Gastrointestinal Flashcards
Peritonitis
Inflammation of peritoneum
Inflammation and spasms cause abdominal rigidity, leading to severe pain and anorexia. Perforated ulcers can be a potential cause.
Bowel Obstruction
Mechanical BO:Caused by some sort of mechanical compression
Functional BO:Something is not functioning correctly to produce active peristalsis
Something is not functioning correctly to produce active peristalsis
Hiatal Hernia
Upper part of the stomach will bulge up above the diaphram
Can be Caused by increased intra-abdominal pressure
Clostridium Difficile
Organism causing intense diarrhea, endotoxin, pseudomembranous colitis, discomfort….
Antibiotic Use Can Lead to decreased normal gut flora and C.Diff can take over.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder)
Pain etiology associated with periodic flow of gastric contents into the esophagus
Increased risk of Esophageal Cancer is a complication
Peptic Ulcer/Gastric Disease
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)
Duodenal Ulcer
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
Gastritis
Inflammation of the stomach’s lining (mucosa)
Acute: Epigastric Pain
Gastroenteritis
Inflammation of the stomach and intestines causing diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
If prolonged (or untreated) can result in electrolyte disturbances and dehydration
Crohn’s Disease
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
Ulcerative Colitis
Lesions are limited to intestinal mucosa
Inflammation and ulceration of the colon.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the Pancreas
Upper Abdominal Pain
High Amylase and Lipase in Blood
High Blood Sugar
Chronic Pancreatitis
Often Caused by Alcoholism
Acute Pancreatitis
Often caused by gallstones (can be alcohol).
Esophageal Atresia
Incomplete formation of esophagus
Appendicitis
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.
Gallstones=Cholelithiasis
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.
Diverticulitis
Inflammation of little outpouchings (diverticula) of the colon
Typical Pain: Lower Left Quadrant
Colorectal Cancer
Occult Blood in the Stool
Thin (Skinny) Stool
Risk factors include
Advancing Age
Genetics
Crohn’s Disease
High Fat Diet
Hepatitis
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
Portal Hypertension
Seen with liver failure
Can cause esophageal bleed which is highly deadly (Minnesota Tube)
High morbidity in esophageal varices bleed.
Dysphagia
Difficulty Swallowing
May see weight loss (expected finding)
Dysphasia
Difficulty speaking
Often from brain issues
Diarrhea
Can be caused by viral or bacterial infection (acute)
Pain “Cramping”
WATCH ELECTROLYTES
Constipation
Can be caused by dehydration, depression, immobility, and a low fiber diet.
Pain “fullness”
