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No Fear From the Rear …if Your Colon’s Clear

Primary Author: Barbara Morris, RNc
Co-Principal Investigators/Collaborators: Melaine Bradsher, RN, BSN, Elisa Haynes, RN, BSN, Kimberly Moore, RN
Organization Annie Penn Hospital Reidsville NC

Abstract

Purpose

This study was conducted to evaluate if one colon prep provided better results than another.

Background

A colonoscopy is a procedure that is performed as a preventative or diagnostic measure. In order for patients to have quality procedures, a successful and complete colon prep is key. There are many different colon preps on the market. Preps are usually ordered based on the performing physician’s preference.

Materials & Methods

The colon preps were graded on a scale of 1-5 based on their clarity and adequacy. The patient’s age, learning ability, inpatient vs. outpatient, and whether or not biopsies were obtained were also documented and followed.

Results

No colon prep was identified as being better than another. If patients followed the directions exactly as they were supposed to, the results were adequate and ensured a thorough examination.

Conclusion

Patient education is the key in ensuring that patients have adequate preps which promotes a thorough examination.

Bibliography

Endonurse.com. “Which Bowel Preps are Best for Your Patients?” Retrieved 11/9/2011 from http://endonurse.com/PrinterFriendly.aspx?id

Endonurse.com “Study: Poor Bowel Preps Do Result in Missed Polyps.” Retrieved 11/9/2011 from http://endonurse.com/Printer Friendly.aspx?id

Tresca, Amber J. “How to Prepare For a Colonoscopy.” About.com Inflammatory Bowel Disease, 27 Nov 2011 <http://ibdcrohns.about.com/cs/diagnostictesting/acolonoscopyprep.htm
© Improvement Science Research Network, 2012

The ISRN published this as received and with permission from the author(s).