GI Flashcards

1
Q

What is the function of the GI tract?

A

process ingested food by mechanical and chemical means, extract nutrients from these food stuffs and excrete waste products.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What structures are a part of the Upper GI tract?

A
  1. Mouth
  2. esophagus
  3. stomach (largely storage function)
  4. duodenum (digestive function)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the job of the upper gi tract?

A

Aids in the ingestion and digestion of food

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What structures are a part of the lower GI tract?

A

Small and large intestine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the job of the small intestine?

A

Digestion and absorption of nutrients

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the job of the large intestine?

A
  • Water and electrolyte absorption

- Stores waste products until elimination

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

From mouth to anus, the GI tract has how many layers? What are they?

A
  1. Mucosa: epithelium layer of either squamous or columnar cells
  2. Submucosa: Accessory glands, lymphoid tissue, blood vessels, nervous tissue
  3. Muscularis: longitudinal (top to bottom) and circular smooth muscles
  4. Serosa: Outermost layer
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

T/F GI tract is open to the external environment at both ends outside of the body (what is inside the tract is outside of the body)

A

True

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

GI tract is populated by billions of what?

A

Bacteria in a symbiotic state - altered normal flora leads to disease

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

T/F Intestinal tract acts as a physical barrier.

A

True

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What lymphocytes are found in the intestinal tract that act in immune function?

A

Pyer’s Patches

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the purpose of mastication done by the mouth?

A

increase surface area of food - digestion easier

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What initiates digestion in the mouth?

A

Amylase

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the purpose of mucus production by the salivary glands in the mouth?

A
  1. Moistens food

2. Cleans the mouth

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

The esophagus connects what two things?

A

Throat (pharynx) to the stomach

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

T/F The esophagus lies in behind the heart and in front of the trachea and spine

A

False, behind (posterior) the trachea and heart, and in front of the spine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Peristalsis -

A

the involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine, creating wave-like movements that push the contents of the canal forward

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

The stomach excretes what to aid in digestion?

A
  1. Mucus
  2. Enzymes-Gastrin, pepsin (pepsinogen)
  3. Hydrochloric acid (low pH)
    - Parietal cells- HCl, intrinsic factor
    - Chief Cells – pepsinogen
    - Mucous neck & pit cells-mucous
    - G cells-produce gastrin
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is chyme?

A

Contents of the stomach

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Pyloric sphincter -

A

Distal end of stomach

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Gastric emptying -

A
  • emptying-forty minutes to a few hours

- movement of chyme through pyloric sphincter

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What 3 parts make up the small intestine?

A
  1. Duodenum
  2. Jejunum
  3. Ileum
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

T/F Small intestine has digestive and absorption functions.

A

True

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Small intestine excretes what to aid in digestive function?

A
  1. Bile: breakdown fats
  2. Pancreatic juices (cystic fibrosis limits this): break down proteins, starches, fats
    - Come through pancreatic duct
  3. Proteins, fats & carbohydrates
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What are lacteals?

A
  • aid in absorption function
  • lymphatic capillary that absorbs dietary fats in the villi of the small intestine.
  • Facilitate the transportation of digested fats from the villi of the small intestines
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

How does weight loss surgery affect nutrient absorption?

A

resection decreases nutrient absorption

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What is malabsorption syndrome of the small intestine?

A

group of disorders characterized by reduced intestinal absorption of dietary components and excessive loss of nutrients in the stool

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

malabsorption syndrome of the small intestine is associated with what symptoms?

A
  • Muscle weakness, muscle wasting, paresthesia
  • Numbness and tingling; neurologic damage
  • Bone pain, fractures, skeletal deformities (hypocalcemia)
  • Edema (protein deficiency)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What is the main function of the large intestine?

A

Water is absorbed here and the remaining waste material is stored here

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Crohn’s disease -

Tx -

A
  • chronic lifelong inflammatory disorder that can affect any segment of the intestinal tract.
  • Current treatment is directed toward symptomatic relief and control of the disease process on an individual basis.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Irritable bowel syndrome -

A
  • A group of symptoms that represent the most common disorder of the GI system.
  • Abdominal pain and discomfort lasting on average at least one day a week in the last three months
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

3 types of Irritable bowel syndrome -

A
  1. Constipation-predominant
  2. diarrhea-predominant
  3. mixed
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Diverticular disease -

A

outpouchings (diverticula) in the wall of the colon or small intestine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Diverticulosis -

A

diverticula present but uncomplicated

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Diverticulitis -

A

An infected & inflamed diverticula

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

How is diverticular disease treated?

A

Antibiotic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

First symptom of GI disease?

A

Nausea (NOT a disease but a symptom)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Nausea -

A

sensation of unease and discomfort in the upper stomach often accompanied by an involuntary urge to vomit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Emesis -

A
  • vomiting

- The involuntary, forceful expulsion of the contents of one’s stomach through the mouth and sometimes the nose

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Vomiting can be caused by what?

A

concussions, meningitis, intestinal blockages, appendicitis and brain tumor

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Resulting complications due to N&V?

A
  • Dehydration due to fluid and electrolyte imbalances
  • Pulmonary aspiration of vomitus
  • Mucosal tear at the gastroesophageal junction (Mallory-Weiss syndrome)
  • Presents with hematemesis (vomiting of blood)
  • Rupture of the esophagus
  • Malnutrition
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

Diminished appetite or aversion to food?

A

Anorexia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

T/F Anorexia is a nonspecific symptom

A

True

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

Causes of anorexia:

A
  • May be associated with N&V, diarrhea
  • Cancer patients may suffer from it
  • Voluntary food restriction
  • Often caused by psychological issues
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

Anorexia can result in what?

A
  • heart disease
  • renal disease
  • hypokalemia
  • hypotension
  • orthostatic hypotension
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

Cachexia -

A

Involuntary weight loss: Weight loss occurs despite getting adequate nutrition or a high number of calories

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

Cachexia is primarily associated with what?

A

Cancer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

Cachexia is also associated with what?

A
  1. ↑ metabolic rate
  2. ↑ sympathetic drive
  3. ↑ protein degradation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

Cachexia results in:

A
  1. Loss of strength secondary to loss of muscle mass
  2. Malnutrition
  3. Weight loss
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

T/F Cachexia, anorexia, and wasting are the same.

A

False, cachexia not the equivalent of anorexia and wasting

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

What is always measured in patients with cachexia?

A

BMI

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

Constipation -

A

Occurs when fecal matter is too hard to pass easily or when bowel movements are so infrequent that discomfort and other symptoms interfere with daily activities

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

Constipation may occur because of:

A
  • Age
  • Diet
  • Dehydration
  • Side effects of medications (opioids)
  • Inactivity/prolonged bed rest
  • Acute or chronic diseases of the digestive system
  • Underlying organic disease
  • lesions or structural abnormalities within the colon that narrow the intestines and/or rectum,
  • slow-transit alimentary canal – transit is slow
    defecatory disorders/defective reflex
  • Low back pain (LBP) → constipation (muscle guarding, splinting
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

Dysphagia -

A
  • difficulty swallowing
55
Q

Dysphagia caused by:

A
  • Neurological (CVA’s)
  • mechanical obstruction
  • trauma
56
Q

Achlasia -

A
  • Failure of the smooth muscle fibers to relax so lower esophageal sphincter fails to open when needed
  • Accumulation of food in the esophagus
57
Q

Heartburn, Indigestion -

A
  • Burning sensation in the esophagus usually at the midline below the sternum
  • sphincter between the stomach and esophagus doesn’t work as well -> Acidic stomach contents move into the esophagus
58
Q

What might contribute to Heartburn, Indigestion?

A

Hiatal hernia

59
Q

Mechanical abdominal pain -

A

Stretching of the wall of a hollow organ or the capsule of a solid organ

60
Q

Inflammatory abdominal pain -

A

Occurs by the release of prostaglandins, histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, which in turn stimulate sensory nerves

61
Q

Referred abdominal pain -

A
  • unpleasant sensation localized to an area separate from the site of the causative injury or other painful stimulation
  • Arises when visceral pain fibers and pain fibers from the skin synapse on the same second order pain fibers
62
Q

Gall bladder refers pain where?

A

to the top of the right shoulder

63
Q

Stomach problems may refer pain where?

A

to the spine between the shoulder blades

64
Q

Intestinal dysfunction may refer pain where?

A

to the middle or low back

65
Q

Ischemic abdominal pain -

A
  • Metabolites are released in the area of ischemia resulting the generation of pain.
  • Abdominal fullness cramps, or pain often occurring within 30 minutes of eating and last 1-3 hours
  • May progressively worsen
66
Q

Hematemesis -

A
  • The vomiting of blood

- Is always an important sign

67
Q

If hematemesis is red, where is the origin of injury?

A

injury is esophageal in origin

68
Q

If hematemesis has appearance of coffee grinds, where is the origin of injury?

A
  • Indicates the presence of coagulated blood

- injury is in the stomach in origin

69
Q

Hematochezia -

A
  • Unaltered red blood passed rectally
  • If the blood appears red = Usually lower colon or rectum
  • Often secondary to hemorrhoids
70
Q

Melena -

A
  • Passing of dark, tarry stools
  • Caused by bleeding from any intestinal site
  • Tumors, ulcers, inflammation
71
Q

T/F Acute GI bleeds are potential emergencies

A

True

72
Q

S&S of acute GI bleed:

A
  • Blood loss can be large
  • Anemia
  • Result in hypovolemia (lightheadedness, fainting)
  • Tissue hypoxia
73
Q

GI disease: Implications for the PT

A
  1. Body fluid loss-diarrhea, vomiting
  2. Electrolyte imbalance (↓ K+)
  3. Hypovolemia
    - Orthostatic hypotension (↓ blood volume)
    - Tachycardia
    - Pallor
74
Q

What 3 GI problems most commonly seen in older adults?

A
  1. Constipation
  2. incontinence (inability to retain fecal material)
  3. diverticular disease
75
Q

How does aging affect taste bud function?

A

Decrease in taste bud function and sense of smell → ↓ interest in food and decreased appetite

76
Q

How does aging affect salivary secretions?

A
  • Decreased salivary secretions

- Dental caries (cavities)

77
Q

How does aging affect smooth muscle tone?

A

Loss of smooth muscle tone:

  • Slower gastric emptying,
  • decreased gastric motility, reduced nutrient absorption
78
Q

Etiology of Fever Blisters/Cold Sores?

A
  • the result of a viral infection (Caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1))
  • Occur on or around one’s lips (are outside of the mouth)
  • Often are grouped together
  • Are very contagious
79
Q

Canker sores -

A

occur inside the mouth and are not contagious

80
Q

How is Herpes Simplex Virus Infection transmitted?

A

orally

81
Q

Herpes Simplex Virus Infection initial infection -

A
  • asymptomatic

- virus lingers in the trigeminal nerve

82
Q

Progression of Herpes Simplex Virus Infection -

A
  • Fever, sunlight, cold, trauma, infection leads to viral multiplication
  • Virus travels down axons and erupts in the mucosa as a cold sore or fever blister
  • Major problem for immunocompromised patients
83
Q

Oropharyngeal candidiasis -

A
  • Fungal infection
  • Candida Albicans normal inhabitant of the mouth
  • Causes pathology when there is some impairment in the normal microflora balance of the mouth (DM, HIV, anemia, antibiotics or glucocorticoid therapy, disseminated cancer)
84
Q

How can candida albicans spread in Oropharyngeal candidiasis?

A
  • May spread in vulnerable patients into esophagus

- Nasogastric tube may help spread the infection

85
Q

Squamous Cell Carcinomas sites of origin?

A
  • Cancers of oral cavity

- Vermillion border of the lower lip, floor of the mouth, lateral border of the tongue

86
Q

T/F Squamous Cell Carcinomas is often painless and therefore ignored

A

True

87
Q

Squamous Cell Carcinomas is associated with:

A
  • ETOH abuse
  • Tobacco use (primarily smokeless tobacco)
  • Poor oral hygiene, ill fitting dentures
88
Q

Prognosis of Squamous Cell Carcinomas dependent on what?

A

Early detection

89
Q

T/F Therapy for Squamous Cell Carcinomas is frequently extensive and is often debilitating.

A

True

90
Q

Dysphagia -

A
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • lack of pharyngeal sensation
  • Inadequacy in the swallowing mechanism
91
Q

Esophageal pain -

A
  • Center of the chest,
  • Pressing, or burning sensation
  • Distinguish this pain from angina or other cardiac pain
92
Q

Esophageal bleeding (Hematemesis) -

A
  • Common sign of esophageal diseases

- Tends to be red

93
Q

Hiatal Hernia -

A
  • A condition in which the upper portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through an opening of the diaphragm
    OR The stomach and lower part of the chest slide up in to the thoracic cavity
    OR the esophagus and stomach stay where they should be, but part of the stomach squeezes through the hiatus to sit next to your esophagus (Paraoesophageal hernia)
94
Q

What % of adult population will have hiatal hernia?

A

15-20%

95
Q

Hiatal Hernia symptoms:

A
  • Esophageal pain
  • GERD
  • dyspnea
  • may affect cardiac and cardiac function
96
Q

What should patient avoid if they have hiatal hernia?

A
  • Valsalva maneuvers in supine position

- Avoid Coughing, vomiting, straining, or sudden physical exertion

97
Q

Treatment of hiatal hernia?

A

Surgical repair, dietary modification

98
Q

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or Esophagitis -

A
  • Inflammation of the esophagus secondary to retrograde flow of gastric juices
  • Defect in the lower esophageal sphincter
99
Q

Symptoms of GERD:

A
  • Heart burn
  • dysphagia
  • frequent belching
  • painful swallowing
100
Q

T/F A hiatal hernia may weaken the LES and increase the risk for GERD

A

True

101
Q

Causes of GERD:

A
  • Obesity
  • pregnancy
  • smoking
  • asthma medications
  • calcium channel blockers
  • antihistamines
  • painkillers
  • sedatives
  • antidepressants
  • body position
102
Q

Aggravating factors of GERD:

A
  1. supine posture

2. specific foods

103
Q

How long can GERD symptoms last after eating?

A

2 hours

104
Q

GERD: Implications for the PT

A
  1. Avoid vigorous activities
  2. Any intervention requiring a supine position should be scheduled before meals and avoided just after eating
  3. For nocturnal reflux, encourage the individual to sleep on the left side with a pillow in place to maintain this position
  4. Avoid activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure
  5. Elevate head of the bed
  6. Lifestyle modifications
  7. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, salicylates, and NSAIDs
  8. Patient should wear loose clothing (increase abdominal pressure)
  9. Patient should remain upright at least 3 hours after meals (limit reflux – acid move with gravity)
  10. Should avoid meals near bedtime or nap time;
  11. Losing weight, if obese
105
Q

Symptoms of stomach pathologies:

A
  • Epigastric pain: high in the abdomen, just below the sternum
  • Hematemesis: Typically black, “coffee grounds”
  • Melena: black tarry stools
  • Frequent Vomiting
106
Q

Gastritis -

A

Generalized inflammation of the protective lining of the stomach mucosa (lining of the stomach)

107
Q

Acute gastritis -

A

hemorrhagic or acute erosive

108
Q

Chronic gastritis -

A

less common, possibly an autoimmune disorder, long term inflammation

109
Q

T/F Gastritis is common in severely ill individuals

A

True

110
Q

Gastritis can cause what type of deficiency?

A

Can cause a vitamin B12 deficiency (lack of intrinsic factor; produced in the gastric mucosa and needed for B12 uptake in the gut )

111
Q

Cause of gastritis:

A
  • H pylori –associated chronic gastritis
  • Decreased mucous production-decreased protection of the mucosa
  • Associated with presence of a serious illness
  • Chemical induced (NSAID’s aspirin)
  • Stress induced gastritis/physiologic induced
  • XRT
  • ETOH abuse
  • Common in severely ill
112
Q

3 Risk factors for gastritis:

A
  1. > 65 y/o
  2. Long term NSAID use
  3. Concurrent corticosteroid treatment
113
Q

T/F Gastritis and stomach ulcers are the same.

A

False, Not a stomach ulcer - a deeper open sore in the lining of the stomach.

114
Q

Symptoms of gastritis:

A
  • Epigastric pain with sense of abdominal distension/bloating
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Abdominal pain
  • Heart burn, low grade fever, N & V
  • Asymptomatic or symptoms associated with eating
  • Hematemesis
  • Black, tarry stools (melena)
115
Q

Gastritis: Implications for PT:

A
  • Know which patients are on stomach injuring drugs and how much they are taking
  • Be alert for symptoms (N&V, hematemesis)
  • Encourage patients to only take meds as prescribed/per manufacturer recommendations
    (With food (steroids with milk), Antacids)
116
Q

Peptic ulcers -

A
  • Breach in the protective mucosal lining exposing deeper layers (submucosal and muscularis) areas to injury by gastric secretions
  • Peptic refers to pepsin (enzyme produced by stomach)
  • Ulcers reach into muscularis layer, damaging blood vessels, causing hemorrhage
117
Q

2 subtypes of peptic ulcers?

A
  1. Gastric ulcer

2. Duodenal ulcers

118
Q

Gastric ulcer -

A
  • Affects the lining of the stomach

- Middle and older-aged Americans are more likely to develop gastric ulcers

119
Q

Duodenal ulcer -

A
  • Found in the Duodenum
  • 2-3 X’s more common than gastric ulcers
  • More common in younger individuals
120
Q

90% of peptic ulcers represent an infection by what?

A

H. pylori

121
Q

What are risk factors for peptic ulcers?

A
  • Lifestyle and psychologic stress are risk factors
  • NSAID’s: Long term use of NSAID’s has deleterious effects on the entire GI tract.
  • Reduced or loss of prostaglandin protection of the mucosa. These molecules:
    1. Inhibit acid secretion
    2. Enhancement of mucosal self protection mechanisms
122
Q

Diagnosis of peptic ulcers based on what?

A
  • Symptoms (bleeding, steady midline pain in thoracic spine, epigastric pain near xiphoid)
  • Test for H. pylori
  • Endoscopic examination of the stomach
123
Q

Peptic ulcers: Pt implications:

A
  1. Monitor symptoms
  2. Monitor use of NSAID’s
  3. Pay particular attention in older, aging adults
  4. Signs of bleeding:
    SP < 100 mm Hg
    HR > 100bpm
    > 10 mmHg drop in DP with a position change
124
Q

Diarrhea & Dysentery -

A
  • Increase in stool mass, frequency or fluidity
125
Q

What is the ultimate problem of Diarrhea & Dysentery?

A

Problem: Excess loss of water

126
Q

Gastric adenocarcinoma -

A
- cancer of mucus producing cells
Caused by: Chronic gastritis, H. pylori infection, dietary factors (western diet)
- High risk of metastasis-spreading
Dx:  Endoscopy (screening)
Tx:  Chemo &amp;/or radiation
127
Q

Colorectal Carcinomas -

A
  • Cancer that begins in glandular mucus secreting cells
  • Asymptomatic for years
  • Screening test: Colonoscopy – visual screening of colon
  • Often treated by resecting the tumor
128
Q

Colorectal tumors Special implications for the physical therapist:

A
  1. Hx. of corticosteroid treatment: bone demineralization, muscle weakness
  2. Impaired posture: Adaptive shortening of the anterior abs (pain and surgical disruption → stooped posture, increased stress on lower back muscles
  3. Removal of lymph nodes → increased risk of developing lymphedema
  4. Mets: Prostate, lungs, liver
  5. Ostomy management
129
Q

Peritoneum/Peritonitis -

A

Inflammation of the serous membrane lining the walls of abdominal cavity

130
Q

Causes of Peritoneum/Peritonitis -

A

Multiple causes: bacterial, chemical, surgery

131
Q

Peritoneum/Peritonitis causes severe systemic effects -

A
  • Circulatory alterations
  • fluid shifts
  • respiratory problems leading to fluid and electrolyte imbalances
132
Q

T/F Peritoneum/Peritonitis has a high mortality rate, it is painful, the patient is usually hospitalized.

A

True

133
Q

Patient positioning consideration for Peritoneum/Peritonitis:

A
  1. Semi-Fowler position (angled in bed 15-45)

2. carry out position changes with care b/c of pain