GI: Esophageal & Stomach Disorders Flashcards
Define LES.
Lower esophageal sphincter; prevents reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus
Define UES.
Upper esophageal sphincter; prevents air into the esophagus during respiration
What happens if the LES is not functioning properly?
Possible development of gastric reflux, or GERD.
Which substances do parietal cells in the stomach secrete?
Hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor
What happens if parietal cells are not secreting enough intrinsic factor?
The body is not able to absorb vitamin B12, and pernicious anemia develops
Which enzymes are secreted by exocrine glands in the pancreas? What function do they have?
Trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase, lipase; aids in digestion of carbs, fats, proteins
Which vitamins and minerals are stored in the liver?
Iron, Mg, vitamins A/D/E/K
What purpose do Kupffer cells in the liver serve?
They engulf harmful bacteria, anemic red blood cells and detoxify harmful substances
Why are the elderly more at risk for drug toxicity?
Because they have decreased liver function, which results in decreased ability to detoxify harmful compounds
Which substances are secreted by the endocrine glands in the pancreas?
Glucagon (secreted by alpha cells) and insulin (secreted by beta cells)
What type of issue is commonly seen in patients with liver disorders?
Bleeding problems because the liver synthesizes prothrombin
What is the main function of the large intestine?
Absorption of water
What change is commonly seen in the older adult in relation to the stomach?
Decrease in hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, which leads to decreased absorption of iron and vitamin B12 (pernicious anemia) and may lead to proliferation of bacteria (gastritis)
What patient teaching would you provide for a patient with pernicious anemia? To prevent gastritis?
Encourage foods high in vitamins and iron; encourage bland foods
What patient teaching can you provide to older adults to prevent constipation?
Encourage a high fiber diet, 1500 mL of fluid intake daily, and activity as tolerated
What changes are commonly seen in older adults in relation to the pancreas?
Decreased lipase production, which may lead to steatorrhea
Define steatorrhea.
Fat in feces
What patient teaching can you provide to an older adult to prevent steatorrhea?
Encourage small, frequent feedings
What changes are commonly seen in older adults in relation to the large intestine?
Decreased peristalsis and sensation, which can lead to constipation and impaction
What are signs & symptoms commonly seen in a patient with GI problems?
Anorexia, dysphagia, dyspepsia, N&V, unintentional weight loss
Define PQRST.
Precipitating or palliative (What brings it on, makes it worse/better), quality or quantity (how severe, what kind of pain), region or radiation (location, does it go anywhere), severity (0-10), timing (when did it start, how long does it last, how often)
In what order is the abdomen assessed?
Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
For which situations would you avoid palpating a patient’s abdomen?
If appendicitis or abdominal aneurysm is suspected
Which major organs are located in the RUQ?
Most of the liver, gallbladder, duodenum, pancreas (head), colon
Which major organs are located in the RLQ?
Cecum, appendix, right ureter, right ovary/fallopian tube
Which major organs are located in the midline of the abdomen?
Abdominal aorta, uterus (if enlarged), bladder (if distended)
Which major organs are located in the LUQ?
Liver (left lobe), stomach, spleen, pancreas (body/tail), colon
Which major organs are located in the LLQ?
Colon, left ureter, left ovary/fallopian tube
Define cullen’s sign.
Ecchymosis around the umbilicus; indication of intra-abdominal bleeding
How long do you need to listen for bowel sounds before determining that there are no bowel sounds?
5 minutes per quadrant
What is the most reliable method for assessing return of peristalsis after abdominal surgery?
To ask if he/she has passed gas within the past 8 hours of if stool was passed within the past 12-24 hours
Define borborygmus.
Bowel sounds
Define bruits.
Swooshing sounds; usually indicates presence of aneurysm
Define blumberg’s sign.
Rebound tenderness; usually a sign of appendicitis with unperforated appendix (pain goes away when appendix ruptures)
Which lab abnormalities may be seen in acute pancreatitis?
Elevated amylase, lipase
Which lab abnormalities may be seen in liver disorders?
Elevated ALT, AST; prolonged PT
Which lab abnormalities may be seen with vomiting and diarrhea?
Decreased sodium, potassium
Which lab abnormalities may be seen with malabsorption?
Decreased calcium