Question

During a colonoscopy, the primary health care provider finds a single polyp in the patient. Which interventions would the nurse anticipate to be performed? Select all that apply.

Answer 1

After the detection of a polyp during a colonoscopy, the nurse anticipates interventions such as polypectomy, sending the specimen for lab analysis, documenting the procedure, and providing post-procedural care to prevent complications and aid in recovery.

Step-by-step explanation:

Upon finding a single polyp during a colonoscopy, a nurse would anticipate the following interventions to be performed:

• Polypectomy: This is the removal of the polyp using a surgical instrument inserted with the scope during the colonoscopy.
  
  
• Specimen Collection: The polyp is often sent to the lab for histological examination to determine if it is benign or pre-cancerous.
  
  
• Documenting the procedure: Recording the details of the polypectomy and any findings.
  
  
• Post-procedural care: Monitoring the patient for any complications such as bleeding or perforation, and providing instructions for recovery.

Screening for fecal occult blood tests and routine colonoscopies are recommended for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. The removal of polyps during a colonoscopy can prevent them from becoming malignant, hence the importance of these interventions.