Chapter 27 gastrointestinal Flashcards
what are some age-related changes in gastrointestinal system
- teeth are worn down or missing with age
- osteoarthritis of jaw
- decreased functioning taste buds
- xerostomia (dry mouth common)
- peristalsiis in esophagus is no longer triggered with each swallow
-walls of esophagus and stomach thin, secretions lessen - increase in heartburn and reflux
- constipation is common due to decreased intake and decreased intestinal motility
what to look for in physical assessment of gastrointestinal system
- anorexia/nausea/vomiting
- constipation/ ascites
what will be present in gastrointestinal diseases?
- changes in appetite
- loss of appetite
- weight gain or loss
- dysphagia
- intolerance to certain foods
- nausea/vomiting
- change in bowel habits
- abdominal pain
what are some diagnostic tests for gastrointestinal disease?
- radiography
- endoscopy
- biopsy
- stool urine studies
what are some common care problems of px with gastrointestinal issues
- anorexia
- nausea/vomiting
- flatus
- constipation
- diarrhea
what is anorexia nervosa?
px who refuses to eat adequate quantities of food and are in danger of starving to death
anorexia interventions and considerations
- mouth care
- monitor lab results
- document the percentage of each meal eaten
- include a variety of colors, textures, and tastes
- psychosocial and cultural factors
- older adult considerations
what can you give someone who has nausea? consideration for smell?
ginger
- avoid strong scents that can increase nausea
what can cause an accumulation of flatus ? what helps?
surgical intervention, mechanical obstruction, and accidental injury to the intestinal tract can cause disturbances in the passage of gas and fecal material
- exercise to reduce gas and bloating
s/s of constipation
- hypoactive bowel sounds
- firm abdomens
- abdominal discomfort or pain
- abdominal distention
what are some treatments for constipation
- tx of the underlying cause
- high fiber diet and increased fluid intake, raw fruits/veggies
- laxatives and bulk-forming agents
what are some complications of constipation?
- hypertension
- hemorrhoids and fissures
- fecal impaction
s/s of diarrhea
- abdominal cramps, distention
- increased frequency and fluid content of stool
- anorexia, thirst, dehydration
- fluid and electrolyte imbalances
what can cause diarrhea
- certain medications
- tube feeding formula
- certain metabolic diseases
- viral and bacterial infections
- gastroenteritis, ulcerative colitis, crohns disease
what are some nursing interventions/ considerations of px with diarrhea
- monitor intake and output
- administer ordered medications
- replace lost fluids, monitor for electrolyte imbalance and sign of dehydration
- avoid coffee and tea
- thorough hand hygiene
- standard precautions
