You are providing patient education on a transesophageal echocardiogram. What should you include?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For a transesophageal echocardiogram, the patient swallows a long tube with a microphone-like device on one end. Once in place, the device is very close to the heart, and sound waves emitted by the microphone create high-quality views of the heart and heart valves. Before the patient swallows the device, the mouth and throat are sprayed with medication that numbs the area. The patient may be given a sedative to help him or her relax and remain still during the procedure.

You Are Providing Patient Education on a Transesophageal Echocardiogram