English for Gastroenterology Nursing: Essential Vocabulary & Phrases

"upper GI endoscopy"

A procedure in which a flexible lighted scope is passed through the mouth into the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum to visualise and sample the upper gastrointestinal tract

"The nurse explained the upper GI endoscopy procedure to the patient, emphasising the need to fast for at least six hours beforehand."

"colonoscopy"

An endoscopic examination of the entire large bowel using a flexible camera inserted through the rectum, used for screening, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions

"Prior to colonoscopy, the nurse administered the prescribed bowel preparation solution and confirmed the patient had achieved adequate stool clearance."

"bowel preparation"

The process of cleansing the colon before endoscopy using laxative solutions or enemas to ensure clear visualisation of the mucosa during the procedure

"Poor compliance with bowel preparation resulted in limited visualisation and the colonoscopy had to be rescheduled for the following week."

"conscious sedation"

A drug-induced state of reduced awareness in which the patient remains responsive to verbal commands and maintains protective airway reflexes, commonly used for endoscopic procedures

"The endoscopy nurse monitored oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure continuously throughout conscious sedation with intravenous midazolam and fentanyl."

"biopsy forceps"

A small jaw-like instrument passed through the working channel of an endoscope to take tissue samples from the gastrointestinal mucosa for histological analysis

"The endoscopist used biopsy forceps to take six samples from the antrum and two from the corpus for Helicobacter pylori testing."

"polypectomy"

The endoscopic removal of a polyp from the gastrointestinal tract, usually performed using a snare or hot biopsy forceps during colonoscopy

"Following polypectomy, the nurse provided the patient with written post-procedure instructions including dietary advice and signs of post-polypectomy bleeding."

"insufflation"

The inflation of the gastrointestinal lumen with air or carbon dioxide during endoscopy to distend the bowel walls and improve visualisation of the mucosa

"Carbon dioxide insufflation was preferred over air because it is absorbed more rapidly and reduces post-procedure abdominal discomfort for the patient."

"recovery bay"

A dedicated clinical area in the endoscopy unit where patients are monitored after a procedure until they are fully awake, haemodynamically stable, and safe for discharge

"In the recovery bay, the nurse reassessed the patient's vital signs every fifteen minutes and ensured the sedation had fully reversed before offering oral fluids."

"disease flare"

A period of increased IBD disease activity characterised by worsening symptoms such as bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and urgency after a period of remission

"The patient presented to the IBD helpline reporting six bloody stools per day, signalling a disease flare that required urgent clinical review."

"remission"

A period in which symptoms of IBD are minimal or absent and inflammatory markers are within the normal range, representing the goal of maintenance therapy

"After twelve weeks of biologic therapy, the patient achieved clinical and endoscopic remission with no mucosal ulceration visible on repeat colonoscopy."

"faecal calprotectin"

A stool biomarker protein that correlates with intestinal inflammation, used to monitor IBD activity and assess response to treatment without the need for endoscopy

"A faecal calprotectin level of 850 micrograms per gram prompted the IBD nurse to escalate the patient for urgent outpatient review."

"biologic therapy"

A class of injectable or infused medications derived from biological sources that target specific proteins in the inflammatory cascade, used to treat moderate to severe IBD

"Before commencing biologic therapy, the IBD nurse ensured the patient had completed tuberculosis screening and received all recommended vaccinations."

"Crohn's disease"

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any segment of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, characterised by transmural inflammation, skip lesions, and granuloma formation

"The patient with established Crohn's disease presented with a perianal abscess, and the IBD nurse co-ordinated an urgent surgical referral alongside gastroenterology review."

"ulcerative colitis"

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and rectum, characterised by continuous mucosal inflammation causing bloody diarrhoea, urgency, and tenesmus

"The patient with extensive ulcerative colitis was admitted in acute severe flare and started on intravenous corticosteroids under the gastroenterology team."

"steroid tapering"

The gradual reduction of corticosteroid dose over weeks to avoid adrenal suppression and minimise side effects once IBD inflammation has been controlled

"The nurse educated the patient on the steroid tapering schedule, warning against abruptly stopping prednisolone and advising on signs of adrenal insufficiency."

"mucosal healing"

The endoscopic and histological normalisation of the intestinal lining, regarded as the optimal treatment target in IBD as it predicts sustained remission and reduced hospitalisation

"Mucosal healing was confirmed on surveillance colonoscopy and the gastroenterologist decided to maintain the current biologic regimen without dose escalation."

"cirrhosis"

Advanced scarring of the liver caused by chronic inflammation or injury, resulting in loss of normal architecture, impaired liver function, and development of portal hypertension

"The patient with decompensated cirrhosis was admitted with jaundice and ascites, and the nurse initiated a fluid balance chart and daily weight monitoring."

"ascites"

The pathological accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, most commonly caused by portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis, causing abdominal distension and discomfort

"The nurse prepared the patient for therapeutic paracentesis to drain 5 litres of ascitic fluid and arranged concurrent intravenous albumin replacement."

"hepatic encephalopathy"

A spectrum of neuropsychiatric complications caused by the accumulation of toxins, particularly ammonia, in the blood when the liver fails to adequately detoxify portal blood

"The patient became increasingly confused and disoriented overnight; the nurse recognised hepatic encephalopathy, commenced lactulose, and escalated to the medical team."

"jaundice"

The yellow discolouration of the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes caused by elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, indicating impaired liver function or bile duct obstruction

"The nurse documented deepening jaundice and a rising bilirubin of 280 micromol/L, flagging it as a sign of acute deterioration in liver function."

"paracentesis"

A procedure in which a needle or catheter is inserted into the peritoneal cavity under aseptic conditions to drain ascitic fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes

"Post-paracentesis, the nurse monitored the patient's pulse, blood pressure, and urine output hourly to detect signs of circulatory dysfunction."

"Child-Pugh score"

A clinical scoring system that uses five parameters—bilirubin, albumin, INR, ascites, and encephalopathy—to assess liver reserve and predict mortality in cirrhotic patients

"A Child-Pugh score of 10 classified the patient as Class C cirrhosis, prompting the team to discuss transplant assessment and advanced care planning."

"varices"

Abnormally dilated veins, most commonly in the oesophagus or stomach, developing as a consequence of portal hypertension and carrying a high risk of life-threatening haemorrhage

"The patient presented with haematemesis; emergency endoscopy confirmed bleeding oesophageal varices and band ligation was performed to achieve haemostasis."

"viral hepatitis"

Liver inflammation caused by hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, or E), ranging from acute self-limiting illness to chronic infection leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

"The IBD nurse identified a patient on immunosuppression who had not been tested for viral hepatitis and arranged urgent screening before commencing biologic therapy."

"colostomy"

A surgically created opening from the colon to the surface of the abdomen through which faeces are diverted into an external appliance, performed after bowel resection or for faecal diversion

"The stoma nurse specialist visited the patient on post-operative day two to assess the colostomy output, check the stomal viability, and reinforce appliance management techniques."

"ileostomy"

A stoma formed from the terminal ileum that produces liquid to semi-liquid effluent, constructed after colectomy or as a temporary defunctioning procedure protecting a distal bowel anastomosis

"High ileostomy output of over 1,500 mL per day placed the patient at risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, requiring intravenous fluid replacement."

"stomal viability"

The assessment of stoma tissue colour and perfusion to identify complications such as ischaemia, necrosis, or retraction in the early post-operative period

"The nurse documented stomal viability as pink and moist with no retraction during the post-operative observation round and noted findings in the surgical care plan."

"appliance change"

The routine replacement of the stoma bag and baseplate or wafer, performed according to a schedule determined by output, skin condition, and the type of appliance used

"During the appliance change, the nurse inspected the peristomal skin for excoriation caused by alkaline ileostomy effluent and applied a skin barrier powder."

"peristomal skin"

The area of skin immediately surrounding the stoma, which is vulnerable to irritation, maceration, and ulceration from stoma effluent and adhesive appliance products

"Severe peristomal skin breakdown required the stoma nurse to refit the appliance with a convex baseplate and apply a protective barrier film to promote healing."

"stoma retraction"

A complication in which the stoma sinks below the level of the abdominal skin surface, making it difficult to maintain an effective appliance seal and risking leakage onto the skin

"Stoma retraction noted three weeks post-operatively was managed conservatively with a convex appliance; surgical revision was planned if the problem did not resolve."

"high-output stoma"

An ileostomy producing more than 1,500 mL of effluent per 24 hours, causing a significant risk of dehydration, hypomagnesaemia, and renal impairment requiring active management

"The gastroenterologist prescribed loperamide and codeine phosphate to reduce intestinal transit and manage the patient's high-output stoma following extensive small bowel resection."

"stoma siting"

The pre-operative marking of the optimal abdominal position for stoma formation by a stoma care nurse, taking into account skin folds, scars, belt lines, and the patient's daily activities

"Pre-operative stoma siting was performed by the specialist nurse, who assessed the patient in lying, sitting, and standing positions before marking the preferred site."

"nasogastric tube"

A flexible tube passed through the nose, down the oesophagus, and into the stomach for administration of liquid feed, medication, or gastric decompression

"The nurse confirmed nasogastric tube position by aspirating gastric content and testing pH below 5.5 before commencing the prescribed enteral feed."

"percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy"

A long-term enteral feeding tube inserted through the abdominal wall directly into the stomach under endoscopic guidance, used when oral or nasogastric feeding is not feasible

"The patient with oesophageal dysmotility was referred for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion to provide reliable long-term enteral nutrition and medication delivery."

"refeeding syndrome"

A potentially life-threatening shift in fluid and electrolytes, particularly phosphate, caused by reintroduction of nutrition after prolonged starvation or severe malnutrition

"The dietitian identified refeeding syndrome risk and the nurse implemented the hospital protocol, starting nutrition at a low rate and monitoring electrolytes every six hours."

"enteral feed rate"

The speed at which liquid nutrition is delivered through a feeding tube, expressed in millilitres per hour, typically managed via a volumetric feeding pump

"The enteral feed rate was increased from 30 to 60 mL per hour after the patient tolerated the initial rate for 24 hours without signs of aspiration or gastric intolerance."

"gastric residual volume"

The volume of liquid remaining in the stomach from a previous feed, aspirated to assess gastric motility and tolerance before continuing or adjusting enteral nutrition

"A gastric residual volume of 350 mL prompted the nurse to withhold the feed, position the patient at 30 degrees, and inform the medical team."

"total parenteral nutrition"

Complete intravenous nutritional support administered through a central venous catheter when the gastrointestinal tract cannot be used, providing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals

"Total parenteral nutrition was commenced via a PICC line for the patient with a complex fistula who was unable to absorb adequate nutrition enterally."

"MUST score"

Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool; a five-step validated assessment tool used to identify patients at risk of malnutrition in hospital and community settings

"On admission the nurse calculated a MUST score of 3, indicating high risk of malnutrition, and requested an urgent dietary review and nutritional supplementation."

"jejunal feeding"

Delivery of enteral nutrition directly into the jejunum via a nasojejunal tube or surgically placed tube, used when gastric feeding is contraindicated due to gastroparesis or high aspiration risk

"Jejunal feeding was initiated for the patient with severe acute pancreatitis as it bypasses the stomach and reduces pancreatic stimulation compared with gastric feeding."

"haematemesis"

The vomiting of blood, originating from the upper gastrointestinal tract, ranging from fresh bright red blood to coffee-ground material indicating partially digested blood

"The nurse documented two episodes of haematemesis with an estimated volume of 200 mL and immediately commenced a large-bore intravenous cannula and fluid resuscitation."

"melaena"

Black, tarry, foul-smelling stool caused by the digestion of blood from an upper gastrointestinal source, typically indicating a bleed proximal to the ileocaecal valve

"The patient reported passing melaena for two days at home; on admission the haemoglobin was 68 g/L and urgent endoscopy was arranged."

"dysphagia"

Difficulty swallowing, which may be oropharyngeal or oesophageal in origin, classified as structural or functional and requiring investigation to exclude malignancy

"Progressive dysphagia to solids over three months was referred urgently for upper GI endoscopy to exclude oesophageal carcinoma."

"abdominal distension"

An increase in the circumference of the abdomen caused by gas, fluid, solid mass, or organomegaly, assessed by inspection, percussion, and palpation during clinical examination

"The nurse recorded increasing abdominal distension on daily measurement and documented associated discomfort and reduced bowel sounds to inform the medical review."

"tenesmus"

A persistent and painful urge to defecate with little or no stool produced, commonly associated with rectal inflammation, proctitis, or rectal carcinoma

"The patient described tenesmus waking him from sleep, which alongside rectal bleeding led to urgent referral for flexible sigmoidoscopy."

"Bristol Stool Chart"

A validated clinical tool that categorises stool consistency into seven types from hard lumps to liquid, used to standardise bowel assessment documentation and communication

"The nurse used the Bristol Stool Chart to document the patient's output as Type 7, loose watery stool with no solid pieces, consistent with an active colitis flare."

"guaiac-based faecal occult blood test"

A chemical test applied to a stool sample to detect the presence of hidden blood, used as a colorectal cancer screening tool and to investigate unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia

"Three consecutive positive guaiac-based faecal occult blood tests prompted a two-week-wait urgent colonoscopy referral in the symptomatic 62-year-old patient."

"bowel sounds"

The gurgling and clicking noises produced by intestinal peristalsis, assessed by auscultation with a stethoscope; absent or high-pitched sounds indicate pathology such as ileus or obstruction

"Post-operative auscultation revealed absent bowel sounds in all four quadrants at 24 hours, consistent with a paralytic ileus, and oral intake was withheld."