Assessing The GI System

Question 1

Nutrition

Answer 1

The process by which the body via the GI system and the accessory digestive organs, ingests, absorbs, transports, uses, and eliminates nutrients in food.

Question 2

Dietary Reference Intakes

Answer 2

DRIs, the recommended amount of vitamins as labeled by the National Academy of Sciences.

Question 3

Tolerable Upper Intake Level

Answer 3

UL, the maximum level of daily nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse effects.

Question 4

Valsalva’s Maneuver

Answer 4

Closing the glottis and contracting the diaphragm and abdominal muscles to increase intra-abdominal pressure, facilitates the expulsion of feces.

Question 5

Bile

Answer 5

Greenish, watery solution containing bile salts, cholesterol, bilirubin, electrolytes, water, and phospholipids. These substances are necessary to emulsify and promote the absorption of fats.

Question 6

Ostomy

Answer 6

Surgical opening into the bowel.

Question 7

Flatus

Answer 7

Gas in the digestive tract

Question 8

Cheilosis

Answer 8

Painful lesions at the corners of the mouth

Question 9

Glossitis

Answer 9

Inflammation of the tongue, characterized by a bright red tongue. It is seen with vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron deficiencies.

Question 10

Leukoplakia

Answer 10

Formation of white patches or spots on the mucous membranes or tongue; these lesions may become malignant.

Question 11

Gingivitis

Answer 11

Inflammation of the gums, swollen, red gums that bleed easily.

Question 12

Striae

Answer 12

Whitish silver stretch marks that are seen with obesity and during or after pregnancy.

Question 13

Bruit

Answer 13

Blowing sound due to restriction of blood flow through the vessels.

Question 14

Borborygmus

Answer 14

Hyperactive, high-pitched, tinkling, rushing, or growling bowel sounds.

Question 15

Hernia

Answer 15

A defect in the abdominal wall that allows abdominal contents to protrude outward.

Question 16

Melena

Answer 16

Black, tarry stools that occur with upper GI bleeding

Question 17

Steatorrhea

Answer 17

Greasy, frothy, yellow stools that may appear with fat malabsorption.

Question 18

List the organs of the GI system.

Answer 18

Mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine.

Question 19

What organs are considered accessory organs of the GI system?

Answer 19

Liver, gallbladder, and pancreas

Question 20

What are nutrients?

Answer 20

Nutrients are substances found in food that are used by the body to promote growth, maintenance, and repair.

Question 21

List the size categories of nutrients.

Answer 21

Carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Question 22

What are the primary sources of carbohydrates?

Answer 22

Plant foods are the primary sources of carbohydrates (sugars and starches).

Question 23

Name five examples of monosaccharide and disaccharide carbohydrates.

Answer 23

Milk, sugar cane, sugar beets, honey, and fruits.

Question 24

List three sources of polysaccharide foods.

Answer 24

Polysaccharide starch is found in grains, legumes, and root vegetables.

Question 25

Carbohydrates are converted primarily into _____________.

Answer 25

Following ingestion, digestion, and metabolism, carbohydrates are converted primarily into glucose.

Question 26

What is the role of glucose in the body?

Answer 26

Glucose is the molecule the body cells use to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Question 27

What is excess glucose in a healthy person converted to?

Answer 27

Excess glucose in the healthy person is converted into glycogen or fat.

Question 28

Where is glycogen stored?

Answer 28

Glycogen is stored in the liver and muscles.

Question 29

Where is fat stored in the body?

Answer 29

Fat is stored in adipose tissue.

Question 30

What is a possible consequence of an excess intake of carbohydrates over time?

Answer 30

Excess intake of carbohydrates over time can result in obesity, dental carries, and elevated plasma triglycerides.

Question 31

What are the possible consequences of long-standing carbohydrate deficiencies?

Answer 31

Long-standing carbohydrate deficiencies lead to tissue wasting from protein breakdown and metabolic acidosis from an excess of ketones as a by-product of fat breakdown.

Question 32

Proteins are classified as either ____________ or _____________.

Answer 32

Proteins are classified as either complete (high value) or incomplete.

Question 33

Complete Proteins

Answer 33

Found in animal products such as eggs, milk, milk products, and meat. They contain the greatest amount of amino acids and meet the body’s requirements for tissue growth and maintenance.

Question 34

Incomplete Proteins

Answer 34

Are found in legumes, nuts, grains, cereals, and vegetables. These sources are low in or lack one or more of the amino acids essential for building complete proteins.

Question 35

Protein is used to build what body structures?

Answer 35

The body uses proteins to build many different structures, including skin keratin, the collagen and elastin in connective tissues, and muscles. They are also used to make enzymes, hemoglobin, plasma proteins, and some hormones.

Question 36

Nitrogen Balance

Answer 36

Healthy people with adequate caloric intake have an equal intake of protein synthesis and protein breakdown, reflected as nitrogen balance.

Question 37

Negative Nitrogen Balance

Answer 37

When the breakdown and loss of proteins exceed intake.

Question 38

What are some of the possible causes of a negative nitrogen balance?

Answer 38

Negative nitrogen balance may be due to starvation, altered physical states (from injury or illness), or altered emotional states (such as depression or anxiety).

Question 39

Positive Nitrogen Balance

Answer 39

Protein intake exceeds breakdown.

Question 40

When is a positive nitrogen balance considered normal?

Answer 40

A positive nitrogen balance is normal during growth, tissue repair, and pregnancy.

Question 41

What is a possible consequence of protein excess?

Answer 41

Excessive intake of proteins may lead to obesity.

Question 42

Inadequate intake of proteins increases a person’s risk of what pathophysiologies?

Answer 42

Deficits in protein intake cause weight loss and tissue wasting, edema, and anemia.