Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders Flashcards
Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders tested
- Appendicitis
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding
- Intestinal Obstruction
Pathophysiology of Appendicitis
The appendix is a tube-like pouch attached to the caecum & when obstructed becomes distended and swollen.
The pressure built up in the Appendix will increase, causing inflammation, which cuts off the blood supply.
If not surgically removed on time, the Appendix will rupture and become gangrene, leading to peritonitis.
Clinical Manifestations & Complications of Appendicitis
CM: Pain, Rebound tenderness, Low-grade Fever, Anorexia, Nausea, Vomiting
C: Abscess, Perforation, Peritonitis
Nursing Management of Appendicitis
- Avoid and be free of perforation, peritonitis.
- Maintain afebrile state & decrease WBC/ remain at baseline.
- Control pain (post & pre-op) using Pain Score.
How is Appendicitis diagnosed?
It is often diagnosed through physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests such as Ultrasound or CT Scans.
Types of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
- Upper GI Bleeding, which can be caused by Peptic Ulcer, An enlarged vein oesophagus, Mallory-Weiss
- Lower GI Bleeding, which can be caused by Benign Tumour, Colorectal Cancer, Haemorrhoids, Inflammation, Swelling of Colon, Polyps
Clinical Manifestations of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
- Hematemesis (Vomiting of Blood)
- “Coffee-grounds” Vomit
- Diarrhoea
- Stools may be black & tarry
- Hematochezia (Stool containing partially digested blood with a foul odour)
Complications of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
- GI Haemorrhage: Tachycardia, Hypotension, Pallor, Decreased Urine Output
- Hypovolemic Shock: Acidosis, Renal Failure, Bowel Infarction, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Coma & Death
Nursing Implementation of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
- NBM
- Insert NGT
- Administrate IV Fluid as ordered
- IV Antibiotics/Antiemetics
- Observe/Measure gastric content
- I/O Charting
- Abdominal Assessment
- Monitor Lab results
- Hourly Vital Signs
- Prepare for Surgery
- Provide comfort measures & Promote a restful environment
Types of Intestinal Obstruction
- Mechanical (e.g. Hernia, Tumours)
- Functional (e.g. Paralytic Ileus)
Presentation & Complications of Intestinal Obstruction
P: Abdominal pain, Vomiting, Distension, Constipation
C: Hypovolemia & Hypovolemic Shock, Renal insufficiency, Pulmonary ventilation, Strangulation, Gangrene, Death
Nursing Management Goals of Intestinal Obstruction
- Relieve obstruction
- Manage discomfort
- Stabilise fluid/electrolyte balance
