gi function 2 Flashcards
bristol stool types 1 & 2
constipation
type 1: rabbit droppings
type 2: bunch of grapes
bristol stool types 3 & 4
ideal
type 3: corn on cob
type 4: sausage
bristol stool types 5, 6, & 7
diarrhea
type 5: chicken nuggets
type 6: porridge
type 7: gravy
diarrhea
-change in bowel pattern characterized by an increased frequency, amt, and water content of the stool
-results bc of increased fluid secretion, decreased fluid absorption, or an alteration in GI peristalsis
-complications: dehydration, electrolyte imbalances
acute diarrhea
-often self-limiting (depending on cause)
-often caused by viral or bacterial infections or certain meds (eg. antibiotics, antacids, & laxatives)
-accompanied by cramping, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting; bowel sounds may be hyperactive and fluids imbalanced
chronic diarrhea
-lasts longer than 4 weeks
-causes: inflammatory bowel diseases, malabsorption syndromes, endocrine disorders, chemotherapy, and radiation
originating in the small intestine
-stools are large, loose, & provoked by eating
-usually accompanied by pain in the right lower quadrant
originating in the large intestine
-stools are small & freq
-freq accompanied by pain & cramping in the left lower quadrant
constipation
-change in bowel pattern characterized by infreq passage of stool in reference to the individual’s typical bowel pattern
-stool remains in the large intestine longer than usual, increasing the amt of water removed
constipation causes, manifestations, complications
causes: low-fiber diet, inadequate physical act, insufficient fluid intake, delaying the urge to defecate, stress, travel, bowel disease, certain meds
manifestations: pain during bowel movement, inability to pass stool, hypoactive bowel sound
complications: anal bleeding, anal fissure, pH disturbances, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, impaction, intestinal obstruction
intestinal obstruction
-sudden or gradual and partial or complete blockage of intestinal contents in intestines
-chyme & gas accumulate at the site of the blockage; gastric juices, bile, & pancreatic secretions begin to collect as the blockage lingers
intestinal mechanical obstruction causes
foreign, bodies, tumors, adhesions, hernias, volvulus, strictures, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, Hirschsprung’s disease, & fecal impaction
intestinal functional obstruction causes (paralytic ileuses)
neurologic impairment; infections; abdominal blood supply impairment; meds (eg. narcotics)
intestinal obstruction manifestations & complications
manifestations: abdominal distention, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, decreased or absent bowel sounds, restlessness, diaphoresis, tachycardia progressing to weakness, confusion, & shock
complications: perforation, pH imbalances, fluid disturbances, shock, sepsis, & death
appendicitis
-inflammation of the vermiform appendix, most often caused by an infection
-triggers local tissue edema, which obstructs the small structure
-as fluid builds inside the appendix, microorganisms proliferate
-appendix fills w purulent exudate & area blood vessels become compressed
-ishemia & necrosis develop; pressure inside the appendix escalates, forcing bacteria & toxins out to surrounding structures
appendicitis complications
abscesses, peritonitis, gangrene, & death
-medical emergency
appendicitis manifestations
-vary form asymptomatic to sudden & severe
-sharp abdominal pain develops, gradually intensifies (over abt 12-24 hrs), and becomes localized to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen (McBurney point)
-pain may occur anywhere in abdomen; will temporarily subside if the appendix ruptures, & then the pain will return & escalate
-nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, & bowel pattern changes
-indications of inflammation & infection (eg. fever, chills, & leukocytosis)
-indications of peritonitis (eg. abdominal rigidity, tachycardia, & hypotension)
appendectomy
-removal of the appendix
-commonly done laparoscopically (minimally invasive)
peritonitis
-inflammation of the peritoneum activates several protective mechanisms
-a thick, sticky exudate that bonds nearby structures & temporarily seals them off
-abscesses may form in an attempt to wall off the infections
peristalsis may slow down in a response to the inflammation, decreasing spread of toxins/bacteria
peritonitis causes & manifestations
causes: chem irritation (eg. ruptured gallbladder or spleen) or direct organism invasion (eg. appendicitis & peritoneal dialysis)
manifestations:
-usually sudden & severe; classical manifestation is abdominal rigidity
-abdominal tenderness & pain, decreased peristalsis, intestinal obstruction, nausea/vomiting
-large volumes of fluid leak into the peritoneal cavity –> hypovolemic shock
-indicators of infection, sepsis. or shock