GI Diseases Flashcards
List the agents that cause Infectious Diarrhea.
- Rotavirus
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Salmonella
- Clostridium Difficilie (C. diff)
What is the etiology of each Infectious Diarrhea agent?
- Rotavirus = virus
- E. coli = bacteria
- Salmonella = bacteria
- C. diff = bacteria
What are some unique characteristics of Rotavirus?
- Most common cause of diarrhea < 5 yrs
- Vaccine preventable (e.g. Rotarix)
What are some unique characteristics of E. coli?
- undercooked beef, lettuce, petting zoos
- produce. E. coli OH157:H7 linked with acute renal failure.
What are some unique characteristics of Salmonella?
- turtles
- bloody diarrhea
What are some unique characteristics of C. diff?
- C. difficile spores are not killed by alcohol, and the most effective way to remove them from hands is through handwashing
- WASH HANDS / Probiotics
What is Meconium?
- Meconium – First stool
- Sticky, greenish-black stool
- Amniotic fluid and cells swallowed in utero
When should Meconium be passed? What do you assess for if it is not passed within that time period?
Should be passed within 24 hours of life; if not, assess for:
- Hirschsprung disease – lack of ganglion cells
- Hypothyroidism – metabolism slow
- Cystic Fibrosis – thick mucous
Describe the pathophysiology of Hirschsprung Disease.
- Absence of ganglion (nerve) cells in colon and rectum
- Colon expands - accumulation of stool with distention
Hirschsprung Disease manifestations?
Delayed meconium passing, bilious vomiting, large stools (older children)
How is Hirschsprung Disease diagnosed?
- X-ray
- barium enema
- Confirm diagnosis with rectal biopsy
GER (Gastroesophageal Reflux) manifestations?
Regurgitation of gastric contents into the esophagus
GERD (Gastroesphageal Reflux Disease) manifestations?
Tissue damage to esophagus
What concerns are there regarding GERD?
Concern when Failure to Thrive (FTT) – decreased growth (height/weight) or dysphagia develop
How is GER/GERD managed?
- Feeding alterations in infant
- Thickening feedings (rice)
- Upright positioning
- Frequent burping during feeds
- Pharmacologic : H2 receptor antagonists (Cimetidine, Pepcid)-reduce gastric hydrochloric acid secretion.
- Surgical intervention—Nissen fundoplication