The nurse is preparing a patient for an invasive diagnostic test that will provide direct visualization of the rectum,entire large intestine,and distal small bowel.The nurse should teach and give the patient written instructions about which of the following tests?

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A colonoscopy provides direct visualization of the rectum,colon,entire large intestine,and distal small bowel.A sigmoidoscopy allows direct visualization of the anal canal,rectum,and sigmoid colon,but not of the entire large intestine.Many patients and providers choose a colonoscopy for cancer screening,as this procedure provides better visualization of the colon.A barium enema is a radiological examination of the rectum,colon,and small bowel; however,this test does not provide direct visualization.Instead,it requires the use of barium and views these organ structures via x-ray.An ultrasound detects tissue abnormalities such as masses,cysts,edema,or stones,usually through the use of a transducer that is moved externally across the skin surface of the abdomen; it is not direct visualization.

The Nurse Is Preparing a Patient for an Invasive Diagnostic