guarantee patient safety, offer patients emotional support, and inform them about the surgery. Endoscopy nurses assist in ensuring a satisfactory outcome and fostering patient satisfaction by taking the necessary precautions and continuously monitoring patients.
Here are 5 tasks performed by endoscopic nurses:
1. Patient pre-procedure preparation: Endoscopy nurses evaluate patients’ medical histories, go over the procedure, answer patients’ questions, and make sure they are at ease and comfortable before patients have endoscopic operations. 2. Assisting with procedures: Nurses support doctors during endoscopic procedures by supplying the required tools and medications, keeping track of the patient’s vital signs, and handling any potential difficulties.
3. Post-procedure care: Following endoscopic operations, nurses check on patients to see if there are any negative side effects, give post-procedure instructions, and make sure they are comfortable and healing well.
4. Documentation: Endoscopy nurses accurately record patients’ medical histories, procedures, medications, and patient outcomes in their medical records.
5. Patient education: To improve their general health and avoid future endoscopic procedures, endoscopy nurses instruct patients on good lifestyle choices and self-care techniques.
Without the appropriate education and certification in the field, a nurse practitioner generally cannot do endoscopic procedures, such as colonoscopies and upper endoscopies. However, patients having these operations can receive care and assistance from an endoscopy nurse, a registered nurse with specialized training and experience in aiding with endoscopic treatments. An endoscopy nurse’s duties also include monitoring patients during the process, caring for them afterward, and imparting knowledge to patients.