Gastroparesis: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

The answer is C. Gastric emptying scintigraphy

Gastroparesis is a motility disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying of solid food without mechanical obstruction. The most common etiologies are idiopathic, diabetic ( 25%), and postsurgical. Cardinal symptoms include nausea and vomiting, often accompanied by early satiety, postprandial fullness, bloating, and upper abdominal pain. Scintigraphic gastric emptying assessment over 4 hours is the gold standard for diagnosis. Initial interventions include dietary modifications (small-particle, low-fat, low-residue diet) and glycemic control optimization in diabetic patients. Pharmacologic therapy represents first-line medical treatment. The American Gastroenterological Association recommends metoclopramide or erythromycin as initial pharmacologic options. Metoclopramide (5-20 mg three times daily before meals) is the only FDA-approved medication for gastroparesis.