Exam 3 Terms Flashcards
Absorption
The process of transferring food products into circulation
Acalculous Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder without the presence of gallstones
ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone)
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce corticosteroids
Alveoli
Tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs with the blood
Anorexia
Loss of appetite or lack of desire to eat, often associated with nausea
Antacids
Medications that neutralize stomach acid, providing temporary relief from heartburn and indigestion
Antiemetics
Medications used to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting
Antithyroid drugs
Medications that inhibit the synthesis or release of thyroid hormones, used to treat hyperthyroidism (e.g., propylthiouracil, methimazole)
Antrum
The lower part of the stomach.
Apnea
A temporary cessation of breathing.
Ascites
Accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal or abdominal cavity, often due to portal hypertension and hypoalbuminemia in liver disease
Asterixis
A flapping tremor, most commonly seen in the arms and hands, associated with hepatic encephalopathy
Bariatric Surgery
Surgical procedures performed to induce weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach or altering the digestive process
Barium Contrast Studies
X-ray imaging using barium to visualize the GI tract.
Barrett’s Esophagus (BE)
A precancerous condition in which the normal lining of the esophagus is replaced by tissue similar to the lining of the intestine, often due to chronic GERD.
Biliary Cirrhosis
Chronic liver damage caused by prolonged obstruction of bile flow within the liver or bile ducts
Biliary Sludge
A mixture of cholesterol crystals and calcium salts
Bolus Feeding
Intermittent delivery of a large volume of enteral formula over a short period.
Bronchi
The two main branches of the trachea that lead to the lungs
Bronchioles
Smaller branches of the bronchi that distribute air throughout the lungs.
Bronchoscopy
A procedure to visualize the bronchi through a fiberoptic tube.
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
A lab test that, when elevated, can indicate the breakdown of protein by GI tract bacteria, which can occur with blood in the GI tract
Calcitonin
A hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that lowers serum calcium levels
Catecholamines
Hormones produced by the adrenal medulla, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, involved in the “fight-or-flight” response.
CBC (Complete Blood Count)
A laboratory test to check for anemia or infection.
Central Parenteral Nutrition (Central PN)
Administration of nutrients intravenously through a central catheter placed in a large vein, such as the superior vena cava.
Cholecystectomy
Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly performed laparoscopically.
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder, often associated with gallstones.
Choledocholithiasis
Presence of gallstones in the common bile duct.
Cholelithiasis
Stones in the gallbladder
Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)
Long-standing kidney dysfunction
Cirrhosis
End-stage liver disease characterized by extensive degeneration and destruction of liver cells, replaced by fibrous and regenerative nodules. (Scarring of the liver.)
Coffee-Ground Emesis
Vomitus that resembles coffee grounds, indicating the presence of digested blood.
Colostomy
A surgically created opening (stoma) on the abdomen through which stool exits the body. It’s created from the colon (large intestine).
Compliance
The ability of the lungs to expand
Constipation
Difficult or infrequent bowel movements, often associated with straining and a feeling of incomplete evacuation
Continent Ileostomy (Kock Pouch)
A type of permanent ostomy in which the terminal ileum is made into an internal pouch that is manually drained.
Continuous Infusion
A slow, constant rate of enteral feeding, typically using a pump
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
A chronic inflammatory lung disease
Corticosteroid therapy
The use of glucocorticoid medications to treat various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions
Corticosteroids
A class of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex or their synthetic equivalents, having anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressant, and metabolic effects.
Cyanosis
Bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to poor oxygenation
Cushing’s Syndrome
A hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body’s tissues to high levels of corticosteroids, particularly glucocorticoids
Diabetes Insipidus (DI)
A deficiency of production or secretion of ADH
Diarrhea
Passage of three or more loose or liquid stools per day
Digestion
The process of breaking down food
Dumping Syndrome
A condition that occurs after gastric surgery in which food, especially sugar, moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, cramping, and diarrhea.
Duodenum
The first part of the small intestine
Dyspepsia
Indigestion; pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, mainly in or around the midline
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Elimination
The process of excreting the waste products of digestion
Endoscopy
A procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the esophagus to visualize internal organs or structures/lining
Enteral Nutrition (EN)
Providing nutrition through the gastrointestinal tract via a tube.
Enteric Nervous System (ENS)
The intrinsic nervous system of the GI tract
Enterocutaneous Fistula
Abnormal connection between the intestines and the skin, leading to leakage of contents
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
A procedure that uses an endoscope and X-rays to visualize and treat problems in the bile and pancreatic ducts.
Erythroplakia
A red, velvety lesion on the mucous membranes of the mouth, often precancerous, often progressing to squamous cell carcinoma.
Esophagitis
Inflammation of the esophagus
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Endoscopic procedure used to directly visualize the mucosal lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
Exophthalmos
Abnormal protrusion of the eyeball(s), commonly associated with Graves’ Disease, a cause of hyperthyroidism.
Expiration
The act of breathing out (exhalation)
Fecal Incontinence
Involuntary passage of stool
Fetor Hepaticus
A musty, sweet odor of the breath associated with hepatic encephalopathy
Gastric Pacemaker (Gastric Electrical Stimulation)
An implantable device that sends signals to block vagus nerve impulses, decreasing hunger and increasing satiety
Gastric Residual Volume (GRV)
The amount of fluid remaining in the stomach during enteral nutrition
Gastric Ulcers
Ulcers that occur in the stomach, most commonly found in the antrum
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
A condition in which stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation.
Gastrojejunal Anastomosis
Surgical connection between the stomach and jejunum.
Glossectomy
Removal of the entire tongue.
Glucocorticoids (Cortisol)
Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that have anti-inflammatory effects and influence glucose metabolism.
Goiter
An enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can be associated with both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, or due to iodine deficiency.
Graves’ disease
An autoimmune disorder and the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, characterized by diffuse thyroid enlargement and excess hormone secretion.
Guaiac Test (Fecal Occult Blood Test)
A test to detect hidden blood in the stool.
H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori)
A bacterium that can infect the stomach and is a major risk factor for peptic ulcers.
H2-Receptor Blockers
Medications that reduce stomach acid production by blocking histamine receptors.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
An autoimmune disorder that destroys the thyroid gland and is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
Hematemesis
Vomiting blood.
Hemiglossectomy
Removal of half of the tongue.
Hemoglobin
The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
Hepatic Encephalopathy
A terminal complication in liver disease. A neurological disorder caused by the accumulation of toxins, especially ammonia, in the bloodstream due to liver failure.
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver
Hepatorenal Syndrome
Renal failure with azotemia, oliguria, and intractable ascites in the setting of advanced liver disease.
Hyperparathyroidism
A condition characterized by excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands, leading to hypercalcemia (high calcium levels).
A condition with excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone.
Hyperthyroidism
A condition characterized by a sustained increase in the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland.
Hypertonic
Having a higher concentration of solutes than another solution (blood).
Hypertrophic
Excessive growth of tissue
Hypoparathyroidism
A condition characterized by deficient secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands, leading to hypocalcemia (low calcium levels).
Hypothyroidism (Subclinical)
A mild form of hypothyroidism where TSH levels are mildly elevated but T4 levels are normal.
Hypothyroidism
A condition characterized by a deficiency of thyroid hormone production by the thyroid gland.
Hypoxia
A decrease in oxygen supply to the tissues and cells.
Ileostomy
A surgically created opening (stoma) on the abdomen through which stool exits the body. It’s created from the ileum (small intestine).
Ileus
Paralysis of the intestines.
Ingestion
Taking in food.
Inspiration
The act of breathing in (inhalation).
Intestinal Obstruction
Blockage in the small or large intestine that prevents the normal passage of intestinal contents.
Jaundice
Yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by elevated bilirubin levels in the blood.
Jejunum
A part of the small intestine.
Larynx
The voice box, containing the vocal cords.
Leukoplakia
White, thickened patches on the mucous membranes of the mouth, often precancerous, often caused by smoking and potentially precancerous.
Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
A synthetic form of thyroxine (T4) used as thyroid hormone replacement therapy in hypothyroidism.
Lithogenic
Bile secreted by the liver that is supersaturated with cholesterol.
Malabsorption
Impaired absorption of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and vitamins.
Malnutrition
A deficit, excess, or imbalance of the essential components of a balanced diet.
Melena
Black, tarry stools caused by digested blood from the upper GI tract.
Mineralocorticoids (Aldosterone)
Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that influence fluid and electrolyte balance, primarily by regulating sodium and potassium levels in the kidneys.
Mucosal Protectants
Medications that form a protective barrier over the lining of the stomach or esophagus.
Mucositis
Inflammation of the mucous membranes.
Myxedema Coma
A rare but life-threatening complication of long-standing, untreated hypothyroidism characterized by decreased mental status, hypothermia, and other systemic effects.
Nausea
A feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Hepatic steatosis (accumulation of fat in the liver) not associated with other causes.
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
Inflammation and scarring resulting from fat accumulation in the liver.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
A class of medications used to reduce pain and inflammation that can increase the risk of peptic ulcers.
Nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS)
Abnormal thyroid hormone levels seen in critically ill patients, not due to primary thyroid dysfunction.
NPO
Nothing by mouth (nil per os).
Occult Blood
Hidden blood that is not visible to the naked eye.
Oral Exfoliative Cytology
Scraping cells from the oral mucosa for examination under a microscope.
Ostomy
Surgical creation of an opening (stoma) to allow intestinal contents to pass through the skin.
Overnutrition
The ingestion of more food than is required for body needs.
Oxygenation
The process of obtaining oxygen from the atmosphere and making it available to the body.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas.
PaO2 (Partial Pressure of O2 in Arterial Blood)
The amount of oxygen dissolved in the plasma, expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
A hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands that plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the blood.
Parenteral Nutrition (PN)
Administration of nutrients directly into the bloodstream intravenously, bypassing the GI tract.
Partial Mandibulectomy
Removal of a portion of the lower jawbone (mandible).
Pepsin
An enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach.
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
A condition in which sores develop in the lining of the stomach or duodenum caused by hydrochloric acid and pepsin.
Perforation
A hole in the stomach wall.
Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition (PPN)
Administration of nutrients intravenously through a peripheral vein.
Peristalsis
Propulsion movement of the GI tract.
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity.
Pleural Space
The space between the lungs and the chest wall.
Pneumothorax
The presence of air in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse.
Portal Hypertension
Elevated blood pressure in the portal venous system, often a complication of cirrhosis.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Medications that reduce stomach acid production by blocking the enzyme responsible for acid secretion.
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Obstruction of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches by a thrombus (blood clot), fat embolus, or air embolus.
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
Measures lung volumes and airflow.
Radioactive iodine therapy (RAI)
A treatment for hyperthyroidism that uses radioactive iodine to damage or destroy thyroid tissue.
Refeeding Syndrome
A potentially fatal metabolic disturbance that can occur when malnourished patients are fed too rapidly.
Regurgitation
The backflow of stomach contents into the mouth or throat.
Resistance
Impairment to air flow into the lungs, such as narrowed airways or presence of secretions.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)
A type of bariatric surgery that reduces stomach size and alters the digestive process. A small gastric pouch and attaches it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and duodenum.
SaO2 (Arterial O2 Saturation)
The percentage of oxygen bound to hemoglobin in arterial blood.
Sepsis
A life-threatening condition caused by the body’s response to an infection.
Short Bowel Syndrome
A condition resulting from the significant removal or bypass of the small intestine, leading to malabsorption.
SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone)
Results from abnormal production or sustained secretion of ADH.
Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve)
A bariatric surgical procedure that removes a large portion of the stomach.
Sphincterotomy
A surgical procedure to cut the sphincter of Oddi to allow bile and pancreatic secretions to flow more easily.
Sputum
Phlegm coughed up from the lungs.
Steatorrhea
Fat in the feces, often indicating malabsorption.
Stoma
A surgically created opening on the abdomen for fecal elimination.
Stricture
An abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage.
Subtotal thyroidectomy
Surgical removal of a significant portion (but not all) of the thyroid gland, often used to treat hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer.
Tachypnea
Abnormally rapid breathing.
Tetany
Neuromuscular hyperexcitability characterized by muscle spasms, often due to hypocalcemia (low calcium levels).
Thoracentesis
Insertion of a needle into the pleural space to obtain specimens or remove fluid.
Thyroiditis
Inflammation of the thyroid gland, encompassing several clinical disorders with various causes.
Thyrotoxic Crisis (Thyroid Storm)
An acute, severe, and life-threatening exacerbation of hyperthyroidism characterized by extreme physiological and clinical manifestations, severe hypermetabolism.
Thyrotoxicosis
Physiologic effects or clinical syndrome of hypermetabolism resulting from excess circulating levels of T4, T3, or both.
Thyroxine (T4)
The main hormone secreted by the thyroid gland, it is a precursor to T3 and influences metabolism.
Toluidine Blue Test
A screening test used to identify areas of abnormal tissue in the mouth.
Trachea
The windpipe, a tube that carries air to the lungs.
Triiodothyronine (T3)
A more potent thyroid hormone than T4, it has greater metabolic effects.
Tropic Hormones
Hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary that regulate the secretion of hormones by other glands.
Undernutrition
Depletion of nutrient reserves with insufficient nutrient and energy intake.
Urease
An enzyme produced by H. pylori that breaks down urea into ammonia.
Ventilation
The process of inspiration (breathing in) and expiration (breathing out).
Vomiting
The forceful ejection of partially digested food and secretions (emesis) from the upper GI tract.
WOCN
(Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse)
A specialist in wound, ostomy, and continence care.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
A rare condition with increased stomach acid production.
