Gastrointestinal

Question 1

Peritonitis

Answer 1

Inflammation of peritoneum

Inflammation and spasms cause abdominal rigidity, leading to severe pain and anorexia. Perforated ulcers can be a potential cause.

Question 2

Bowel Obstruction

Answer 2

Mechanical BO:Caused by some sort of mechanical compression

Question 3

Functional BO:Something is not functioning correctly to produce active peristalsis

Answer 3

Something is not functioning correctly to produce active peristalsis

Question 4

Hiatal Hernia

Answer 4

Upper part of the stomach will bulge up above the diaphram

Can be Caused by increased intra-abdominal pressure

Question 5

Clostridium Difficile

Answer 5

Organism causing intense diarrhea, endotoxin, pseudomembranous colitis, discomfort….

Antibiotic Use Can Lead to decreased normal gut flora and C.Diff can take over.

Question 6

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder)

Answer 6

Pain etiology associated with periodic flow of gastric contents into the esophagus

Increased risk of Esophageal Cancer is a complication

Question 7

Peptic Ulcer/Gastric Disease

Answer 7

Often Caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori)

Heartburn (clinical manifestation)
Hematemesis should be reported right away.

Chronic bleeding, you will see occult blood signs (dark, black stool)

Question 8

Duodenal Ulcer

Answer 8

Often times will see epigastric pain 30 minutes to two hours after eating when the stomach is empty

Often times will see epigastric pain in the middle of the night

Question 9

Gastritis

Answer 9

Inflammation of the stomach’s lining (mucosa)

Acute: Epigastric Pain

Question 10

Gastroenteritis

Answer 10

Inflammation of the stomach and intestines causing diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.

If prolonged (or untreated) can result in electrolyte disturbances and dehydration

Question 11

Crohn’s Disease

Answer 11

inflammatory
Abdominal pain and cramps
Persistent diarrhea
Fever
Rectal bleeding
Constipation
Urgent need to move bowels
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Fatigue (or low energy)
Night sweats
Loss of normal menstrual cycle

Question 12

Ulcerative Colitis

Answer 12

Lesions are limited to intestinal mucosa

Inflammation and ulceration of the colon.

Question 13

Pancreatitis

Answer 13

Inflammation of the Pancreas

Upper Abdominal Pain

High Amylase and Lipase in Blood

High Blood Sugar

Question 14

Chronic Pancreatitis

Answer 14

Often Caused by Alcoholism

Question 15

Acute Pancreatitis

Answer 15

Often caused by gallstones (can be alcohol).

Question 16

Esophageal Atresia

Answer 16

Incomplete formation of esophagus

Question 17

Appendicitis

Answer 17

Infection from trapped stool in the appendix can cause inflammation and potential rupture.

Symptoms include lower right abdominal pain, fever, nausea, rebound tenderness, and occasional diarrhea.

Question 18

Gallstones=Cholelithiasis

Answer 18

Gallstones form when bile hardens in the gallbladder due to excess cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin.

Symptoms include severe pain in the right upper quadrant.

Question 19

Diverticulitis

Answer 19

Inflammation of little outpouchings (diverticula) of the colon

Typical Pain: Lower Left Quadrant

Question 20

Colorectal Cancer

Answer 20

Occult Blood in the Stool
Thin (Skinny) Stool

Risk factors include
Advancing Age
Genetics
Crohn’s Disease
High Fat Diet

Question 21

Hepatitis

Answer 21

inflammation of the Liver

Can be caused by infection, alcohol, or medications.
Cues
Abdominal Pain
Darker Urine
Fatigue
Fever
Jaundice
Joint Pain
Loss of Appetite
Off-color Feces
Nausea

Question 22

Portal Hypertension

Answer 22

Seen with liver failure

Can cause esophageal bleed which is highly deadly (Minnesota Tube)
High morbidity in esophageal varices bleed.

Question 23

Dysphagia

Answer 23

Difficulty Swallowing
May see weight loss (expected finding)

Question 24

Dysphasia

Answer 24

Difficulty speaking
Often from brain issues

Question 25

Diarrhea

Answer 25

Can be caused by viral or bacterial infection (acute)

Pain “Cramping”
WATCH ELECTROLYTES

Question 26

Constipation

Answer 26

Can be caused by dehydration, depression, immobility, and a low fiber diet.
Pain “fullness”