Gastrointestinal Flashcards
What are the major functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract?
Digestion, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste.
What enzyme is found in saliva and begins carbohydrate digestion?
Amylase
What enzyme does the stomach secrete for protein digestion?
Pepsin
What pancreatic enzymes aid digestion?
Trypsin (proteins), Lipase (fats), Amylase (starches)
Where does most nutrient absorption occur?
Small intestine
What is the role of the large intestine?
Absorbs water and forms stool.
What are common symptoms of GI dysfunction?
Pain, dyspepsia (indigestion), bloating, nausea, vomiting, stool changes
What are signs of constipation?
Hard stools, bloating, straining, <3 bowel movements per week
What are signs of diarrhea?
Loose, frequent stools (>3 per day), abdominal cramps
What test is used to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum?
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
What test is used to screen for colorectal cancer?
Colonoscopy
What breath test detects H. pylori infection?
Urea breath test
What is a barium enema used for?
To evaluate the lower GI tract
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease – backflow of gastric contents into the esophagus
What are common causes of GERD?
Incompetent lower esophageal sphincter (LES), hiatal hernia, obesity
How is GERD managed?
Lifestyle changes (avoid caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods), PPIs, H2 blockers
What is a hiatal hernia?
Protrusion of the stomach through the diaphragm into the chest cavity
When is enteral nutrition used?
When oral intake is inadequate but the GI tract is functioning
What are the types of enteral tubes?
Nasoduodenal/nasojejunal (short-term), PEG tube (long-term), J-tube
What are key nursing considerations for enteral nutrition?
Monitor tube placement, hydration, aspiration risk, and prevent infections
What is acute gastritis?
Rapid inflammation of the stomach lining, often due to NSAIDs or alcohol
What is chronic gastritis?
Prolonged inflammation due to H. pylori, autoimmune conditions
What is peptic ulcer disease (PUD)?
Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum caused by H. pylori or NSAIDs
What are complications of Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)?
Bleeding, perforation, obstruction
What are symptoms of appendicitis?
RLQ pain (McBurney’s point), nausea, fever, rebound tenderness
What is peritonitis?
Inflammation of the peritoneum, usually due to perforation (appendix, ulcer)
What is diverticulosis?
pouches in the colon
What is diverticulitis?
infected/inflamed pouches in the colon
How is bowel obstruction managed?
NG tube for decompression, IV fluids, surgery if needed
What are common symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Blood in stool, weight loss, changes in bowel habits
What is Crohn’s disease?
Full-thickness inflammation, anywhere in GI tract
What is ulcerative colitis?
Mucosal inflammation, starts in rectum/colon
How is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) diagnosed?
CBC, C-reactive protein, stool tests, colonoscopy
What medications are used to treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
Aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants
What is the function of the gallbladder?
Stores and releases bile for fat digestion
What is cholelithiasis?
Gallstones
How is cholelithiasis treated?
ERCP (stone removal), cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
What is pancreatitis?
Inflammation of the pancreas
What are causes of acute pancreatitis?
Gallstones, alcohol use
What are symptoms/signs of pancreatitis?
Severe epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, elevated amylase/lipase
How is pancreatitis managed?
IV fluids, pain control, NPO, nutritional support
What is the main difference between acute and chronic pancreatitis?
Acute – sudden, often due to gallstones/alcohol; Chronic – progressive, leads to pancreatic insufficiency
What lab values are elevated in pancreatitis?
Amylase and lipase
What is peristalsis?
series of wave-like muscle contractions that propel food through the GI tract
What are symptoms of Dyspepsia (indigestion)?
heartburn, bloating, regurgitation
What is a sliding hiatal hernia?
the stomach and lower esophagus slide up into the chest through the diaphragm
What is a paraoesophageal hiatal hernia?
part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm next to the esophagus, but the lower esophageal sphincter remains in place
What are complications of an esophageal perforation during an EGD?
Increased pain, bleeding (decrease BP and increased HR), difficulty swallowing, increased Temp
What are complications of a bowel perforation during a colonscopy?
Rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, distention, tenderness, and guarding, fever
What are symptoms of hiatal hernias?
Heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, fullness after eating
