ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

What is the usual patient preparation for an upper GI examination?

1. Nothing by mouth (NPO) 8 hours before the exam

2. Light breakfast only on the morning of the exam

3. Clear fluids only on the morning of the exam

4. 2 oz of castor oil and enemas until clear

The correct answer is: Nothing by mouth (NPO) 8 hours before the exam

The recommended patient preparation for an upper GI examination typically involves having the patient refrain from eating or drinking anything for a specified period before the procedure. The rationale for this preparation is to ensure that the stomach and intestines are clear of any food or liquid, which allows for a better visual evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract during imaging. An empty stomach minimizes the risk of aspiration and improves the quality of the images obtained, as any residual contents could obscure anatomical structures or lead to misinterpretation of results. In this context, being NPO (nothing by mouth) for at least 8 hours before the exam is considered standard practice. This period allows enough time for the digestive process to clear the stomach. Meanwhile, other options suggest varying degrees of intake that do not align with the typical protocol for an upper GI examination and may compromise the clarity of the imaging results.