Chapter 13 Abdomen and GI System Flashcards
The abdominal cavity is the largest cavity within the human body. It contains the?
stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, ureters, bladder, adrenal glands, and large vessels.
- in women the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries are located w/in the abdominal cavity
- lying outside the cavity is the esophagus
The peritoneum is a?
membrane that forms a protective cover over the abdominal cavity.
-two layers: parietal peritoneium and the visceral peritoneium
Parietal peritonium
lines abdominal wall
Visceral peritonium
covers organs
The main function of the alimentary tract is?
ingest and digest foods, absorb nutrients, and excrete waste.
-products of digestion are moved along the digestive tract by peristalsis, under the control of the autonomic nervous system
Adult alimentary tract extends?
27 feet (8.2 m)
Esophagus
10 inches (25.4 cm) long connecting the pharynx to stomach & extending posterior to trachea through the mediastinal cavity & diaphragm -usual pH is 6.0-8.0
Stomach
Hollow, flask-shaped, muscular organ located directly below diaphragm in LUQ
- contents from esophagus enter stomach through lower esophageal sphincter and mix w/digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid
- gastric acid continues breakdown of carbohydrates that began in mouth
- pepsin breaks down proteins, converting them to peptones and amino acids
- gastric lipase acts on emulsified fats to convert triglycerides to fatty acids and glycerol
- stomach liquifies food into chyme & propels it into duodenum of small intestine
- pH 2.0-4.0
- pyloric sphincter regulates outflow of chyme into duodenum
Small intestine
longest section of alimentary tract
- 21 feet (6.4 m) long, beginning at pylori orifice and joining the large intestine at the ileocecal valve
- ingested food is mixed, digested, & absorbed
- 3 segments: duodenum, jejunum, ileum
- duodenum occupies first 1 foot (30 cm) & forms a C-shaped curve around head of pancreas
- absorption occurs through intestinal villi of duodenum, jejunum (8 feet [2.4 m] long), & ileum (12 feet [3.6 m] long)
- ileocecal valve between the ileum and large intestine prevents backward flow of fecal material
Large intestine (Colon) and Rectum
5 feet (1.5 m) long, consisting of cecum, appendix, colon, rectum, anal canal
- ileal contents empty into cecum through ileocecal valve; appendix extends from base of cecum
- colon divided into 3 parts: ascending, transverse, descending
- end of descending colon turns medially and inferiorly to form the S-shaped sigmoid colon
- rectum extends from sigmoid colon to pelvic floor, where it continues as the anal canal, terminating at anus
- large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes
- feces are formed in large intestine and held until defecation
Accessory organs of the GI tract?
Salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, pancreas
Liver
largest organ in the body (3.5 lbs) lying under the right diaphragm, spanning the UQ of the abdomen from the fifth intercostal space to slightly below the costal margin and has a variety of functions.
-Some of the functions of the liver include bile production and secretion; synthesis of most plasma proteins (albumin and globulin), carbohydrate, and fat metabolism; glucose storage; and production of clotting factors & fibrinogen,, and detoxification of a variety of substances including drugs and alcohol
The gallbladder is attached to the?
liver and concentrates/stores the bile that is produced in the liver.
- pear shaped sac, 3 inches (7.6 cm)
- cystic duct combines w/hepatic duct to form the common bile duct, which drains bile into the duodenum
- bile contained in feces creates the brown color
Pancreas
lies in upper left abdominal cavity, under the left lobe of the liver, behind the stomach
- has both endocrine and exocrine functions
- endocrine secretions include: release of insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and gastrin for carbohydrate metabolism
- exocrine secretions contain bicarbonate & pancreatic enzymes that flow into the duodenum
- lipase breaks down fats, amylase breaks down carbohydrates, protease breaks down proteins for absorption
Spleen
Highly vascular, concave, encapsulated organ about the size of a fist, situated in ULQ
- two systems: white pulp (consisting of lymphatic nodules and diffuse lymphatic tissue) and red pulp (venous sinusoids)
- functions: removal of old or agglutinated erythrocytes and platelets and activation of B & T lymphocytes
The urinary tract is responsible for?
The removal of water-soluble wastes. The urinary tract is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Kidneys
Located posterior abdominal cavity on either side at the spinal levels T12 through L3
- partially protected by ribs and a cushion of fat and fascia
- R kidney slightly lower than L kidney
- functions: secretion of erythropoietin to stimulate RBC production & production of a biologically active form of vitamin D
- nephron regulates fluid & electrolyte balance through filter and pressure system that produces urine
Ureters
Long, intertwining muscle bundles that extend for approximately 12 inches (30 cm) to insertion points at base of bladder
Some chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus may affect the GI or urinary systems. Diseases such as?
chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis may impair the ability of the liver to metabolize nutrients and drugs
Because drugs are metabolized in the liver, they may not be metabolized well in patients with liver diseases, which causes?
increased blood levels of these drugs
Patients who have had bariatric procedures for weight loss or gastrectomies ay have changed the?
Foods they eat and the amount and frequency of meals
Patients may have a colostomy or an ileostomy after surgery for such disorders as?
Colon cancer or ulcerative colitis
Patients who have had bladder cancer may have an?
Ileal conduit as an alternative route for urine excretion
Stress incontinence is?
The most common type & is characterized by involuntary loss of small amounts of urine during physical exertion such as coughing, sneezing, jogging, and lifting
-many women with urinary stress incontinence can be diagnosed from the history data alone
Urge incontinence is?
Associated w/a sudden strong urge to void
-people can have both types (stress & urge)
Risk factors for esophageal cancer
- age: increases w/age. less than 15% of cases are younger than 55yrs
- gender: men 3x greater
- gastroesophageal reflux disease: higher risk of adenocarcinoma of esophagus
- Barrett’s esophagus: associated w/long term gastroesophageal reflux & results in higher risk
- Smoking: longer they smoke the greater the risk
- Alcohol use: long term use increases risk. Alcohol+smoking=higher risk
- obesity: increases risk of esophageal reflux
- diet: high in processed meats and low in fruits and vegies increases risk
- workplace exposure: exposures to chemical fumes such as solvents used by dry cleaners increases risk
- injury to esophagus: Lye is a chemical found in drain cleaners that is a corrosive agent. Accidentally drinking from a lye-based cleaner bottle can cause severe chemical burn in the esophagus and stictures that can increase cancer risk
Stomach cancer risk factors
- Gender: men
- age: increase after 50, most diagnosed between 60-80
- race: higher in hispanic americans, african americans, asian/pacific islanders
- where they live: worldwide, stomach cancer more common in Japan, China, Southern & Eastern Europe, South and Central America
- Infection: Helicobacter pylori infection major cause
- Diet: large amounts of smoked foods, salted fish and meat, pickled vegies
- smoking
- previous stomach injury: surgery such as peptic ulcer
- blood type: blood type A
- Family history: first-degree family member with stomach cancer
- Work environment: workers in coal, metal, and rubber industries have higher risk
Colorectal cancer risk factors
- Diet: high in red and/or processed meats
- Physical activity: lack of regular exercise
- obesity: stronger association observed in men
- smoking
- alcohol
- age: 90% over 50
- personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer: history of adenomatous polyps. Even if colorectal cancer was removed it can develop cancers elsewhere
- personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease: inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis. People w/IBD often develop dysplasia that can change to cancer
- family history: first-degree relative
- Inherited syndrome: 5-10% of those who develop colorectal cancer have inherited gene defects
GERD is associated with mutation of?
G-protein beta 3 subunit gene (GNB3)
Genetic factors play a role in the acquisition of Helicobacter pylori infection causing?
Peptic ulcer disease
People with a first-degree relative who have had stomach cancer are?
More likely to develop this disease
People with a history of colorectal cancer in a first-degree relative are?
At increased risk
-risk is even higher if that relative was diagnosed with cancer younger than 45, or if more than one first-degree relative is affected
People who have a family member with renal cell cancer or bladder cancer have?
An increased risk
Personal and psychosocial history: Do you drink alcohol? If so, how much? How often? When was your last drink?
Alcohol is a risk factor for peptic ulcer disease; esophageal, stomach, and colon cancer; pancreatitis; & cirrhosis. Alcoholism may damage the liver, the organ that metabolizes alcohol
Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for?
Peptic ulcer disease, and cancers of the stomach, colon, pancreas, liver, kidney, and bladder
Right upper quadrant pain is associated with?
Disorders of the gallbladder, colon, liver, lung, and kidney
Left upper quadrant pain is associated with?
Cardiac, pancreatic, gastric, renal, or vascular disorder
Both right and left lower quadrant pain is associated with?
Colonic, gynecologic, or renal disorders
Sudden severe pain that awakens the patient may be associated with?
Acute perforation, inflammation, or torsion of an abdominal organ
Abdominal pain: Intense pain may be caused by a stone in the?
Biliary tract or ureter, rupture of a fallopian tube from an ectopic pregnancy, or inflammation such as peritonitis following perforation of a gastric ulcer
Visceral pain arises from the?
GI tract and pancreas and may be described as an ache and well-defined as a result of tumor growth; or it may be cramping, diffuse, and poorly localized because of obstruction
Pain from acute appendicitis starts around the?
Umbilicus and radiates to the RLQ
Back pain is associated with?
Abdominal aneurysms or duodenal ulcers
Pain from gallbladder disease may be felt in the?
Right shoulder
Pain od duodenal ulcer may?
Awaken the patient from sleep
Pain in gastroenteritis and irritable bowel disease is worse in the presence of?
Food because peristalsis is stimulated, which causes pain
A particular position may relieve abdominal pain
- pain from pancreatitis may be relieved in the?
- colicky pain from gallbladder or kidney stone is relieved by?
- Appendicitis pain is relieved by?
- Pain relieved after bowel movement may indicate?
- pancreatitis pain is relieved by: Knee-chest position
- colicky pain relieved with restless movement
- appendicitis pain relieved by lying very still
- pain relieved after bowel movement may indicate diverticulitis
Constipation is the symptom with the highest positive predictive value for diagnosing?
Bowel obstruction
Abdominal pain: Gastroesophageal reflux quality location associated symptoms aggravated by alleviated by
quality: gnawing, burning
location: midepigastric; may radiate to jaw
associated symptoms: weight loss
aggravated by: recumbency, bending, stooping
alleviated by: antacids, sitting up
Abdominal pain: Gastroenteritis
- quality
- location
- associated symptoms
- aggravated by
- alleviated by
- findings
quality: cramping
location: diffuse
associated symptoms: N/V, fever, diarrhea
aggravated by: food
alleviated by: vomiting, diarrhea
findings: hyperactive bowel sounds
Abdominal pain: Gastritis
- patient characteristics:
- quality:
- location:
- associated symptoms:
- aggravated by:
- alleviated by:
- findings:
patient characteristics: alcoholism
quality: constant, burning
location: epigastric
associated symptoms: hemorrhage, N/V, diarrhea, fever
aggravated by: alcohol, food, salicylates
alleviated by: antacids
Abdominal pain: Peptic ulcer
- patient characteristics:
- quality:
- location:
- associated symptoms:
- aggravated by:
- alleviated by:
- findings:
- patient characteristics: 30-50 yrs; more males than females
- quality: Gnawing, burning
- location: Epigastric, back, upper abdomen; Gastric 1-2 hrs after meals; Duodenal 2-4 hrs after meals, midmorning, midafternoon, middle of night
- associated symptoms: N/V, weight loss
- aggravated by: stress, alcohol; gastric ulcer aggravated by food; duodenal ulcers by empty stomach
- alleviated by: food, antacids (duodenal ulcers only)
- findings: Epigastric tenderness on palpation
Abdominal pain: Pancreatitis
- patient characteristics:
- quality:
- location:
- associated symptoms:
- aggravated by:
- alleviated by:
- findings:
- patient characteristics: Alcoholism, cholelithiasis
- quality: Steady, severe to mild, knifelike, sudden onset
- location: LUQ and epigastric; radiates to back
- associated symptoms: N/V, diaphoresis
- aggravated by: Lying supine
- alleviated by: Leaning forward
- findings:Abdominal distention, Decrease bowel sounds, LUQ tenderness
Abdominal pain: Appendicitis
- patient characteristics:
- quality:
- location:
- associated symptoms:
- aggravated by:
- alleviated by:
- findings:
- patient characteristics: any age; peak 10-20yrs
- quality: Colicky, progressing to constant
- location: Umbilicus, moving to RLQ
- associated symptoms: Vomiting, constipation, fever
- aggravated by: worse with moving, coughing
- alleviated by: lying still
- findings: rebound tenderness RLQ, positive obturator, positive iliopsoas
Abdominal pain: Cholecystitis or cholelithiasis
- patient characteristics:
- quality:
- location:
- associated symptoms:
- aggravated by:
- findings:
- patient characteristics: Adults; more females than males
- quality: Colicky, progressing to constant
- location: RUQ radiates to right scapula
- associated symptoms: N/V, dark urine, light stools, jaundice
- aggravated by: fatty foods, drugs
- findings: Tender to palpation or percussion of RUQ
Abdominal pain: Ectopic pregnancy
- patient characteristics:
- quality:
- location:
- associated symptoms:
- findings:
- patient characteristics: History of menstrual irregularity
- quality: sudden onset, persistent pain
- location: lower quadrant referred to shoulder
- associated symptoms: tender adnexal mass, vaginal bleeding
- findings: palpable mass on affected side