digestive tract disorders Flashcards
The first section of the large intestine is the
cecum
colon goes up right side of the abdomen
Ascending
colon crosses abdomen just below waist
Transverse
colon goes down left side of abdomen
Descending
Age-Related Changes
Teeth are mechanically worn down with age
The jaw may be affected by osteoarthritis
A significant loss of taste buds with age
Xerostomia (dry mouth) is common
Walls of esophagus and stomach thin with aging, and secretions lessen
Production of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes decreases
Gastric motor activity slows
Movement of contents through the colon is slower
Anal sphincter tone and strength decrease
Abdomen
Inspection
Auscultation
Percussion
Palpation
Gastrointestinal Surgery
Preoperative nursing care
digestive tract is usually cleansed
Magnesium citrate or large-volume cathartic (laxative) solutions; enemas
Diet limited to liquids 24 hours before surgery, NPO after midnight
Intravenous fluids started preop
Oral antibiotics
Nasogastric tube inserted and attached to suction (often in surgery
Gastrointestinal Surgery
Postoperative nursing care
Be sure gastrointestinal suction is draining (low intermittent)
Inspect, describe, and measure the drainage
Assess abdomen for distention and bowel sounds
Administer intravenous fluids
Start out NPO, later may add ice chips
Keep strict intake and output records
Drug therapy
Emetics, antiemetics, laxatives, cathartics, antidiarrheals, antacids, anticholinergics, mucosal barriers, histamine-2 (H2)-receptor blockers, prostaglandins, and antibiotics
lack of appetite, leads to malnutrition
Anorexia
Appetite center is located in the
Hypothalamus
is the conversion of glycogen to glucose
Glycogeolysis
Cause of anorexia
Nausea, decreased sense of taste or smell, mouth disorders, and medications
Emotional problems associated with anorexia such as anxiety, depression, or disturbing thoughts
anxiety, depression, or disturbing thoughts
s/s of anorexia
hunger is absent, no desire of food, nausea may show hypovitaminosis (vitamin deficiency) body does not store any water soluble vitamins except B12
What are the labs with anorexia
hemoglobin level and blood count are reduced, RBC become enlarged. Serum albumin, electrolyte, protein levels are low.
Short term anorexia needs
no medical management
Persistent anorexia requires
high calorie diet, tube feedings,TPN, psychological support, psychiatric treatment.