GI Flashcards
Danger Signals
Acute A_____
Acute Ch_______
Acute D________
Acute P_______
(1) Colitis
Colon _____
C____ Disease
U______ Colitis
(1) Syndrome
Acute Appendicitis
Acute Cholecystitis
Acute Diverticulitis
Acute Pancreatitis
Clostridium Difficile Colitis
Colon Cancer
Crohn’s Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Acute Appendicitis
Patient who is a young adult complains of ____ onset of peri______ pain that is steadily getting worse. Over a period of 12 to 24 hours, the pain starts to localize at _____ point. The patient has no ______ (anorexia). Classic exam findings include low-grade ____ and right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain (McBurney’s point) with re_____ and g______. The p____ and o_____ signs are positive. When the appendix ruptures, clinical signs of acute _______ occur, such as involuntary guarding, rebound, and a b____like abdomen. Refer to ___.
Patient who is a young adult complains of acute onset of periumbilical pain that is steadily getting worse. Over a period of 12 to 24 hours, the pain starts to localize at McBurney’s point. The patient has no appetite (anorexia). Classic exam findings include low-grade fever and right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain (McBurney’s point) with rebound and guarding. The psoas and obturator signs are positive. When the appendix ruptures, clinical signs of acute abdomen occur, such as involuntary guarding, rebound, and a boardlike abdomen. Refer to ED.
Acute Cholecystitis
Overw_____ gender (1) patient complains of severe (1) quadrant or epigastric pain that occurs within 1 hour (or more) after eating a _____ meal. Pain may radiate to the right ______. Accompanied by nausea/vomiting and anorexia. If left untreated, may develop ______ of the gallbladder (20%). May require hospitalization.
Overweight female patient complains of severe right upper quadrant (RUQ) or epigastric pain that occurs within 1 hour (or more) after eating a fatty meal. Pain may radiate to the right shoulder. Accompanied by nausea/vomiting and anorexia. If left untreated, may develop gangrene of the gallbladder (20%). May require hospitalization.
Acute Diverticulitis
(1) Age patient with acute onset of high fever, anorexia, nausea/vomiting, and (1) quandrant abdominal pain. Risk factors for acute diverticulitis include increased a__, con_____, low dietary ____ intake, obesity, lack of exercise, and frequent (1)Rx use.
Signs of acute abdomen are rebound, positive ______ sign, and a _____like abdomen. Complete blood count (CBC) will show leuko_____ with neutro____ and shift to the _____. The presence of band forms signals severe bacterial _____ (bands are immature neutrophils). Complications include abscess, s____, il____, small-bowel _____, hemorrhage, per_____, fis____, and phlegmon stricture. May be life-threatening.
Elderly patient with acute onset of high fever, anorexia, nausea/vomiting, and left lower quadrant (LLQ) abdominal pain. Risk factors for acute diverticulitis include increased age, constipation, low dietary fiber intake, obesity, lack of exercise, and frequent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use.
Signs of acute abdomen are rebound, positive Rovsing’s sign, and a boardlike abdomen. Complete blood count (CBC) will show leukocytosis with neutrophilia and shift to the left. The presence of band forms signals severe bacterial infection (bands are immature neutrophils). Complications include abscess, sepsis, ileus, small-bowel obstruction, hemorrhage, perforation, fistula, and phlegmon stricture. May be life-threatening.
Rovsing’s sign is the finding of right lower quadrant pain during palpation of the left side of the abdomen or when left-sided rebound tenderness is elicited
Acute Pancreatitis
Adult patient complains of acute onset of fever, nausea, and vomiting that is associated with rapid onset of abdominal pain that radiates to the _____ (“b____”) located in the _____ region.
Frequent causes include _____ (approximately 90% of cases of acute pancreatitis), biliary factors, and al____ abuse. Abdominal exam reveals guarding and tenderness over the _____ area or the upper abdomen, as well as positive ______ sign (blue discoloration around umbilicus) and (1) sign (blue discoloration on the flanks). The patient may have an ileus and show signs and symptoms of sh_____. Refer to ED
Adult patient complains of acute onset of fever, nausea, and vomiting that is associated with rapid onset of abdominal pain that radiates to the midback (“boring”) located in the epigastric region.
Frequent causes include drugs (approximately 90% of cases of acute pancreatitis), biliary factors, and alcohol abuse. Abdominal exam reveals guarding and tenderness over the epigastric area or the upper abdomen, as well as positive Cullen’s sign (blue discoloration around umbilicus) and Grey Turner’s sign (blue discoloration on the flanks). The patient may have an ileus and show signs and symptoms of shock. Refer to ED
Clostridium Difficile Colitis
Severe w_____ diarrhea from __ to __ stools a day that is accompanied by lower abdominal pain with cr______ and f____. Symptoms usually appear within 5 to 10 days after initiation of _____ (such as _____ (Cleocin), fl______, ceph_____, and p______) have been implicated as the most likely cause of C. difficile infection. Most cases occur in patients in h_____ as well as those residing in n_____ facilities
Severe watery diarrhea from 10 to 15 stools a day that is accompanied by lower abdominal pain with cramping and fever. Symptoms usually appear within 5 to 10 days after initiation of antibiotics. (clindamycin (Cleocin), fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, and penicillins) have been implicated as the most likely cause of C. difficile infection. Most cases occur in patients in hospitals as well as those residing in nursing facilities
Colon Cancer
Very gradual (years) with v____ gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
Tumor may bleed intermittently, and patient may have (1). Changes in _____ habits, stool, or bl____ stool. H____-positive stool, dark ____ stool, and mass on abdominal palpation.
(1) gender, older patients (>___ years of age), patients with history of multiple p_____ or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as (2), and post_____l women with (1) should be referred to GI specialist for colonoscopy and endoscopy.
(1) race have the highest incidence of colon cancer in the United States. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for colon cancer between ages of __ and __ years (Grade A recommendation).
Very gradual (years) with vague gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
Tumor may bleed intermittently, and patient may have iron-deficiency anemia. Changes in bowel habits, stool, or bloody stool. Heme-positive stool, dark tarry stool, and mass on abdominal palpation.
Males, older patients (>50 years of age), patients with history of multiple polyps or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC), and postmenopausal women with iron-deficiency anemia should be referred to GI specialist for colonoscopy and endoscopy.
African Americans have the highest incidence of colon cancer in the United States. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for colon cancer between ages of 50 and 75 years (Grade A recommendation).
Crohn’s Disease
CD is an IBD that may affect what part of the GI tract?
If ____ is involved, there is watery diarrhea without blood or mucus. If ____ is involved, there is bloody diarrhea with mucus.
During relapses, fever, anorexia, weight loss, dehydration, and fatigue with periumbilical to (1) quandrant abdominal pain occur. ____ formation and ___ disease occur only with CD (not UC). May palpate tender abdominal mass. R____ and r_____ are common. Higher risk of (2) colon. Risk of development of _____ is also increased, especially for patients treated with azathioprine. More common in (1) ethnicity.
CD is an IBD that may affect any part(s) of the GI tract, from mouth (canker sores), small or large intestine, rectum, and anus.
If ileum is involved, there is watery diarrhea without blood or mucus. If colon is involved, there is bloody diarrhea with mucus.
During relapses, fever, anorexia, weight loss, dehydration, and fatigue with periumbilical to RLQ abdominal pain occur. Fistula formation and anal disease occur only with CD (not UC). May palpate tender abdominal mass. Remissions and relapses are common. Higher risk of toxic megacolon and colon cancer. Risk of development of lymphoma is also increased, especially for patients treated with azathioprine. More common in Ashkenazi Jews.
Ulcerative Colitis
IBD that affects what part?
_____ diarrhea with mucus (hematochezia) more common with UC than with CD. Severe “_____” cramping pain located on the ____ side of the abdomen with bl____ and gas that is exacerbated by food.
Relapses characterized by fever, anorexia, weight loss, and fatigue. Accompanied by (1)gia/ritis (15%–40%) that affect large joints, sacrum, and ankylosing spondylitis. May have ___-deficiency anemia or anemia of _____ disease. Disease has remissions and relapses. Increased risk of (2) colon.
IBD that affects the colon/rectum.
Bloody diarrhea with mucus (hematochezia) more common with UC than with CD. Severe “squeezing” cramping pain located on the left side of the abdomen with bloating and gas that is exacerbated by food.
Relapses characterized by fever, anorexia, weight loss, and fatigue. Accompanied by arthralgias and arthritis (15%–40%) that affect large joints, sacrum, and ankylosing spondylitis. May have iron-deficiency anemia or anemia of chronic disease. Disease has remissions and relapses. Increased risk of colon cancer. Risk of toxic megacolon.
(1)
A gastrinoma located on the pancreas or the stomach; secretes gastrin, which stimulates high levels of acid production in the stomach. The end result is the development of multiple and severe ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. Complaints of epigastric to midabdominal pain. Stools may be a tarry color. Screening by serum fasting gastrin level. Refer to gastroenterologist.
Zollinger–Ellison Syndrome
Route of Food or Drink from the Mouth
=
Esophagus → stomach (hydrochloric acid, intrinsic factor) → duodenum (bile, amylase, lipase) → jejunum → ileum → cecum → ascending colon → transverse colon → descending colon → sigmoid colon → rectum → anus
Abdominal Contents
Which quadrants/areas of the abdomen are these organs located?
(1): Liver, gallbladder, ascending colon, kidney (right), pancreas (small portion); right kidney is lower than the left because of displacement by the liver
(1): Stomach, pancreas, descending colon, kidney (left)
(1): Appendix, ileum, cecum, ovary (right)
(1): Sigmoid colon, ovary (left)
(1) area: Bladder, uterus, rectum
- RUQ:* Liver, gallbladder, ascending colon, kidney (right), pancreas (small portion); right kidney is lower than the left because of displacement by the liver
- Left upper quadrant (LUQ):* Stomach, pancreas, descending colon, kidney (left)
- RLQ:* Appendix, ileum, cecum, ovary (right)
- LLQ:* Sigmoid colon, ovary (left)
- Suprapubic area:* Bladder, uterus, rectum
Abdominal Maneuvers Indicating Acute Abdomen or Peritonitis
Psoas
Obturator
Rosving’s
Mcburney’s
Involuntary Guarding
Rebound Tenderness
Murphy’s
Carnett’s Test
Psoas/Iliopsoas Sign
How to perform the maneuver?
+ Sign
What does a + sign indicate?
With patient in supine position, have patient raise right leg against the pressure of the professional’s hand resistance.
RLQ pain = + sign
Indicates irritation of iliopsoas group of hip flexors suggesting acute appendicitis, peritoneal irritation
Obturator Sign
How to perform the maneuver?
+ Sign =
What does a + sign indicate?
Bend knee and rotate inward at hip joint
+ Sign = RLQ Pain with movement or flexion of hip
Acute Appendicitis, Acute abdomen or peritonitis
Rosving’s Sign
How to perform the maneuver?
+ Sign =
What does a positive sign indicate?
Deep palpation of LLQ
+ Sign = Deep palpation of LLQ results in referred pain to the RLQ
Sign of peritonitis/acute abdomen
McBurney’s Point
=
Palpation of RLQ illicits pain/tenderness - sign of possible acute appendicitis
(Area located between superior iliac crest and umbilicus in RLQ)
Markle Test (Heel Jar)
=
The Markle Sign, Markle Test or Heel Drop Jarring Test is elicited in patients with intraperitoneal inflammation by having a patient stand on his or her toes and suddenly dropping down onto the heels with an audible thump, or jumping in place If abdominal pain is localized as the heels strike the ground or patient refuses to perform bc of pain - Markle Sign is positive
Involuntary Guarding
=
With abdominal palpation, the abdominal muscles reflexively become tense or boardlike. Suspect acute or surgical abdomen. Refer to ED.
Rebound Tenderness
=
Patient complains of worsening abdominal pain when hand is released after palpation of abdomen compared with the pain felt during deep palpation. Suspect acute or surgical abdomen. Refer to ED
Murphy’s Maneuver
How to perform manuever?
+ Sign =
What does a + sign indicate?
Press deeply on the RUQ under the costal border during inspiration
Midinspiratory arrest is a positive finding (Murphy’s sign).
Positive with cholecystitis or gallbladder disease.
Carnett’s Test
How to perform maneuver?
What is it used to test?
Results of test?
Patient is supine with arms crossed over their chest. Instruct patient to lift up shoulders from the table so that the abdominal muscles (rectus abdominus) tighten.
An abdominal maneuver that is used to determine if abdominal pain is from inside the abdomen or if it is located on the abdominal wall.
If source of pain is the abdominal wall, it will increase the pain; if the source is inside the abdomen, the pain will improve.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
=
- ___ percent of U.S. adults have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Diagnosis is based on h____ and clinical s______.
- Chronic GERD does what to the esophagus? (2)
Acidic gastric contents regurgitate from the stomach into the esophagus due to inappropriate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter.
- Forty percent of U.S. adults have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Diagnosis is based on history and clinical symptoms.
- Chronic GERD causes damage to squamous epithelium of the lower esophagus, and in about 10% of GERD patients may result in Barrett’s esophagus (a precancer), which increases risk of squamous cell cancer (cancer of the esophagus).
Classic Case of GERD
Middle-aged to older adult complains of chronic heart____ of many years’ duration.
Symptoms associated with l___ and/or f__ meals that worsen when in what position?
Long-term history of self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) ant____ or __-antagonists
Risk factors may include the chronic use of N____, as____, or al____.
Middle-aged to older adult complains of chronic heartburn of many years’ duration.
Symptoms associated with large and/or fatty meals that worsen when supine.
Long-term history of self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) antacids and H2 antagonists.
Risk factors may include the chronic use of NSAIDs, aspirin, or alcohol.