Disorders of the large intestine Flashcards
Question 1 of 9
Make the connection. For each clinical scenario, drag and drop the condition that is best exemplified.
Wendell complains that his stool has recently been much darker than normal. He states this occurs regardless of what he has eaten. He reports that the darkened stools are happening with increasing frequency.
What condition explains Wendell’s symptoms?
appendicitis
Crohn’s disease
diverticular disease
cathartic colon
hemorrhoids
irritable bowel syndrome
melena
ulcerative colitis
volvulus
Melena
Melena occurs when there is a darkening of the stools due to the presence of digested blood. When bleeding happens in the lower portions of the colon or anal region, blood in the feces will appear bright red in color, as it is not digested. The dark color associated with melena indicates a bleed in the upper portions of the GI tract, with the dark color due to digestion of hemoglobin from the bleeding.
Question 2 of 9
Make the connection. For each clinical scenario, drag and drop the condition that is best exemplified.
John presents in the emergency department with a swollen abdomen. He is bent over in intense pain. When asked to describe the pain, John states that it is cramping in nature and going in waves. His abdomen feels tender to touch. John starts vomiting. A lower GI series is ordered, with results indicating surgery is needed.
What condition is consistent with John’s symptoms?
appendicitis
Crohn’s disease
diverticular disease
cathartic colon
hemorrhoids
irritable bowel syndrome
melena
ulcerative colitis
volvulus
Volvulus
Volvulus is twisting of the intestines. Pain results as ischemia develops in the twisted portion of the intestine. Cramping occurs as gas and fluid collect in the obstructed area. Because contents cannot travel through the intestine, vomiting results. The twisted portion can be visualized with a lower GI series, and surgical correction is needed.
Question 3 of 9
Make the connection. For each clinical scenario, drag and drop the condition that is best exemplified.
Claire presents in the physician’s office with the primary complaint of hematochezia. The appearance of bright red blood was very worrisome for Claire. She also reports pain and itching in the anal area. Claire’s rectal exam reveals dilated, swollen veins in the rectum.
What disorder does Claire have?
appendicitis
Crohn’s disease
diverticular disease
cathartic colon
hemorrhoids
irritable bowel syndrome
melena
ulcerative colitis
volvulus
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are dilated veins in the rectum or anus. These veins may enlarge and dilate due to excess straining or from increased pressure such as with pregnancy. Hemorrhoids may be located internally or superficially. Bleeding and itching in the affected area may occur. Hematochezia, or bright red blood from the rectal area, is associated with hemorrhoids.
Question 4 of 9
Make the connection. For each clinical scenario, drag and drop the condition that is best exemplified.
Stephanie complains of abdominal pain off and on for the past 6 months. She thought it would go away but instead has noticed lasting bouts of diarrhea interspersed with periods of constipation. Stephanie has tried different over-the-counter medications to address the symptoms, but nothing seems to be helping. Her most recent colonoscopy reveals no pathologic changes.
What disorder does Stephanie’s symptoms indicate?
appendicitis
Crohn’s disease
diverticular disease
cathartic colon
hemorrhoids
irritable bowel syndrome
melena
ulcerative colitis
volvulus
Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of intestinal motility. Alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation occur. The large intestine is affected. Unlike Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, signs of inflammation are not present. Lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, are often helpful.
Question 5 of 9
Make the connection. For each clinical scenario, drag and drop the condition that is best exemplified.
Nick complains of abdominal pain and bouts of diarrhea. He thinks that there may be blood in his stool and he has lost 15 pounds since his last visit 6 months ago. Nick is scheduled for a colonoscopy, which reveals a cobblestone appearance in areas of the colon, interspersed with normal-looking portions. A biopsy sample of the colon shows transmural damage.
What disorder does Nick have?
appendicitis
Crohn’s disease
diverticular disease
cathartic colon
hemorrhoids
irritable bowel syndrome
melena
ulcerative colitis
volvulus
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory condition that may affect the entire GI tract from mouth to anus. The inflammation may damage the intestinal wall, resulting in blood in the stool. Because the intestinal wall is damaged, absorption of food is compromised. Coupled with diarrhea, weight loss can be significant in those suffering active Crohn’s disease. In Crohn’s disease, transmural damage of the intestinal wall develops. Portions of the colon may take on a cobblestone-type appearance, interspersed with normal appearing segments known as skip lesions.
Question 6 of 9
Make the connection. For each clinical scenario, drag and drop the condition that is best exemplified.
Albert presents in intense pain that has been increasing over the last 2 days. The pain began in the center of the abdomen but has now localized more to the right lower quadrant (RLQ). The pain increases when he coughs or takes a deep breath. During his physical exam, he yelps in pain after the RLQ is palpated at McBurney’s point. Surgery is scheduled.
What disorder does Albert have?
Crohn’s disease
diverticular disease
cathartic colon
hemorrhoids
irritable bowel syndrome
melena
ulcerative colitis
volvulus
Appendicitis
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. Appendicitis often presents with acute, sharp pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. Palpation of this area often induces greater pain as the inflamed tissue is compressed. Pain may occur in specific area known as McBurney’s point. Surgical removal of the appendix is standard treatment for appendicitis.
Question 7 of 9
Make the connection. For each clinical scenario, drag and drop the condition that is best exemplified.
A clinician is working with Naomi, who appears to have an inflammatory bowel disease. Naomi has symptoms that could indicate ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Her colonoscopy results show inflammation beginning in rectal areas of mucosa only, no cobblestone appearance, and presence of several pseudopolyps.
What disorder does Naomi have?
appendicitis
Crohn’s disease
diverticular disease
cathartic colon
hemorrhoids
irritable bowel syndrome
melena
ulcerative colitis
volvulus
ulcerative colitis
Pseudopolyps are structures that develop in ulcerative colitis, but not Crohn’s disease. These masses of scar tissue form in response to the inflammatory damage associated with ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease, but not ulcerative colitis, causes transmural inflammation and a cobblestone appearance to the intestine.
Question 8 of 9
Make the connection. For each clinical scenario, drag and drop the condition that is best exemplified.
Henry complains of constipation and has a low-grade fever, as well as pain in the abdominal lower left quadrant (LLQ). Acute pain results from certain foods, whereas dull aching pain or no pain occurs after other meals. When reviewing his diet, you notice a lack of dietary fiber.
What disorder do you suspect?
appendicitis
Crohn’s disease
diverticular disease
cathartic colon
hemorrhoids
irritable bowel syndrome
melena
ulcerative colitis
volvulus
diverticular disease
A diet high in fiber is very helpful in preventing diverticular disease. Diverticula are small outpouchings that develop in weakened areas of the bowel, commonly in the large intestine. Sometimes, the pouches can become inflamed. This condition is known as diverticulitis. If the diverticula are on the descending colon, pain will appear in the LLQ.
Question 9 of 9
Make the connection. For each clinical scenario, drag and drop the condition that is best exemplified.
Karen has struggled with an eating disorder for the past 5 years, during which she has used caloric restriction and excessive exercise to maintain her body weight. For the past year, Karen has managed her weight with laxatives. Karen uses a laxative every day, usually of the stimulant variety. Lately, Karen feels as if her abdomen is always distended and she does not feel she completes a bowel movement.
What condition may Karen be experiencing?
appendicitis
Crohn’s disease
diverticular disease
cathartic colon
hemorrhoids
irritable bowel syndrome
melena
ulcerative colitis
volvulus
Cathartic colon
Chronic use of stimulatory laxatives can lead to cathartic colon. In this condition, the colon undergoes anatomical and physiological changes in response to the laxative use. The colon may become atonic, making fecal evacuation difficult.
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following characteristics is associated with Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease causes outpouchings in the intestinal wall.
Crohn’s disease affects only the mucosa of the intestinal wall.
Crohn’s disease is a condition of altered motility.
Crohn’s disease can affect the entire length of the GI tract.
Crohn’s disease can affect the entire length of the GI tract.
Question 2 of 5
The diagnostic reports of a patient show inflammation of the colon, but not the small intestine, and the formation of pseudopolyps. What condition do you suspect the patient may have?
Appendicitis
Ulcerative colitis
Irritable bowel syndrome
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis
Question 3 of 5
Alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea with no pathophysiological alterations in the intestines is associated with _____________.
diverticulosis
ulcerative colitis
Crohn’s disease
irritable bowel syndrome
irritable bowel syndrome
Question 4 of 5
The condition in which outpouchings of a weakened intestinal wall that may become inflamed is known as ________.
volvulus
diverticulitis
hemorrhoids
appendicitis
diverticulitis
Question 5 of 5
An inability to pass gas or produce a bowel movement may indicate _____________.
an appendicitis
an intestinal obstruction
Celiac disease
ulcerative colitis
an intestinal obstruction
