CGRN key terms

A procedure in which a flexible endoscope is inserted through the anus to examine the colon and, when needed, the terminal ileum; used for screening, diagnosis, and removal of polyps.

Passage of a flexible endoscope through the mouth to inspect the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum; used to evaluate bleeding, ulcers, and swallowing problems and to obtain biopsies.

An endoscopic procedure that combines endoscopy with fluoroscopy to examine and treat the bile and pancreatic ducts, such as removing stones or placing stents.

Use of an endoscope fitted with an ultrasound probe to obtain detailed images of the GI wall and nearby organs and to guide fine-needle aspiration or biopsy.

Placement of a feeding tube directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall under endoscopic guidance, typically for long-term enteral nutrition.

Removal of a polyp from the lining of the GI tract, usually with a snare or forceps passed through the endoscope; the specimen is sent to pathology.

A technique for removing superficial GI lesions by lifting the tissue and resecting it, often with a snare, to treat early cancers and large polyps.

A method of delivering ionized argon gas to coagulate tissue and control bleeding, commonly used for vascular lesions and post-polypectomy bleeding.

Enlarged, fragile veins in the esophagus caused by portal hypertension, usually from cirrhosis; they can rupture and cause life-threatening upper GI bleeding.

A change in the lining of the lower esophagus from squamous to columnar tissue, associated with chronic acid reflux and an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.

An autoimmune disorder in which eating gluten damages the small intestine and causes malabsorption; diagnosis is supported by blood tests and duodenal biopsy.

Chronic inflammatory conditions of the GI tract, mainly Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, causing diarrhea, pain, and bleeding; managed with medications and sometimes surgery.

Advanced scarring of the liver that impairs its function and causes portal hypertension, leading to complications such as ascites and esophageal varices.

Insertion of a needle into the abdominal cavity to remove ascitic fluid for diagnosis or to relieve pressure; the nurse monitors vital signs, drainage, and the site.

Cleansing of the colon using dietary restriction and laxative solutions before a procedure; an adequate prep is essential for good visualization and polyp detection.

A test in which the patient swallows a small camera pill that transmits images of the small intestine as it passes through the digestive tract.

A surgically created opening on the abdomen for the elimination of stool or urine; nursing care includes assessing the stoma and fitting and teaching appliance use.

A bacterium that lives in the stomach and causes chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers; it is detected by breath, stool, or biopsy testing and treated with antibiotics.

The order of examining the abdomen: inspection, auscultation, percussion, then palpation. Auscultation comes before palpation so that bowel sounds are not altered.

Continuous measurement of exhaled carbon dioxide used to monitor breathing during sedation; a falling or absent waveform signals hypoventilation before oxygen saturation drops.

A noninvasive measure of arterial oxygen saturation using light sensors on the skin; it should be interpreted with other findings because it can lag behind respiratory changes.

A tool that scores activity, breathing, circulation, consciousness, and oxygen saturation to determine whether a patient is ready for discharge after sedation.

Blood pressure and pulse measured while the patient is lying, sitting, and standing; a significant drop suggests volume depletion or bleeding.

Evaluation of factors such as reduced consciousness, swallowing problems, and delayed stomach emptying that raise the chance of stomach contents entering the lungs.

A drug-induced state in which the patient responds to verbal commands or light touch while maintaining their own airway and breathing; requires monitoring and rescue capability.

A classification of a patient's overall health before anesthesia, from class I (healthy) to class VI (brain-dead organ donor), used to estimate procedural risk.

Rules about fasting before sedation to reduce aspiration risk; typical intervals are about two hours for clear liquids and six to eight hours for a light meal.

A benzodiazepine antagonist used to reverse sedation from drugs such as midazolam; it can trigger seizures in patients who are physically dependent on benzodiazepines.

An opioid antagonist that reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression; repeat doses may be needed because its effect is shorter than that of many opioids.

A visual rating of the mouth and pharynx, from class I to IV, used to predict how difficult it may be to see the airway or place a breathing tube.

A process that inactivates all microorganisms except some bacterial spores, required for flexible endoscopes; it is performed only after thorough manual cleaning.

Checking an endoscope for holes or cracks before immersion and cleaning; a failed test means the scope must be taken out of service and repaired.

A machine that performs automated cleaning and high-level disinfection of endoscopes; staff still verify cycle parameters and correct connection of the scope.

Infection-prevention practices used for every patient, including hand hygiene and gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection based on the risk of exposure.

Barrier items such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection worn to protect skin and mucous membranes from contact with blood and other body fluids.

Practices that limit radiation exposure during procedures such as ERCP, including lead aprons, maximizing distance, collimation, and wearing radiation dosimeters.

A patient's voluntary agreement to a procedure after understanding its purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives; the nurse verifies and witnesses consent but does not obtain it.

A teaching technique in which the patient explains or demonstrates information in their own words, allowing the nurse to confirm understanding and correct gaps.

A structured communication format meaning Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation; it is used to hand off information clearly and reduce errors.

Acting to protect a patient's rights, safety, and preferences, such as speaking up about a concern or ensuring the patient can make an informed choice.