HESI RN Medical Surgical Practice Exam Related

Review HESI RN Medical Surgical Practice Exam related questions and content

A client is scheduled for a barium swallow (esophagography) in 2 days. The nurse, providing preprocedure instructions, should tell the client to:

  • A. Eat a regular supper and breakfast
  • B. Remove all metal and jewelry before the test
  • C. Expect diarrhea for a few days after the procedure
  • D. Take all oral medications as scheduled with milk on the day of the test
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Remove all metal and jewelry before the test.' Before a barium swallow procedure, the client should fast for 8 to 12 hours to ensure the stomach and intestines are empty for optimal visualization. Removing all metal and jewelry is essential to prevent any interference with x-ray imaging. Choice A is incorrect because the client should fast, not eat supper and breakfast, before the test. Choice C is incorrect as diarrhea is not an expected outcome of a barium swallow. Choice D is incorrect as the client should not take any oral medications with milk on the day of the test to ensure accurate test results.