Virginia HESI Level 4 Practice Test

Which statement best describes the role of Gastrografin in GI imaging after abdominal surgery?

Gastrografin is a water-soluble contrast agent used for GI studies Barium sulfate is a water-insoluble contrast agent used for GI studies Gadolinium is used for CT contrast Iodinated contrast is used for IV injections

Correct Answer:

Gadolinium is used for CT contrast

Explanation:

Gastrografin serves as a water-soluble, iodinated contrast agent for imaging the GI tract. After abdominal surgery, it’s preferred for leak evaluation because if a perforation exists, the contrast can escape into the peritoneal cavity and be seen on X-ray or fluoroscopy, helping identify the leak while avoiding the inflammatory risk of barium that can occur if leakage happens. Its water-solubility makes it safer in this setting compared with insoluble contrast. Gadolinium is used mainly for MRI, not GI imaging, and while iodinated contrast can be used intravenously, Gastrografin’s role here is specifically as a water-soluble GI contrast given orally or via a tube to visualize the gut and any extraluminal leakage.

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