GI - brit Flashcards
Laxatives to avoid or use with caution in elderly
Docusate Magnesium (renal impairment) Mineral oil Soap sud PEG (if impaired gag reflex)
Alarm symptoms of upper GI cancer
weight loss dysphagia persistence of symptoms despite optimal treatment (4-6 weeks) on PPI Odonyphagia IDA
All of the following are risk factors for what type of cancer: >/= 50 years Chronic GERD smoking EtOH increased BMI
Esophageal cancer
All of the following are risk factors for what type of cancer: Family history Gastric polyp H. pylori Previous partial gastrectomy
Stomach cancer
If age > 55 with persistent progression of heartburn or persistent progression of abdominal pain, what is your next step?
Referral
Referral is indicated if < 55 years with absence of alarm symptoms
T/F?
False
What diagnostic tests should be ordered to rule out stomach/esophageal cancer?
CEA serum
CT chest/abd/pelvis
GI tract is frequent site of involvement for ______ it usually involves the stomach
Lymphoma
There is a strong association with _____ and gastric lymphoma
H. pylori
Interpret the following HBV serology
HBsAG -
anti-HBs +
anti-HBC total -
Immune due to vaccination
Interpret the following HBV serology
HBsAG -
anti-HBs -
anti-HBC total -
No evidence of infection, offer vaccine
Interpret the following HBV serology
HBsAG -
anti-HBs +
anti-HBC total +
past HBV infection, immune
Interpret the following HBV serology HBsAG + anti-HBs - anti-HBC total + anti HBc IgM +
acute or chronic hep B infection
T/F?
ALP and GGT may take up to 24 hours to increase?
True
What serum results would lead you to suspect cholestasis and what is the next diagnostic test you would order?
elevated ALP and GGT
Perform abdominal ultrasound to assess biliary tree
If GGT not elevated and ALP elevated, what can you suspect?
May be of bone or placental origin
What to suspect if ALT > 1000U/L
Acute viral hepatitis, hepatotoxin, acute liver injury
What transaminase is most sensitive and specific for hepatitis? Acute increase in this marker can be seen within the first _____ .
ALT
within first 24 hours
AST is produced from: (3)
liver, cardiac, skeletal muscle
If GGT is elevated suspect:
cholestasis or EtOH
If serum LFTs abnormal when to repeat BW or isolated minor abnormality (<1.5 times upper limit of normal)
1-3 months
Diagnostic tests to consider in RUQ pain
AST
ALT
ALP
GGT
If suspect, then abdominal US
If fever –> refer
Define constipation
< 3 stools per week, for > 6 months
Primary causes of constipation (3)
Normal transit
Slow transit
Defecatory dyssynergia
T/F?
Most patients with fecal incontinence do not warrant extensive diagnostic evaluation
True
Early marker of sarcopenia
Decreased grip strength, should be assessed with dysphagia
Stomach acid production in elderly and consequences
Decreased –> decreased empyting, less Ca+ absorption, and changes in med absorption
S&S of constipation
Incomplete emptying
Straining
Lumpy hard stools
Digital maneouvers to relieve symptoms
What two screeners are useful when assessing patient for constipation?
Bristol stool chart
Norgine risk assessment tool for constipation
- https://www.movicol.com.au/files/Constipation-Risk-Assessment-Tool.pdf
List 5 secondary causes of constipation
hypothyroidism hypercalcemia hypokalemia neurologic disorders malignancy rheumatic disease medications
Give an example of a medication that slows transit time for stool
Narcotics Anabolic steroids Anticonvulsants Anticholinergics Antihypertensives TCA
Give an example of a medication that increases transit time and produces hard stools
NSAIDs antidiarrheals antacids Calcium and iron supplements antihistamines