GI/GU Flashcards
What are the portal vessels or veins
A blood vessel that carries blood to the liver from the intestines, spleen, pancreas, and gall bladder. Allowing for the liver to absorb the nutrients and toxins drained from the GI tract. It empties into the IVC.
What is portal hypertension?
Build up of pressure in the portal venous system due to liver dysfunction from damage (hepatitis, Liver CA, alcoholic hepatitis)
Signs and Symptoms of Esophageal Varices?
Coughing up blood
Difficulty breathing
vomiting bright red blood
signs of hypovolemic shock
How do esophageal varices develop?
In portal HTN the portal vessels along the esophagus become weakened developing pockets or “out pouches” these are called varices. When they rupture incredibly difficult to contain bleeding and is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY
What is the main cause of acute pancreatitis?
Alcoholism
What are the types of GI Pain?
Visceral - dull, poorly localized
Somatic - sharp, localized
referred- originates in a region where the injury is not located
What is hematochezia?
Bright red bleeding due to a lower GI bleed that is found in the stool.
(body has not digested it yet)
What is melena?
Dark tarry stool due to upper GI bleed.
(body digested blood which gives its changed appearance)
What separates the upper and lower GI tract?
The ligament of Treitz
What is mcburneys point?
The point of the LRQ which tenderness is maximal in acute appendicitis
Where does cholecystitis commonly have referred pain to?
Right shoulder
What is the role of the portal venous system?
Carries the blood that contains all the nutrients and toxins absorbed by the GI tract. The toxins get brought to the liver to be metabolized and are then excreted by the kidneys. Once liver processes these substances it sends the blood to the heart through the IVC.
What is rovsings sign?
The indication for acute appendicitis, usually occurs when you press on the left side of the abdomen and have an increase of pain on the right side.
What are mallory weiss tears and how do they develop?
Tears in the gi tract due to increased intrabdominal pressure from vomiting or retching. Increased pressure causes gastric contents to rush into esophagus causes mucosal lining tears that can reach into arteries and veins causing upper GI bleeds.
What is murphys sign?
Indication of acute cholecystitis. When patient take deep breath and provider palpates gall bladder if sharp increase in pain this is a positive sign.
