GI: Noninflammatory Intestinal Disorders Flashcards
What signs & symptoms indicate a strangulated hernia?
Abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting, pain, fever, tachycardia
What should you tell a patient who just had a surgical hernia repair to avoid?
Avoid coughing
What patient teaching would you provide to a patient who will be completing a fecal occult blood test (FOBT)?
Avoid aspirin, vitamin C, and red meat for 48 hours before giving specimen; Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs, corticosteroids, salicylates) should be discontinued for a designated period before the test
What are the most common signs & symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Rectal bleeding, anemia, change in stool consistency or shape
Which signs & symptoms may indicate a strangulated obstruction or peritonitis?
Fever, tachycardia, hypotension, increasing abdominal pain, abdominal rigidity, change in color of skin overlying the abdomen
Define obstipation.
No passage of stool
Which electrolytes should be closely monitored for patients with intestinal obstructions or NG tubes?
Sodium, potassium, chloride (particularly potassium); these electrolytes can be decreased due to fluid loss from vomiting or NG suction
Which position helps alleviate the pressure of abdominal distention on the chest?
Semi-fowlers
What patient teaching can you provide to an older patient to prevent fecal impaction?
Increase fiber and fluid intake, exercise regularly, use natural foods to stimulate peristalsis (eg. prune juice, warm beverages)
What are your priority assessments for a patient with abdominal trauma?
- airway, breathing, circulation
2. Mental status, vital signs, skin perfusion
Which signs & symptoms would you see in a patient with mild hypovolemic shock?
Skin is pale, cool, moist
Which signs & symptoms would you see in a patient with moderate hypovolemic shock?
Diaphoresis with no urine output
Which signs & symptoms would you see in a patient with severe hypovolemic shock?
Changes in mental status, manifested by agitation, disorientation and recent memory loss
Which signs & symptoms may indicate abdominal bleeding?
Abdominal pain, nausea, bloody or black stools, fever, weakness, dizziness
For a patient with a recent polypectomy, which signs & symptoms should be monitored for?
Abdominal distention, pain, rectal bleeding, mucopurulent drainage from the rectum, fever
What patient teaching is important postoperatively for a patient wh has had surgical intervention for hemorrhoids?
Be sure that someone is with or near the patient during the first postoperative bowel movement in case of syncope (first post-op bowel movement is very painful)
How often should a patient with an NGT be assessed for proper placement, tube patency, and quality/quantity of output?
Q4h
What is the most common cause of RLQ pain?
Appendicitis
What are the priority interventions for a patient with suspected appendicitis?
Administer IV fluids, advise pt to maintain semi-fowler’s position, administer opioid analgesics and antibiotics as prescribed
Which interventions should you always avoid for a patient with suspected appendicitis?
Avoid giving laxatives, enemas, or applying heat; these can lead to perforation of the appendix
Following an appendectomy, which day should the patient get out of bed?
The evening of surgery, to prevent respiratory complications
What complications can occur in response to peritonitis?
Hypovolemic shock, kidney failure (from hypovolemic shock), septicemia, respiratory distress
What classic symptom is often seen with malabsorption?
Chronic diarrhea
