Gastrointestinal System Flashcards
A fowler or semi fowler position is beneficial in reducing
the amount of regurgitation as well as in preventing the encroachment of the stomach tissue upward through the opening in the diaphragm.
Antiulcer drug abbreviation and action
anatacids
histamine 2 antagonists
proton pump inhibitors
Antacids- “oxide”- neutralize stomach acid content
Histamine 2 Antagonists- “tidine”- Prophylactic treatment for clients at risk for developing ulcers
Proton Pump Inhibitors-“prazole” - Treatment of erosive esophagitis associated with GERD
What does stress do to ulcers?
Exacerbates them
What are the clinical manifestations of a GI Bleed?
- Pallor: conjunctival, mucous membranes, nail beds
- Dark tarry stools
- Bright red or coffee-ground emesis
- Abdominal mass or bruit
- Decreased BP, rapid pulse, cool extremities, increased respirations
How much fluid loss does the GI tract account for?
100-200 mL/ Day
Opioids tend to decrease gastric
motility
Differentiate between diverticulosis and diverticulitis
Diverticulosis is the presence of pouches in the wall of the intestine. There is usu no discomfort, and the problem goes unnoticed.
Diverticulitis is an inflammation of the diverticula which can lead to perforation of the bowel
What are the nutritional needs for a patient having diverticulitis?
Acute
Recovery
Maintenance
Acute: NPO, graduating to liquids
Recovery: No fiber or foods that irritate the bowel
Maintenance: High-fiber diet with bulk forming laxative to prevent pooling of foods in the pouches. Avoid small poorly digested foods
What is a mechanical bowel obstruction?
Due to disorder outside the bowel (hernia, adhesions) caused by disorders within the bowel (tumor,diverticulitis) or by blockage of the lumen in the intestine.
What is a nonmechanical bowel obstruction?
Due to a paralytic ileus, which does not involve any actual physical obstruction but results from inability of the bowel itself to function.
What are the nursing priorities for an abdominal mass?
- NPO
- NG tube
- IV fluids
- Surgical preparations of bowel
- Food and Fluids are restricted for 8 - 10 hours before surgery
- if the patient has bowel obstruction or perforation bowel cleansing is contraindicated
- Oral erythromycin and neomycin are given to further decrease the amount of colonic and rectal bacteria
- If possible, all clients who require surgery for obstruction undergo NG intubation and suction before surgery
- Teaching
Diet to prevent bowel cancer
- Eat cruciferous vegetables; cabbage family
- Increase fiber intake
- Maintain average body weight
- Eat less animal fat
What are the recommendations for early detection of colon cancer?
- Digital rectal examination every year after 40
- A stool blood test every year after 50
- A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy examination every 10 years after the age of 50 in average-risk clients, or more often based on the advice of physician
What is an early sign of colon cancer?
Rectal bleeding
What are the clinical manifestations of jaundice?
- Yellow skin, sclera, or mucous membranes
- Dark clay colored urine
- chalky or clay colored stools