Biopsy Forceps. Who handles it? PLEASE HELP

[nursing90504]

Nurses who work in an endoscopy clinic can you guys help me answer a question.

Who is the one who handles the biopsy forceps and "opens/closes" it?

At the place I just recently got hired at, they used medical assistants for that. Is that legal?

This is my first time working in an endoscopy clinic. I have been an MA for a family practice for 2 years. The doctor said that I can be trained to handle the forceps and from the looks of it, it isn't that hard to master, but I am just worried about the legal issues. I don't want to be sued or have a chance of being sued.

[BklynHeightsRN]

yes, it is absolutely legal as long as they are trained. And most places do this as it is less costly to have an RN in the room at all times.

RNs are the only ones who may inject the site (Epi, NS, whatever) or tattoo as far as I'm aware.

[BklynHeightsRN]

I'm sorry to say, hayest, but there is no way a doctor can do a colonoscopy alone. I don't think you understand the process of taking a biopsy. The doctor sees exactly where the jaws of the forceps or the loop of the snare is and is the one guiding it to the site. Once it's in place, the tech simply opens and closes without it moving at all. MOST polyps as well as biopsies are mere millimeters in size.

Insisting things are done "your way" is a terrible way to go about it. We are professionals, have some respect, please. If there is an RN in the room I guess you can request her to do it, but it's pretty disrespectful. These technicians are trained, certified, and probably do 80+ procedures weekly. You are no different. They have seen the most tortuous, loopy colons, they have seen masses and giant polyps, they have inserted clips for hemostasis where cautery might fail. I don't say this to scare you, but you are certainly not being respectful. It's like demanding a doctor take your blood pressure during a routine physical.

Also, I'd like to make you aware that NO sedative actually prevents a good exam as your colon spasms and you are not relaxed. I assure you it is not excruciating but there is tons of pressure and uncomfortable. Your colon is around 5 feet, FYI. Water INSTEAD of air? Sorry, but we need to use BOTH. If you are being truthful in saying that doctors told you your requests are doable, then THEY are the ones lying to you, have probably labeled you an anxious, unreasonable patient and are probably regretting performing your colonoscopy more than you are. Someone said it before and is absolutely right, most GIs don't even know how to work certain equipment; everyone plays a vital role.

If you want to make SMART requests, see if the doctor can use CO2 as opposed to room air or O2 as it absorbs 40x faster and you won't be crampy/gassy afterward.

See if the anesthesiologist can give you just a little Versed and Fentanyl where you are relaxed, you might not remember much, but you aren't completely "out" (even though Propofol is arguably safer, tends not to make you feel hung over, tends to prevent nausea, metabolizes very quickly, etc.)

Do what you want, I understand your anxiety and it is completely valid to you, but you are doing yourself (not to mention your healthcare team) a disservice by making ridiculous demands. I promise you, the prep is the worst part.

I believe we have answered your questions.