To successfully complete this course and receive your certificate, you must read the content online or in the downloaded PDF, pass the post test with a 70% or better, and complete the evaluation form.

The price of this course is $20.00. You will only be asked to pay for the course if you decide to grade the post examination to earn a certificate with contact hours.

This course was made possible through an unrestricted educational grant provided by RICHARD WOLF Medical Instruments Corporation.

It is Corexcel's policy to ensure fair balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all programming. In compliance with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) we require that faculty disclose all financial relationships with commercial interests over the past 12 months.

No planning committee member has indicated a relevant financial relationship with RICHARD WOLF Medical Instruments Corporation.

Corexcel’s provider status through ANCC is limited to educational activities. Neither Corexcel nor the ANCC endorse commercial products.

 

 

 

Definition

An endoscope is an optical instrument used in the visual examination of the body cavities and internal organs through natural orifices or surgical incisions.

Learning Objectives

   1. List the different uses of flexible and rigid endoscopes.
   2. Describe the structures and differences between a rigid and flexible endoscope.
   3. Discuss the risk factors and endoscopic–related infections associated with the improper care and
       handling of an endoscope.
   4. Describe the proper care and handling of reusable endoscopic instrumentation.

Intended Audience

Nurses who are involved in any aspect of endoscopic procedures or are interested in furthering their knowledge of the proper use and care of endoscopes and their accessory instrumentation.

 

 

Overview

In the United States, over 10 million endoscopic procedures are performed each year. These procedures are diagnostic, for observation only, and operative. There are three basic types of endoscopes: rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible. Each type of endoscope is available with a variety of diameters and lengths as well as channels for irrigation, suction, and accessory instruments, depending on the requirements of the procedure.

The flexible endoscope is used to view the interior surfaces of the body’s natural passageways such as the gastrointestinal tract and the genitourinary tract, conforming to the passageway’s contours as the scope is advanced. Flexible scopes can also be used to view the interior surfaces of organs such as the kidney, using these natural passageways as access.

Rigid and semi-rigid scopes can be passed through natural passageways within the body and incisions. Rigid and semi-rigid endoscopes come in different viewing angles: 120° or 110° retrograde, for viewing backward; 90° and 70° for lateral viewing; 25°, 30° and 45° of forward oblique views; and 0° and 12° for forward viewing. The angle of the lens used is determined by the position of the structure to be viewed.

Flexible endoscopes are named based on the area of the body they are designed to access. For example, bronchoscopes access the bronchial area and lungs; colonoscopes access the colon; gastroscopes access the esophagus, stomach and duodenum; hysteroscopes access the vagina and uterus; and ureteroscopes access the ureters, bladders and kidneys.

The endoscope is a delicate instrument. Its care and final reprocessing are vital, and repairs can be costly. There is a substantial potential for the transmission of infectious agents to patients undergoing endoscopic procedures if reprocessing protocols are not strictly followed.

 

     

ENDOSCOPES: Care and Handling
(2.0 Contact Hours)
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