Postprocedural care for patients who have had a colon examination should include
A)instructions for maintaining hydration.
B)an increase in fluid intake and dietary fiber for a few days after the examination.
C)an awareness of the change in stool color to an ashen gray color and the importance of eliminating the barium during defecation.
D)all of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Postprocedural instructions to the patient are extremely important after a barium enema because barium retention can cause fecal impaction or intestinal obstruction.Barium has hydroscopic qualities,which means that it will absorb fluid from the bowel.Extreme dehydration as a result of preparation for the examination is another possible postprocedural complication.Stools are typically white or light-colored until all of the barium is expelled.The patient should increase fluid intake and dietary fiber for several days unless medically contraindicated and should be instructed to rest after the examination.

Postprocedural Care for Patients Who Have Had a Colon Examination