Abstract # 0000

Esophageal Motility StudiesMichelle Allis, RN

Preceptor, Megan Vasseur, RN, MSN, CMSRNCollege of Mount St. Joseph

ProblemThere is a lack of knowledge amongst the endoscopy staff

in regards to the performance of manometry and the interpretation of the results. We only have one nurse that is really proficient to perform these duties and she is only part-time so we need our entire staff to be able to do these tests.

BackgroundAs staff has changed the nurses with the knowledge have

left the department leaving us with one really proficient nurse. The hospital acquired new equipment and now there were no nurses who had used this equipment before leaving a deficit in our department. There is a definite need and lack of education in this area.

Objectives• Define esophageal motility.

• Describe the purpose of esophageal motility.

• Identify pre-existing conditions.

• Describe how to calibrate the catheter.

• Describe how to perform esophageal motility.

• Examine patient teaching points.

Clinical Question• Can a computer based learning program help teach and

promote awareness of the manometry procedures and process?

• Does it benefit our department to have the entire staff know this procedure?

Figure legends can be slightly smaller than the main text.

METHODSResearch was done on the new equipment and an in-service was performed by Given Imaging to introduce the equipment. Staff mentors reviewed my presentation and gave their input. Project was then reviewed by preceptor/clinical staff development. Project has been submitted to for upload to St. Elizabeth net learning site.

ReferencesBremner, C. G., DeMeester, T. R., Bremner, R., & Mason, R. J. (2001). Esophageal Motility Testing Made Easy. St. Louis: Quality Medical Publishing, Inc.Given Imaging. (2011). ManoScan 360 ModularCart System. Los Angeles: Sierra Scientific Instruments.Orr, W. C. (1986). Esophageal Motility Techniques and Clinical Applications. Minneapolis: urgess International Group Inc.

Possible Pre-existing Conditions

Achalasia - LES does not relax sufficiently to allow the passage of food from the esophagus into the stomach.

Scleroderma - The lower esophageal sphincter cannot close and this can lead to severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Nut Cracker Esophagus - Causes difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, to both solid and liquid foods, and can cause chest pain; it may also be asymptomatic

ConclusionWhile esophageal manometry may not be very pleasant it is very important in the diagnosing of chest pain of unknown origin, and the severity of reflux disease. This test is a diagnostic tool in determining whether a patient needs surgery or not.

The power point presentation created was received well by the endoscopy nurses and has been uploaded to St. Elizabeth net learning system. Evaluation of effectiveness is ongoing at this point.

Purpose• To evaluate reasons for reflux (regurgitation of

stomach acid into the esophagus) and GERD.

• To determine reasons for dysphagia (problems swallowing).

• Identify if undiagnosed chest pain is coming from esophagus.

Achlasia

Nut Cracker Esophagus