GI Flashcards
What are the major activities of the GI system?
Secretion of enzymes, acid, bicarb, and mucus; Absorption of water and almost all the essential nutrients needed by the body; Digestion of food into usable and absorbable components; Motility of food and secretions through the system.
What is nausea/vomiting?
The most common and uncomfortable complaint. Vomiting is a complex reflex to various stimuli.
When would we want to induce vomiting?
In the case of an overdose, induce within 60 minutes.
When would we not want a patient to vomit?
Patients who just had surgery, a patient with increased intracranial pressure, and a patient with partial consciousness.
How can we manage N/V?
By using emetics or antiemetics.
What are emetics?
They induce vomiting and they are no longer recommended for at home poison control.
What are antiemetics?
Decrease or prevent N/V. They are centrally or locally acting; if centrally acting, we will see side effects of drowsiness and sedation. They have varying degrees of effectiveness.
What are the groups of centrally acting antiemetics?
Antihistamines, Dopamine agonists, Anticholinergics, Serotonin antagonists, Benzodiazepines, Glucocorticoids, Cannabinoids, Miscellaneous.
What are phenothiazines?
Antiemetic.
What meds are phenothiazines?
Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), Promethazine (Phenergan), Prochlorperazine edisylate (Compazine).
What is the trade name and prototype for phenothiazines?
Promethazine (Phenergan).
What are the indications for Promethazine (Phenergan)?
Treat/prevent motion sickness, N/V.
How do phenothiazines work?
Block H1 receptor sites, and inhibit the chemoreceptor trigger zone.
What pregnancy category is Promethazine (Phenergan)?
Pregnancy category C.
What are the contraindications for Promethazine (Phenergan)?
Hypersensitivity, narrow-angle glaucoma, severe liver disease, intestinal obstruction, bone marrow depression.
When should we take caution when giving Promethazine (Phenergan)?
Cardiovascular disease, liver dysfunction, asthma, respiratory dysfunction, HTN, older adults, debilitated patients.
What are the side effects of Promethazine (Phenergan)?
Drowsiness (significant), confusion, anorexia, dry mouth and eyes, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, transient leukopenia, HTN, photosensitivity.
What drug interactions occur with Promethazine (Phenergan)?
Increased CNS depression and anticholinergic effects when taken with alcohol or other CNS depressants.
What are the adverse effects of Promethazine (Phenergan)?
Extrapyramidal syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, akathisia.
What lab results can occur with Promethazine (Phenergan)?
False pregnancy test.
What are nonpharmacologic antiemetics?
Weak tea, flat ginger ale or cola, gelatin, gatorade (cut in half with water), pedialyte, crackers, IV fluids for severe dehydration, cool rag on the forehead/neck, italian ice, ginger.
What is the indication for over the counter antiemetics?
Prevent motion sickness, N/V, dizziness.
What are over the counter antiemetics not effective for?
Severe vomiting related to anticancer agents, radiation, or toxins.
How do over the counter antiemetics work?
Inhibit vestibular stimulation in middle ear.
What are the side effects of over the counter antiemetics?
Drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation.
Over the counter antiemetics are no longer recommended for treatment of N/V in which patients?
Pregnant women in 1st trimester.
What are the non-prescription antiemetic medications?
Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), Meclizine Hydrochloride (Antivert), Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride (Benadryl), Trimethobenzamide (Tigan), Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol).
Which one of these is the most common?
Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).
Which one of these is used for vertigo?
Meclizine Hydrochloride (Antivert).
Which one of these has a paradoxical reaction of nausea?
Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride (Benadryl).
Which one of these can be used during pregnancy if the severe vomiting is threatening the mother’s/fetus’s health?
Trimethobenzamide (Tigan).
Which one of these can increase the risk of urinary retention in patients with BPH?
Trimethobenzamide (Tigan).
Which one of these acts as an absorbent?
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol).
How does Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) work?
Acts directly on gastric mucosa to suppress V/D; coats the wall of the GI tract and absorbs bacteria and toxins that cause diarrhea.
What is Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) indicated for?
Heartburn, indigestion, N/V/D, upset stomach.
You shouldn’t take Pepto Bismol if you’re allergic to?
Aspirin because it contains aspirin.
How is Pepto Bismol given?
Chewable, capsule, tablet, liquid.
Which test does Pepto Bismol affect?
Can cause a false positive guaiac (stool test).
When should we avoid inducing vomiting?
If the patient has ingested caustic substances such as chlorine bleach, ammonia, lye, toilet cleaners, battery acid; to prevent aspiration if petroleum distillates are ingested.
What should we use if emesis is contraindicated?
Activated charcoal - it is an absorbent.
What medication is an emetic?
Ipecac.
How does Ipecac work?
Induced vomiting by stimulating CT2 and acts directly on the gastric mucosa.
Which version of Ipecac should the patient use?
Syrup only. The fluid extract is potent and can cause fatalities.
What should the patient remember when taking Ipecac?
Take with a glass of water.
What is the onset for Ipecac?
15-30 minutes; if not successful, use the absorbent.
What do we lose a lot of when we vomit?
Vitamin K and potassium.
What patients tend to abuse Ipecac?
Anorexic and bulimic patients - can cause cardiomyopathy, VF, and possible death.
What is diarrhea?
Frequent loose stools, > 3 a day.
What are the causes of diarrhea?
Spicy/spoiled foods, bacteria/virus, laxative abuse, bowel tumor, IBS (Crohns/UC), stress/anxiety, malabsorption syndrome (Celiac’s disease).
What can diarrhea cause?
Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance (potassium and Vitamin K - lack of can cause ventricular dysrhythmias - watch coumadin), can be serious in elderly or young children.
What are nonpharmacologic treatments for diarrhea?
Avoid milk products/rich foods, drink pedialyte/gatorade, IV solution if serious.
What is traveler’s diarrhea also known as?
Acute diarrhea/ Montezuma’s revenge.
What is traveler’s diarrhea caused by?
E. Coli in contaminated water, fruit, veggies, meat.
What is the duration of traveler’s diarrhea?
2 days.
What is the treatment for traveler’s diarrhea?
Imodium; if serious, Fluoroquinolone.
How to prevent traveler’s diarrhea?
Bottled water, avoid ice, wash fruits and veggies, cook meat thoroughly.
What are the 4 classifications of antidiarrheals?
Opiates, Somatostatin analogue, adsorbents, Miscellaneous.
What is Diphenoxylate with Atropine (Lomotil)?
Opiate prototype for antidiarrheals.
How does Diphenoxylate with Atropine (Lomotil) work?
Treats diarrhea by slowing peristalsis and inhibits gastric motility.
How is Diphenoxylate with Atropine (Lomotil) given?
PO, well absorbed.
What is the onset for Diphenoxylate with Atropine (Lomotil)?
45-60 minutes.
What is the peak for Diphenoxylate with Atropine (Lomotil)?
2 hours.
What is the half-life of Diphenoxylate with Atropine (Lomotil)?
2.5 hours.
How is Diphenoxylate with Atropine (Lomotil) excreted?
By feces and urine.
What are the side effects of Diphenoxylate with Atropine (Lomotil)?
Drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, weakness, flush, rash, blurred vision, urine retention.
What are the adverse effects of Diphenoxylate with Atropine (Lomotil)?
Angioneurotic edema.
What are the contraindications for Diphenoxylate with Atropine (Lomotil)?
Severe hepatic/renal disease, glaucoma, severe electrolyte imbalance, children < 2.
What are the life-threatening effects of Diphenoxylate with Atropine (Lomotil)?
Paralytic ileus, toxic megacolon, severe allergic reaction.
What drug interactions occur with Diphenoxylate with Atropine (Lomotil)?
Increased CNS depression with alcohol, narcotics, antihistamines, MAOIs; may enhance hypertensive crisis.
What labs are affected by Diphenoxylate with Atropine (Lomotil)?
LFTs and amylase are increased.