Exam 1: Lower GI Flashcards
The lower GI consist of what ?
- Large intestine
- Small intestine
- Rectum
- Anus
Diarrhea is defined as ?
Loose or liquid stools - 3 or more a day
True or False: All diarrhea is considered infectious until tested ?
True
Causes of Diarrhea ?
- Infections (viral, bacterial, parasitic)
- medications
- anything w/ magnesium in it
- Antibiotics can interrupt the flora of the GI tract - immunocompromised
- etc,.
How is Diarrhea managed ?
- Tx the cause
- Replace fluid & electrolytes
What is a complication of Diarrhea ?
Dehydration
True or False: Immunocomprimised pt’s are at risk for C-Diff ?
True
Constipation is defined as what ?
Difficult or infrequent stools - < 3 per week)
What are some causes of Constipation ?
- Diet
- Lifestyle
- Medications
- Narcotics*** (OIC = opioid induced constipation)
- Not enough daily fluid intake
What are some pt. education points about constipation ?
- utilize Fiber !!
- Miralax
- Prunes
- 2L of non-carinated liquid a day
- Avoid chronic use of laxatives and enemas
(can exacerbate constipation)
What is a complication of constipation ?
Hemorrhoids
Acute abdominal pain can be caused by what kinds of things ?
- Inflammation
- Appendicitis
- Diverticulitis
- Gastroenteritis
- Peritonitis
- Perforation or rupture - Obstruction
- Internal bleeding
Acute abdominal pain caused by inflammation can be caused by what types of things ?
- Appendicitis
- Diverticulitis
- Gastroenteritis
What can Peritonitis lead to ?
Septic shock
because abdominal contents are leaving the cavity they are meant for
True or False: Surgery may be needed for acute abdominal pain ?
True
Chronic abdominal pain can be caused by what types of things ?
- IBS
- Inflammation
- IBD
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Hepatits
- Adhesions
- Vascular insufficiencies
Adhesions are caused by what ?
Previous abdominal surgeries
What is Hepatitis ?
Inflammation of the Liver
Vascular insufficiencies are common with the ______________ artery ?
Mesinteric artery
What is the Pathophysiology of Chronic Pancreatitis ?
Pancreatic enzymes can’t exit the pancreas, so they are sort of chewing up the pancreas. (aka: Autodigesting)
What are Manifestations of Appendicitis ?
- RLQ pain (McBurney’s point)
- Rebound tenderness (classic sign)
- N & V
- Fever (aka: febrile)
- Leukocytosis (elevated WBCs)
What is Rebound Tenderness ?
When you press slowly and firmly, and then remove your hand/pressure quickly, and the pt. experiences more pain as you move your hand away
Where is McBurney’s point ?
Between the belly button and the right illiac crest
True or False: The surgery for the management of Appendicitis, is often done Laparscopically, especially if caught early or it didn’t rupture ?
True