Gastric Analysis
Gastric Analysis
Gastric Analysis
GASTRIC ANALYSIS
I. DESCRIPTION: Gastric analysis consists of a series of tests used to analyze the contents of the stomach. The complete series involves: collecting residual gastric fluid from a fasting patient collecting basal secretions every 15 minutes for four hours intramuscular administration of a drug that stimulates gastric acid output collecting stomach secretions every 15 minutes for 90 minutes The appearance, blood, bile, pH, volume, millimoles of H+ per liter, millimoles of H+ per volume, and millimoles of H+ per hour of each specimen is then evaluated. A gastric analysis is performed to evaluate gastric function by measuring the contents of a fasting patient's stomach the for acidity, appearance, and volume. The basal gastric secretion test is indicated for patients with obscure gastric pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss. It is also utilized for suspected peptic ulcer, severe gastritis, and ZollingerEllison (Z-E) syndrome. The gastric acid stimulation test is indicated when abnormalities are found during the basal secretion test. These abnormalities can be caused by a number of disorders, including duodenal ulcer, pernicious anemia, and gastric cancer. While this test will detect abnormalities, x rays and other studies are necessary to obtain a definitive diagnosis. II. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
III. PROCEDURE: 1. Ask consent from the patient. 2. Explain the procedure to the patient. 3. Place the patient into a comfortable position. 4. Assemble all necessary equipments needed for the procedure. The test will be done in your room or in the endoscopy suite.
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5. A small nasogastric tube will be inserted into your nose. You will swallow this tube into your stomach with sips of water. You may feel pressure at the back of your nose for about 5 minutes. 6. You will be asked to lie on your back or on your left side. 7. A nurse will collect the contents of your stomach in a container. 8. You may be given medications during the test by injection. You may also have an I.V. (intravenous) line inserted. Blood samples may also be taken. 9. The procedure usually starts early in the morning and lasts 2 hours or longer, depending on the type of test your doctor ordered.
IV. DIAGRAM:
V.NURSING RESPONSIBLITIES: BEFORE THE PROCEDURE (1) The patient must be educated about the procedure, the significance of the preparation, and any significant post-procedural sequelae. (2) Many procedures require that the patient sign a permit. Check with your local MTF SOP. (3) The physician may require the patient to be nothing by mouth (NPO) for 8-10 hours prior to the test.
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(4) Gastric analysis requires the insertion of a gastric tube for the purpose of withdrawing a specimen. General care and precautions associated with gastric intubation should be implemented. (Refer to Section IV, Gastrointestinal Intubation.) (5) If ordered by the physician, withdraw the stomach contents and save for lab analysis. (6) The patient should be allowed to rest for 20 to 30 minutes after insertion of the tube before beginning the test. This allows time for the patient's body to return to a rested, basal state.
DURING THE PROCEDURE (1) Obtain the specimens as directed by the physician or local SOP. (2) Label each specimen with the amount and the time collected in addition to the patient identification. (3) Note and report the presence of the following: (a) Undigested food. (b) Blood. (c) Fecal odor. (4) Assess the patient's tolerance to the procedure by monitoring blood pressure and pulse. (5) Some gastric analysis tests require the administration of drugs to stimulate gastric secretion. It is necessary to have an emergency cart available in these cases. AFTER THE PROCEDURE: (1) Monitor the patient's vital signs in accordance with the ward's SOP. (2) Observe for signs of throat irritation secondary to tube placement. (3) Observe for signs of bleeding from the throat or stomach. (4) Resume diet and medication IAW the physician's orders or ward SOP.
REFERENCE: http://www.free-ed.net/sweethaven/MedTech/NurseCare/GastroNurse01.asp?iNum=21
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