GI Infection Flashcards
Identify common bacterial, viral and parasites that cause infectious diarrhea
Bacteria: C. Diff, C. botulinum, enterohemorrhagic E. Coli
Viral: Norovirus, rotovirus
Parasitic: giardia, cryptosporidium, entamoeba histolytica
General S/S of GI infection
-diarrhea
-N/V
-abd pain, cramping
-hematochezia
-fever
-hypovolemia –> tachy, hypotension
C diff risk factors
-hospitalization
-immunosupressed status
-recent antibiotic therapy
-chronic PPI (pantoprazole/omeprazole) use
______ ___________ and resulting ______ or even rupture and death is a C diff specific complication
toxic megacolon, ileus
Patients with GI infections will typically NOT be prescribed anti-________ medications
diarrheal
(we want to flush out all the bad bacteria!)
Clostridium botulinum specific complication
blocks Ach receptors –> neuromuscular issues (discoordination, dysphagia, respiratory issues, headache)
Enterohemorrhagic E coli releases toxins that can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome. Describe:
systemic microthrombi –> microvascular damage –> renal failure
Dx for GI infection:
-labs: WBCs, BUN/creatinine, CMP/electrolytes (hypokalemia, hypomagnesmia, alkalosis/acidoses)
-stool culture for definitive diagnosis
Profound WBC elevation (30-40k) indicates _______.
C diff
_______ is the only GI infection routinely treated with antibiotics (1. PO vancomycin, 2. PO/IV fidoxamyacin 3. PO/IV flagyl 4. rectal vanco)
C diff
Nursing management for GI infection
-skin/peri care
-IV fluid & electrolyte supplementation
-hand hygiene and surface cleaning (BLEACH C diff)
-encourage nutrition and high fiber diet
Pathophys of appendicitis
obstruction –> distention/venous engorgement –> accumulation of mucus, bacteria
S/S appendicitis
-LRQ pain at McBurney’s Point (btwn belly button and iliac crest), guarding
-rebound tenderness, when palpating both L and R side
-low grade fever, N/V
-preference to lay on right side
-elevated WBCs
Appendicitis is most common in people age __-__
10-30
Appendicitis Dx
-CT scan
-Blood: WBC
-urinalysis to rule out
Nursing management of appendicitis
-prep for appendectomy: NPO!
-post-op wound care
-fluids, analgesics, antiemetics
-Rupture? –> antibiotics pre-op
