Gastroenterology Flashcards
What is a Miller-Abbott tube?
a tube that is used to relieve intestinal obstruction
How is a Miller-Abbott tube inserted?
through the nostril, the tube is passed through the stomach and into the small intestine
Intestinal tubes are often used for treatment of ________.
paralytic ileus
How often should a formula bag for tube feedings be changed?
every 4 hours
__________ are economical source rich in proteins.
Legumes
__________ destroys bacteria found in the mouth, reducing the change of infection.
Hydrogen peroxide
What is irritable bowel syndrome?
a condition marked by abdominal pain (often relieved by passage of stool or gas), constipation, diarrhea or both and the passage of mucus in stools.
Irritable bowel syndrom is often called __________.
Spastic bowel disease, no inflammation is present.
2 things to know about inguinal hernia:
- a bulge in the lower right quadrant
2. pain at the umbilicus radiating down the the groin
A classic symptom of hiatal hernia:
Reflux; awakening at night with heartburn
Suggestion for patient diagnosed with hiatal hernia:
- withhold food and fluids just before bed so food won’t slide (reflux) through the hernia, causing heartburn.
- tell pt not to lie down after eating
- elevate head when sleeping
Cystic fibrosis causes __________
deficiency in pancreatic enzymes that digest fats, carbohydrates and proteins. There is an impairment of intestinal absorption.
What kind of diet do you need for a patient with cystic fibrosis?
- High protein
- Low fat because it interferes with the absorption of other nutrients.
- High calorie diet
What is eructation?
the production of gas from the stomach; belching
What do you do if a patient has dry, parched (extremely dry) mouth and tongue?
the mouth should be rinsed with room temperature tap water before and after meals
Why do elderly clients need to increase their protein intake?
to slow down the degeneration process
What is a guaiac test?
it tests for unseen blood in the stool
________ increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Alcohol
What can lead to peritonitis?
bowel perforates as a result of increased intraluminal pressure within the gut, intestinal content are released into the peritoneum. Pt needs to prepare for emergency surgery.
What is pyorrhea?
the discharge of purulent matter
What can indicate pyorrhea?
red, swollen gums which is caused by improper cleaning and poor mouth hygiene.
What is polyethylene glycol-electrolyte (GoLYTELY)?
an osmotic laxative
3 things to prep for colonoscopy?
- ingest 4 liters of (GoLYTELY)
- After ingesting GoLYTELY, drink only water
- Tap water can be used to reconstitute the GoLYTELY powder
Why can’t you drink GoLYTELY solution cold?
Because it can cause hypothermia.
Bowel prep for colonoscopy and NPO status puts patient at risk for _________.
imbalances
4 things to know about suppository insertion:
- Pt must breath through the insertion to relax rectal muscles.
- Suppository should touch the wall the of the client’s rectum.
- Suppository should be inserted 3 to 4 inches into the patient’s rectum
- Lubricant should be applied to the tip of the suppository
What do you give for an aspirin overdose and why?
Charcoal, because it will absorb particles of salicylate.
When should charcoal be given for an aspirin overdose?
within 2 hours. It is important to know when pt last took aspirin.
What is diverticula?
an out pouching of the walls of the canal
Where and what kind of pain do you feel with diverticulitis?
Pain in the left lower quadrant. You feel a colicky pain.
How is diverticulitis relieved?
By the passage of stool or fart
Diverticulitis is associated with __________
deficiency of fiber
What kind of diet is needed for diverticulitis?
High fiber diet. Pt should take bulk laxative.
Food to avoid for pt’s with diverticulitis:
Seeds Nuts Corn Popcorn Cucumbers Tomatoes Figs Strawberries
C. dif requires what kind of precaution?
Contact precaution
C. dif causes __________
pseudomenbranous colitis
Diapered and incontinent its makes the pt _________ precaution.
contact, because of the fecal contamination potential
What foods contribute to gas production?
Onions, beans, chewing gum, skipping meals, drinking beers and cucumbers
3 things to know about a colostomy, sigmoid colostomy and ileostomy bag:
- Output from ileostomy needs to be measured
- Do not use moisturizers (emollient) because it prevents a good seal around the stoma
- Draining from ileostomy is very irritating to the skin
How often do you irrigate a sigmoid colostomy?
Not necessary more than once a day
How often do you change an ostomy bag?
At least once a week; which is a good time for the stoma to be closely inspected. However if the seal is loose or leaking it needs to be changed more frequently.
When can a patient with a colostomy resume activities?
After appropriate healing of the stoma or incision
If the stoma appears to be tight and there is a decreased amount of stool, what do you do?
Report is to the physician. It may indicate obstruction of the stoma stricture.
How often do you irrigate a colostomy?
At the same time everyday.
4 ways to eliminate odor in a colostomy bag:
- place a breath mint in the pouch
- place a commercially prepared deodorizer
- drinking
- eating crackers and yogurt
What is an ileal conduit?
a method of diverting the urinary flow by transplanting the ureter into a prepared and isolated segment of the ileum.
How do you clean the skin after an ileal conduit?
with soap and water, no antiseptic solution
What kind of drainage bad do you apply on an ileal conduit?
A close fitting drainage bag to avoid urine from contacting the skin
Can the contrast from GI studies interfere with other examination?
Yes
6 things that should be avoided in patients with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and why?
- Diets rich in milk and cream because they stimulate acid secretions.
- Aspirin
- Motrin
- meat extracts
- alcohol
- caffeinated beverages
3 symptoms found in patients with peptic ulcer disease:
- dull pain
- gnawing pain
- burning in the midepigastrium
If a patient has peptic ulcer disease and is taking a histamine blocker (Cimetidine, Tagamet) then _______________ are not necessary.
small, frequent feedings
Patients with gastric ulcers may be ___________
malnourished because food may cause nausea and vomiting
When does pain occur in patients with gastric ulcers?
1/2 hour to 1 hour after meals
__________ makes pain from gastric ulcers worse.
Ingestion of food
When do patients with duodenal ulcers experience pain?
after meals
When do you get the pain when diagnosed with acute appendicitis?
In the right lower quadrant
Pain in appendicitis usually comes prior to _________
nausea and vomiting (McBurney’s Point)
5 things to do with a pt diagnosed with acute appendicitis:
- no heating pads, enemas or laxatives should be used
- hold analgesics to avoid blunting pain
- pt should be NPO
- place ice bag on abdomen
- place pt in Fowler’s position is post-op to decrease tension on the abdomen
Nausea and vomiting that comes prior to abdominal pain frequently indicates ________.
gastroenteritis
What happens when you frequently use nasal sprays for allergic symptoms?
it can result in vasoconstriction that causes atrophy of nasal membranes, resulting in nosebleeds
If the skin over the abdomen is taut and glistening it indicates….
ascites
How do you enhance swallowing efforts?
sitting before a meal allows for a rest period before eating which helps minimize fatigue and helps the pt’s desire to eat.