Digestive Function Flashcards
What is vomiting
Forceful emptying of contents of stomach and intestine through the mouth
What are the causes of vomiting
ipecac in duodenum, severe pain, distention of stomach, trauma of ovaries, testes, uterus, bladder or kidney and activation of chemoreceptors
What is the vomiting center of the brain
medulla
what usually precedes vomiting
nausea
What is Retching
begins with deep inspiration usually followed by vomiting
What is projectile emesis
Similar to retching
not proceded by either nausea or retching
medications for nausea and vomiting
Antihistamine- dimenhydrinate (gravol), Diphenhydramine (benadryl
Neuroleptic- prochlorperazine (stemetil)
Pro-kinetic agents- metoclorpramide (maxeran)
Serotonin blockers- ondasteron (zofran) (best one to use, less side effects)
Anticolinergics- scopolamine (transdermal patch)
Tetrahydro cannabinoid- POT (dronabinol) (cant use too much it will cause nausea)
Nursing implications of nausea and vomiting
Assess complete nausea and vomiting history, assess medications, warn patient about severe drowsiness, do not use alcohol with it will cause CNS depression
What is constipation
Difficult or infrequent defecation
Potential causes for constipation
neurogenic disorders of large intestine, functional or mechanical disorders affected by weakness or pain (surgery), highly refined foods, lack of regular exercise, depression and anticholinergics
What are the 5 kinds of laxatives
Bulk forming (acute and chronic), emollient (acute and chronic), hyperosmotic (chronic), saline (removal of helmiths), stimulant 9acute)
What are the metabolic consequences
Fluid, electrolyte and acid base disturbances
Which 2 laxatives do not enter your body and go into your blood system
emolient and bulk forming
How do bulk forming laxatives work
absorbs water to increase bulk, distends bowel to initiate reflex bowel activity EX. Psyllium (will not work if fully blocked
How does emollient laxatives work
Stool softeners and lubricants, promote more water and fat in the stools
How does hyperosmotic laxatives work
increase fecal water content and distends the bowels (cleans you out)
How does saline laxatives work
Increase osmotic pressure within the intestinal tract making more water enter the intestines
How do stimulant laxatives work
increase peristalsis via intestinal nerve stimulation (will cause pain and cramping)
What is the side effects of bulk forming laxatives
Impaction, fluid overload
What are the side effects of emollient laxatives
Skin rashes, decreased absorption of vitamins
What are the side effects of hyperosmotic laxatives
abdominal bloating, rectal irritation
What are the side effects of saline laxatives
magnesium toxicity, cramping, diarrhea, increased thirst
what are the side effects of stimulant laxatives
Nutrient malabsorption, skin rashes, gastric irritation
When does stool get hard when using laxatives
In the colon
Nursing implications of laxatives
electrolyte imbalances, obtain history of symptoms, elimination patterns and allergies, no laxatives if nauseous, vomiting or abdominal pain
What is diarrhea
increase in frequency of defecation and the fluidity and volume of feces
What is the systemic effects of diarrhea
dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, metabolic acidosis and weight loss
if diarrhea is accompanied by fever, cramping pain and bloody stools indicate
IBS
What is Steatorrhea
fat in stools
What are the 4 antidiarrheal drugs
absorbents and bulk forming, antispasmodics, opiates, intestinal flora modifiers
What do absorbant and bulk forming antidiarrheals do
Coat the walls of the GI tract
What do intestinal flora modifier antidiarrheals do
creates unfavourable environment for overgrowth of fungi and bacteria
What do opiate antidiarrheals do
decrease bowel motility and relieve rectal spasms, decreases transit time through the bowel so that more water and electrolytes can be absorbed
What are the interactions with antidiarrheals
decrease the absorption of digoxin, clindamycin, quinidine and hypoglycaemia agents
What are the 3 types of causes for abdominal pain
mechanical, inflammatory or ischemic
