This book is the official publication of the Society of Gastroenter-ology Nurses and Associates. This text encompasses all aspects of practice including professional issues and standards; anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the GI system; patient care using the nursing process; diagnostic procedures, pharmacologic, intravenous, and nutritional interventions; and gastro-enterologic therapies and complications. Chapters include a statement of purpose and learning objectives, case studies with related questions and suggested responses as well as terms and questions for review. The appendix includes an answer key for review questions and a complete list of the role delineations (Competencies) developed by The Certifying Board of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates in conjunction with Professional Examination Service (PES) and members-at-large of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates. * Presents content in a functional format and appropriate language level to accommodate all levels of professionals and associates working in the field of gastroenterology. * Offers review terms and questions to reinforce key content. * Bridges theory and practice through discussion of the nursing process to prepare readers for the chapters on technical aspects of endoscopy and gastroenterology nursing. * Provides "Case Situations" followed by "Points to Think About" and "Suggested Responses" to assist readers in applying the material and evaluating their responses with the author"s view. * Offers current 1997 JCAHO standards of care to include patient family education. * Offers revised 1997 Competencies that document the ability to perform essential job functions. * Provides current information on conscious sedation and recovery and discharge criteria. * Incorporates principles of managed care to recognize the impact on budget management. * Includes discussion of central venous catheters and intravenous therapy to assist with the responsibilities of patient observation and routine IV care. * Expands content of biliary stents to familiarize readers with the new types of stents on the market: wire mesh, Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS). * Examines and discusses endoscopic ultrasound and small bowel enteroscopy and pancreatic and small bowel manometry. * An official publication of the SGNA. * Text is a comprehensive resource for the certification exam to assist readers in obtaining certification. * Features a new chapter titled "Surgical Procedures" and discusses esophageal surgery, nursing considerations, gastroduodenal surgery, pancreatobiliary surgery, surgical diseases of the colon, and colorectal surgery.