GI Disorders Flashcards
x-ray done using barium as a contrast agent; allows for a view of the stomach, esophagus, stomach, and small bowel
barium swallow study
A barium swallow study aids in the diagnosis of what disorders?
ulcers, varices, tumors, regional enteritis
Nursing Considerations of a Barium Swallow Study
pre-op:
- clear liquids the day before
- NPO after midnight
- hold PO meds
- insulin dosages may need to be adjusted
post-op:
- increase fluid intake after procedure
- monitor for constipation
- assess bowel sounds
Barium Enema Nursing Considerations
pre-op:
- bowel prep before procedure
- low residue diet 1-2 days
- clear liquids the day before
- laxatives of gloytely the night before
- NPO after midnight
- may have cleansing enemas until clear morning of test
post-op:
- inform pt they will have increase BMs
- increase fluids to help with elimination/constipation and possible obstruction
procedure that allows for clear x-ray of colon
Barium Enema
A barium enema is used to see what?
polyps, tumors, and lesions
A barium enema is contraindicated with what conditions?
- active IBS
- bowel perforation
Endoscopy Nursing Considerations
pre-procedure:
- NPO 8 hrs prior to procedure
- signed informed consent
- verify allergies
- sedation used
post-procedure:
- assess LOC
- NPO after until gag reflex returns
- check vitals
- monitor for signs of perforation
What are the major S/S of perforation after an endoscopy?
- sudden onset of pain
- may be throat or back pain
- bleeding (inc. HR, dec. BP)
- unusual difficulty swallowing
- rapidly elevating temperature
procedure done to screen for colon cancer using a flexible fiber optic cable
colonoscopy
Colonoscopy Nursing Considerations
pre-procedure:
- golytely (most common prep)
- NPO past midnight
post-op:
- assess for s/s of bowel perforation
s/s of bowel perforation
- rectal bleeding
- sudden onset of abd pain
- cramping
- abd distension
- fever
- focal peritoneal signs (rebound, rigidity, guarding, pain, distension, N/V, paralytic ileus
GI disorder caused by gram-positive anaerobic bacteria that is associated with antibiotic use; can be community or hospital acquired
c. diff
Which antibiotics are most likely to cause c. diff?
cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, levaquin, ciprofloxin, clindamycin
potential complications of c. diff
- dehydration
- electrolyte imbalances (potassium especially)
- skin break down
S/S of c. diff
liquid stools, frequency, distention, rumbling noise in intestines, thirst, loss of appetite
C. diff nursing considerations
- strict I/O
- auscultate
- palpate for tenderness
- assess hydration status
- assess perianal area
- stool specimen
- may be NPO
short term:
- avoid: bulky food, alcohol, dairy, fatty and fried foods
- monitor serum electrolytes
acute abdomen potential complications
- peritonitis
- sepsis
- septic shock
- death
localized or generalized inflammation of the peritoneum, usually bc of a bacterial infection
peritonitis
S/S of peritonitis
- rebound tenderness
- rigidity
- guarding
- severe pain
- distention
- N/V
- paralytic ileus
- absent bowel sounds
What usually causes a paralytic ileus?
surgery, narcotic pain med uses, peritonitis
condition with s/s of intestinal obstruction, but without a physical blockage
paralytic ileus
What is the immediate response of the intestinal tract to peritonitis?
paralytic ileus
Diagnosis tools for peritonitis
- inc. WBC
- H&H may drop (if bleeding occurs)
- altered serum electrolytes
- culture of abd blood and fluid
- x-ray may show: air, fluid levels, distended bowel loops
- ultrasound may show: abscess, fluid collection
- CT scan
Nursing Considerations for Peritonitis
- assess abdomen (placement of NG tube for gastric decompression)
- fluid and electrolyte balance (strict I/O, daily weights)
- vital signs q4h
- nutritional support
- comfort (N/V management)
- pain management
- post-op care
Peritonitis treatment options
- fluid and electrolyte replacement to prevent septic shock
- surgery
- drain fluid or abscess
- NG suction
- antibiotics
- pain management
- antiemetic
inflamed, infected appendix
appendicitis
What is the most common cause of acute abdomen in the U.S?
appendicitis
S/S of appendicitis
- vague, poorly localized periumbilical pain
- anorexia
- sharp RLQ pain (McBurney’s Point)
- increased WBC
- low grade fever
- nausea
- rebound tenderness