A patient is scheduled in your endoscopy suite with gastroparesis. This is the third visit for this patient to your unit in the last year. The patient describes how difficult it is to control his blood sugar and actually eat without feeling bloated and nauseated or constantly vomiting after every meal. The patient states how frustrated he feels having to frequently undergo an upper endoscopy to assist in the clearance of a bezoar so he can eat even a small amount of solid food.

Gastroparesis is a manifestation of diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Gastrointestinal autonomic neuropathy contributes to morbidity, mortality, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs of a patient with diabetes mellitus. As the gastroenterology nurse, you discuss with the patient the management options and support him in his efforts to care for himself as optimally as possible. This concurrent session will explore gastroparesis and the latest treatments available to improve gastric motility and prevent further complications.

Section Description

We are pleased to present the Abstracts from the SGNA's 32nd Annual Course: Passion for GI Nursing: Pass It On!! The diversity of these topics certainly reflects the richness and breadth of our specialty. In keeping with the tradition of the Annual Course, we hope the following abstracts will encourage discussions for improving nursing practice and patient care outcomes.