GI/GU Flashcards
Esophageal Varices
Increased pressure of the veins in the distal esophagus. Caused by liver problems and cirrhosis. Rupture can cause serious upper GI bleeding. Violently vomiting blood. Severe shock
Treatment: Manage ABCs and IV fluids
Peptic Ulcer Disease
The lining of the stomach and duodenum weakens, and hydrochloric acid eats at the mucosa layer. Risk factors include smoking, alcohol and use of NSAIDs. Relieved with eating.
Cholecystitis (Gallstones)
RUQ radiating to shoulder. Inflammation of the cystic duct (gallbladder to the duodenum) usually by gallstones. Murphy’s Sign, fever, jaundice, tachycardia, 5 F’s.
Treatment: Pain relief and IVs.
Appendicitis
RLQ. Buildup near the site by feces usually. Less blood flow and lymph fluid, increased pressure can cause rupture, leading to sepsis, or death. Common in adolescents.
Diverticular Disease
LLQ. Slight caving in the colon’s walls where arteries arrive can be expanded by the pressure from trapped feces creating bigger pockets called diverticula. Feces can become trapped in there and cause inflammation and infection. Inflammation of these pouches is called diverticulitis.
Pancreatitis
Epigastric. Duct carrying enzymes from the pancreas becomes blocked - enzymes activate and eat the pancreas. Epigastric pain - can radiate to back and shoulder.
Ulcerative Colitis
General chronic inflammation of the colon.
Crohn’s Disease
Similar to Ulcerative Colitis, but affects the whole GI tract. Immune system attacks its own GI tract. Autoimmune condition. Inflammation commonly occurs in the ileum.
Acute Gastroenteritis
Stomach bug. Can last a few days. Infected water or food, fecal to oral route. May present with fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and cramps within hours to days.
Acute Hepatitis
A and E - fecal to oral. B, C, D - bloodborne or sexual transmission. Incubation period of 2 weeks to 6 months. Jaundice, cirrhosis and abdominal pain.
Feculent Breath
Breath smell of feces. Indication of bowel obstruction.
Orthostatic Vital Signs
Test for hypovolemia, comfort laying down - sitting up. 1-2 minutes between. HR >20 or Pulse Pressure decreases.
15-20% blood loss will show Orthostatic Vital Sign changes.
Steatorrhea
Foamy, fatty, yellow to grey colored stool that floats in water. Sign of liver or pancreas disease due to excessive fat in stool.
Vomitus
Partially digested food mixed with acidic odour.
Hematemesis
Blood from upper GI tract that is mixed with food and vomited. Black, coffee ground appearance. Can’t tell blood from food.
Vomitus with Blood
Vomit that has distinguishable red blood. Caused by bleeding in the upper GI tract that has not been digested in the stomach.
Acholic Stool
Lighter white/tan colored stool softer than normal. Bile gives it the usual darker color - therefore indicates liver disease.
Hematochezia
Blood incorporated into stool, distinguishable. Lower GI bleed.
Melena
Black, stinky, tarry stool. Has blood in it but indistinguishable. Upper GI bleed.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Infection of the lower GU tract (bladder and urethra). Easily treatable with antibiotics. Urination: painful, burning, difficulty, frequent, hematuria.
Treatment: Pain control + IV dimenhydrinate
Kidney Stones
11/10 pain. Agitated/restless or motionless guarding abdomen.
Treatment: Pain control + IV dimenhydrinate
Acute Renal Failure (Prerenal, Intrarenal, Postrenal)
Sudden decrease of GFR. Reversible if treated early. High level of toxins.
Treatment: ABC management and IVs.
Chronic Renal Failure
Progressive, irreversible kidney failure. Damaged and shrinking kidney, uremia, edema. Require regular dialysis to survive.
Treatment: ABC management and IVs.
