GI Flashcards
What is included in the upper GI?
mouth pharynx esophagus stomach duodenum
What is included in the lower GI?
small intestine
large intestine
rectum/anus
What are the accessory organs of the GI system?
teeth tongue salivary glands liver gall bladder pancreas
List the diagnostic studies for GI, hepatic, biliary, pancreatic, and splenic systems (7)
Laparoscopy Barium swallow Modified barium swallow study Endoscopy Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) GI bleeding scan (scintigraphy) Upper GI series
Describe a laparoscopy and what it is used for
- insertion of a laparoscope into the abdominal cavity
- uses a small incision and local anesthetic
- can be diagnostic or therapeutic
Describe a barium swallow study and what it is used for
- patient swallows barium liquid while XR and fluoroscopic images examine swallowing and peristalsis of esophagus
- used to ID pathologic conditions of the esophagus (propulsion of liquid through esophagus into stomach)
Describe a modified barium swallow study and what it is used for
- used to diagnose dysphagia
- analyzes oral, pharyngeal, and upper esophagus
Describe endoscopy
insertion of endoscope into digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestines)
Describe ERCP and what it is used for
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
- uses endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat gall bladder, biliary system, pancreas, and liver problems
Describe what GI bleeding scans (scintigraphy) are used for
to determine the presence/source of GI bleeding
Describe what an upper GI series is used for
to identify the disorder of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
What is a small bowel series used for?
to visualize the jejunum and ileum
What are the common lab values associated with the liver?
ALT ALP AST albumin bilirubin ammonia
What are the common lab values associated with pancreatic function?
lipase
amylase
sweat test
Name the different health conditions that affect the GI system (15)
- Dysphagia
- GERD
- PUD
- Dumping syndrome
- Upper GI bleed
- Lower GI bleed
- Diverticular disease
- Hiatal hernia
- Abdominal hernia
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Morbid obesity
- Encephalopathy
- Cholecystitis
- Cholelithiasis
Describe dysphagia, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment
difficulty swallowing (oropharyngeal or esophageal) Dx: - MBSS - endoscopy - CT - MRI Causes: - neurological conditions (stroke/TBI) - dementia - myasthenia gravis Tx: - airway protection - nutritional support
Describe GERD, its SxS and treatment
backflow of gastric acid into the esophagus SxS: - heartburn - regurgitation Tx: - diet modification - weight loss - PPIs - H2 blockers - Nissen fundoplication
Describe PUD, its causes, SxS, and Tx
ulceration in the stomach or duodenum Cause: - H. pylori infection - NSAIDs SxS: - hunger-like sensation - nocturnal pain Tx: - lifestyle modifications - PPIs - antibiotics - no NSAIDs/aspirin
Describe Dumping Syndrome, its causes, the types, and treatment
enhances gastric emptying and interrupts normal digestive sequence Causes: - GI surgeries (gastrectomy, gastric bypass surgery, PUD surgery, Nissen fundoplication) Types: - early DS - late DS Tx: - dietary changes - medication
Describe Early Dumping Syndrome
occurs within 30 minutes of a meal SxS: - palpitations - tachycardia - flushing - diaphroesis - syncope - abdominal symptoms like cramping and bloating
Describe Late Dumping Syndrome
occurs 1-3hrs after a meal
SxS:
- consistent with hypoglycemia