Exam 3 - Middle of Study Guide Flashcards
Define constipation.
Decreased frequency of BM
ID S/Sx of chronic constipation.
Decreased frequency of BM for at least 12 weeks of last 6 mo; Diarrhea alternating with constipation, abdominal pain/discomfort, pain with defecation, presence of bright red blood, stool black/tarry
Causes of constipation.
Medications (anticholinergics; CCB; Fe suplements; Opiates), DM, Hypothyroidism, Hypercalcemia, MS, Parkinsonメs
Define obstipation.
severe constipation that prevents passage of both stools and gas
What are typical causes of obstipation?
indicates an intestinal obstruction, such as a Volvulus (twisted bowel)
Define IBS.
Functional change in frequency or form of bowel movement without known pathology; possibly from a change in intestinal bacteria.
ID S/Sx of IBS
3 patterns possible: Diarrhea predominant; constipation predominant; or mixed. Symptoms present for >6 mo and abdominal pain for >3 mo plus at least 2 of the following 3 features - 1)improvement w/ defecation; 2) onset with change in stool frequency; 3) onset with change in stool form and appearance
What are the two conditions associated with IBS?
Ulcerative colitis & Crohn’s disease
What is ulcerative colitis?
Inflammation of the mucosa and submucosa of the rectum and colon with ulceration; typically extends proximally from the rectum
S/Sx of ulcerative colitis.
Soft to watery stools containing blood; mild cramping; lower or generalized abdominal pain; anorexia; weakness; fever in severe attacks. May include episcleritis, uveitis, arthritis, erythema nodosum.
Persons at risk for ulcerative colitis.
Younger people. Increases risk of colon cancer.
What is Crohn’s disease?
Chronic transmural inflammation of the bowel wall, in a skip pattern typically involving the terminal ileum and/or proximal colon
S/Sx of Crohn’s disease.
Small, soft to loose or watery stools, usually with little or no blood; Crampy periumbilical, RLQ (SI), or diffuse (colon) pain, with anorexia, low fever and/or weight loss. Perianal or perirectal abscesses and fistulae; May cause small or large bowel obstruction.
Persons at risk for Crohn’s disease.
Often young people, beginning in late teens, but also in middle age. More common in Jewish descent. Increases risk of colon cancer.
ID three primary forms of mechanical obstruction.
1) cancer of rectum or sigmoid colon; 2) fecal impaction; 3) Other obstructive lesions (diverticulitis; volvulus; intussusception; hernia)
How does cancer cause a bowel obstruction?
Progressive narrowing of the bowel lumen from adenocarcinoma.
ID S/SX of a bowel obstruction related to cancer.
Change in bowel habits; often diarrhea, abdominal pain, bleeding, occult blood in stool. In rectal cancer, tenesmus and pencil-shaped stools. Weight loss.
How does fecal impaction cause a bowel obstruction?
A large, firm, immovable fecal mass, most often in the rectum
ID S/SX of a bowel obstruction related to fecal impaction.
Rectal fullness, abdominal pain, and diarrhea around the impaction; common in debilitated, bedridden, and often elderly patients
How do other causes (not cancer or fecal impaction) cause a bowel obstruction?
Narrowing or complete obstruction of the bowel.
ID S/SX of a bowel obstruction related to other causes (not cancer or fecal impaction).
Colicky abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and intussusception, often “current jelly” stools (red blood & mucus)
What are common causes of melena?
GI bleeding above the Ligament of Triaz; Gastritis, GERD, peptic ulcers; stress ulcers; Esophageal or gastric varices; Mallory-Weiss tear;
What are common causes of hematochezia?
GI bleeding below the Ligament of Triaz; Colon cancer; hyperplasia; adenomatous polyps; diverticula of colon; ulcerative colitis; Crohn’s; Infectious diarrhea; Proctitis; Ischemic colitis; hemorrhoids; anal fissure
Describe the anatomy of the rectum.
Balloons out above anorectal junction; turns posteriorly. Includes Valve of Houston.