Clinical Flashcards
Define each of the following terms: hematemesis, melena, hematochezia
- hematemesis: blood in vomit/coffee-ground vomit
- melena: black, tarry stools
- hematochezia: red or maroon colored blood in stool
What usually causes melena and hematochezia?
- melena usually upper GI bleed
- hematochezia usually lower GI bleed
What color is acolic stool? Why is it that color?
white -> lacking bile
What foods and medicines can cause black/red stools?
- black licorice, blueberries, blood sausage, iron pills, activated charcoal, and pepto-bismol can cause black stools
- beets and foods w/ red coloring can cause red stools
What is a major risk factor for a small bowel obstruction? Name 4 other risk factors as well
- prior ABD or pelvic surgery -> causes adhesions
- other risk factors: hernia, intestinal inflammation, neoplasm, prior irradiation
What is achalasia?
disorder where LES does not relax and you cannot swallow food as easily
What is zenker’s diverituculum?
out-pouching in the back of the oropharynx where food gets trapped
What are 11 examples of alarm sxs in the GI system?
- dysphagia
- odynophagia (painful swallowing)
- hematemesis
- melena
- unintentional weight loss
- persistant vomiting
- constant/severe pain
- unexplained iron deficiency anemia
- palpable mass
- lymphadenopathy
- FHx of upper GI cancer
What is another name for iron deficiency anemia?
microcytic anemia
What is the name of the sign seen on a barium Xray in someone w/ achalasia?
bird’s beak in the distal esophagus
Causes of primary and secondary achalasia
- primary: loss of NO producing inhibitory neurons in myenteric plexus
- secondary: chugs disease (common in south america)
Sx of PUD
epigastric pain (gnawing, dull, sharp, burning, aching, hunger-like)
Name 4 diseases H Pylori is associated with?
- PUD
- chronic gastritis
- gastric adenocarcinoma
- MALT lymphoma in gastric mucosa
What are 2 great first line tests for H Pylori?
urea breath test and fecal antigen test
What medication should you have a pt stop taking 14 days before a urea breath test or fecal antigen test? Why?
proton pump inhibitors -> cause false negative
