Master Pyelogram with Picmonic for Nursing RN

A pyelogram allows a healthcare professional to visualize the urinary tract, including the kidneys, bladder, and ureters.

A pyelogram can be performed to identify and diagnose disorders of the urinary tract. This procedure allows masses, obstructions, and lesions affecting the urinary tract, such as kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or urinary tumors, to be visualized and evaluated.

An enema is administered the evening prior to procedure in order to rid the bowel of any remaining gas or feces, as they may obscure visualization of the renal system. This can also be called a bowel prep. Keep in mind that radiologic studies using barium, such as a barium enema, should be scheduled after an IVP.

When contrast media is administered, the patient may experience flushing of the face and a salty taste in his/her mouth. The contrast media is used to visualize the urinary tract on x-ray.

An x-ray is taken to visualize the urinary tract. The contrast media is radiopaque, meaning that it shows up opaque, or white, on an x-ray.

Patients should be encouraged to increase fluid intake, if appropriate, after the procedure, in an effort to rid the body of the remaining contrast media.

Patients should be screened for any allergies prior to the procedure. Patients who have shellfish or iodine allergies may experience an anaphylactic reaction when given iodine-containing contrast media.

Patients with decreased renal function should not be given intravenous contrast media, as this substance is toxic to the kidneys and may worsen kidney function.