Exam 1: Upper GI Tract Flashcards
1
Q
Upper GIT consists of
A
- Mouth
- Pharynx
- Esophagus
- Stomach
2
Q
Esophagus
A
- 2 sphincters (one at each end); upper sphincter and lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
- tubular, striated for movement of food bolus
3
Q
Main function of esophagus
A
-Motility/peristalsis
4
Q
Disorders of the esophagus
A
- GERD
- Esophagitis
- Barrett’s Esophagus
- Hiatal Hernia
- cancer
5
Q
GERD
A
- backward flow of the stomach, duodenal contents into the esophagus (due to LES relaxation)
- burning sensation after meals (heartburn)
- competency of the LES
- caffeine, alcohol, pepper are usually irritating
6
Q
LES is often called:
A
The gatekeeper of the stomach
7
Q
Esophagitis
A
- Acute from reflux, ingestion of a corrosive agent, infection, intubation, radiation
- Chronic from prolonged contact w/ gastric acid or other irritant (ex: NSAIDS)
8
Q
Barrett’s Esophagus
A
- Precancerous condition
- Risk factors = prolonged GERD, males > 50, family history, smoking, activity levels
- increasing incidence over all cancers
9
Q
MNT for reflux and esophagitis
A
- Food restriction trial (pepper, coffee, alcohol)
- Smaller/more frequent meals
- eliminate chocolate, mint, high fat foods
- weight management
- remain upright 2-3 hrs after eating
- eat no more than 3 hours before bedtime
- lose fitting clothing
- raise head of bed for sleeping
10
Q
Hiatal Hernia
A
- outpouching of a portion of the stomach into the chest through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm
- epigastric comfort after large, energy-dense meals
- MNT = weight reduction, decreasing meal size
- May require surgery to strengthen diaphragm
- Causes: pressure from coughing, vomiting, straining w/ BM’s
11
Q
Cancer of Mouth/Esophagus
A
- Possible existing nutritional problems/eating difficulties caused by tumor mass, obstruction, oral infection and ulceration
- Chewing, swallowing, salivation, and taste acuity are often affected
