CEN study set 4, GI, GU, OB-GYN Flashcards
At the completion of this section, the learner will be able to:
Prioritize treatments for patients with esophageal emergencies
Recognize signs of gastritis
Verbalize discharge instructions for patients with hepatitis
Differentiate between symptoms of small bowel obstructions and large bowel obstructions
Identify the abdominal organ most frequently injured in traumatic situations
The CEN exam contains ten questions on gastrointestinal emergencies which involve the following topics:
Acute Abdomen, e.g. peritonitis, appendicitis, Bleeding, Cholecystitis, Cirrhosis, Diverticulitis, Esophageal varices, Esophagitis, Foreign bodies, Gastritis, Gastroenteritis, Hepatitis, Hernia, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Intussusception,
Obstructions, Pancreatitis, Trauma, Ulcers
what is a Mallory-Weiss tear?
small tears in the junction of the esophagus and stomach caused by violent retching and vomiting.
describe the treatment and bleeding of a Mallory-Weiss tear
Bleeding is usually self limiting
In rare cases, may need fluid resuscitation and injection of epinephrine to control bleeding.
what is Boerhaave’s syndrome
Rupture of the esophageal wall secondary to violent retching and vomiting.
what is involved in the treatment of Boerhaave’s syndrome
IV fluids
Antibiotics
Surgical repair
explain Esophageal varices
bleeding from distended blood vessels in the esophagus and stomach, usually secondary to liver disease
explain the treatment of Esophageal varices
Treat hypovolemic shock with intravenous fluids and blood products Vasopressin (Pitressin) or sandostatin (Octreotide) - may be given with nitroglycerin to prevent cardiac ischemia Vitamin K (aquaMEPHYTON) to reverse underlying coagulopathies of liver disease Endoscopic procedures to control bleeding Sengstaken-Blakemore tube or Minnesota tube
what are the causes of Esophagitis
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD), Achalasia impaired motility of the lower 2/3 of the esophagus, Esophageal infections, drugs that inflame the esophagus.
what are some causes of Gastritis
Helicobacter Pylori infection, ingestion of noxious substances, stress, tobacco
what are the symptoms of Esophagitis
Pain
Burning in the chest
Worse with activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure
Worse 30 - 60 minutes after eating.
what are the symptoms of Gastritis
Epigastric pain relieved by eating food Nausea and vomiting (hematemesis) Diarrhea Anorexia Intestinal gas
what are some of the treatments of gastritis and esophagitis
cholinergics, dopamine antagonists, antacids, histamine H2 receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, and acid protective agents such as carafate
how do cholinergics treat esophagitis and gastritis?
such as bethanechol (Urecholine), increase lower esophageal sphincter pressure and promote gastric emptying.
how are dopamine antagonists used to treat esophagitis and gastritis?
such as metoclopramide (Reglan), move food through the gastrointestinal system faster.
what is the mechanism of action of antacids that make it useful in the treatment of esophagitis and gastritis
such as aluminum and magnesium (Maalox), neutralize stomach acid.
what do proton pump inhibitors do that make them useful in the treatment of gastritis and esophagitis?
Proton pump inhibitors, such as lansoprazole (Prevacid), shut down the acid pump in the stomach.
what do Histamine (H2)-receptor antagonists do that make them useful in the treatment of gastritis and esophagitis?
Histamine (H2)-receptor antagonists, such as ranitidine (Zantac), block acid production.
Acid-protective agents, such as sucralfate or Carafate do what
provide a thick protective coat over the lower esophagus and stomach.
discharge instructions for the treatment of gastritis and esophagitis might include:
Avoid irritating substances (NSAIDs, alcohol)
Avoid foods which decrease pressure on lower esophagus (chocolate, fatty foods, onion, garlic, peppermint, spearmint, tea and coffee).
Avoid medications which relax the lower esophagus (anticholinergics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diazepam, morphine sulfate, nicotine, nitrates, progesterone, estrogen and theophylline)
Eat small meals
Elevate HOB on 6 - 8” blocks
Encourage weight loss and smoking cessation
Regardless of site of ulcer, typical pain is described as
“squeezing”, “indigestion”, “gnawing”, “colicky”, “aching” or “feeling of fullness” that is often epigastric and may radiate through to the mid back
what is the common demographic or age group affected by Duodenal ulcers and what causes and relieves pain?
Common between the ages of 30 and 55
•Pain starts prior to meals and is relieved by food or antacids
what is the common age group affected by gastric ulcers and when does the pain usually start?
Common between the ages of 55 and 70.
•Pain usually occurs after eating
describe the pain usually associated with cholecystitis
RUQ tenderness, guarding and rigidity, aggravated by taking a deep breath
Typically follows ingestion of fried ro fatty foods or ingestion of a large meal.
Murphy’s sign (inability to inhale deeply during palpation under the right costal margin near the liver).
define Murphy’s sign
inability of the patient to inhale deeply during palpation under the right costal margin
what is cholecystitis
acute or chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by a gallstone that cannot pass
what are some of the signs and symptoms of cholecystitis?
pain, fever with infection, jaundice and dark urine
what is used to diagnose cholecystitis?
Elevated white blood cell count, serum and urine bilirubin and ALT.
Thickened gallbladder wall, gallstones and pericholecystic fluid on ultrasound.
what is the method used in the treatment of cholecystitis?
IV fluids Antiemetics and analgesics NPO/Gastric tube Antibiotics Cholecystectomy after infection has subsided
what are the clinical manifestations of pancreatitis?
Pain - Rapid onset epigastric through to the back aggravated by eating, alcohol intake,
walking or lying supine but relieved by leaning forward or assuming fetal position
Abdomen tender to palpation
Abnormal labs include elevated WBC, serum amylase, serum glucose and serum triglycerides.
what are some Complications associated with pancreatitis
Pleural effusion and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), Pancreatic abscess and sepsis, Retroperitoneal bleeding and hypovolemia, hypocalcemia