ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which statement is NOT true regarding administering a barium enema to a patient with a colostomy?

1. The dressing should be removed and disposed of

2. The drainage pouch should be retained unless a fresh one can be provided

3. The colostomy tip must be selected by the radiologist

4. The patient should not insert the colostomy tip

The correct answer is: The colostomy tip must be selected by the radiologist

The statement that the colostomy tip must be selected by the radiologist is not true. In practice, the selection of the colostomy tip—used to administer a barium enema—can be carried out by the healthcare team that is trained to perform the procedure, which may include nurses and radiologic technologists. This is because choosing an appropriate tip often relies on the specific needs of the patient and the type of colostomy performed, and the team can make that judgment based on their training and experience. In contrast, proper protocol dictates that the dressing should indeed be removed and disposed of prior to the procedure to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection. It is also standard practice to retain the drainage pouch unless a fresh one is available. Lastly, patients should not insert the colostomy tip themselves as this could lead to complications or incorrect placement; it should be done by a trained professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.