gi objectives - Sheet1 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the role of the teeth in digestion?

A

Mechanical digestion: Teeth break down food into smaller pieces, which increases the surface area for enzymes to act on.

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2
Q

What is the role of saliva in digestion?

A

Chemical digestion: Saliva contains the enzyme amylase, which begins the breakdown of carbohydrates in food.

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3
Q

What is the role of the upper esophageal sphincter?

A

It protects against reflux of food into the airway and prevents air from entering the digestive tract.

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4
Q

What is the role of the epiglottis during swallowing?

A

Prevents food from entering the airway while swallowing, directing food into the esophagus.

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5
Q

What is the role of the cardiac sphincter (lower esophageal sphincter)?

A

Prevents the backflow (reflux) of stomach acid and food from the stomach into the esophagus.

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6
Q

What is the role of the stomach in digestion?

A

The stomach stores, mixes, and empties food into the small intestine. It also begins the chemical digestion of proteins through enzymes like pepsin.

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7
Q

What is the function of the pyloric sphincter?

A

Controls the emptying of food from the stomach into the small intestine, allowing it to pass into the duodenum in small amounts.

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8
Q

What are the primary functions of the small intestine?

A

Digestion of food (particularly chyme) and absorption of nutrients via villi and microvilli.

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9
Q

What role do the villi and microvilli play in the small intestine?

A

They increase the surface area for nutrient absorption. Villi are finger-like projections, and microvilli are hair-like structures on the villi.

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10
Q

What is the function of the duodenum in digestion?

A

It processes fluid from the stomach and mixes it with pancreatic enzymes and bile to aid in digestion.

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11
Q

What is absorbed by the jejunum?

A

The jejunum absorbs carbohydrates, proteins, nutrients, and electrolytes.

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12
Q

What is absorbed by the ileum?

A

The ileum absorbs water, fats, iron, and bile salts.

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13
Q

What is the function of the ileocecal valve?

A

It is a one-way valve that prevents the backup of contents from the large intestine into the small intestine.

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14
Q

What is the primary function of the large intestine?

A

Absorption of water and electrolytes, secretion of mucus, and elimination of waste.

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15
Q

What is the function of the cecum in the large intestine?

A

It receives the contents of the small intestine through the ileocecal valve and begins the process of absorption.

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16
Q

What are the roles of the ascending, transverse, and descending colon?

A

They absorb water and electrolytes from the chyme, turning it into more solid material as it moves toward the rectum for elimination.

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17
Q

What is the function of the rectum in elimination?

A

The rectum stores stool until it is ready to be expelled through the anus.

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18
Q

What happens when stool enters the rectum?

A

The distention of the rectum stimulates the relaxation of the internal anal sphincter. The external sphincter relaxes, and the abdominal muscles contract to facilitate defecation.

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19
Q

What stimulates peristalsis in the intestines?

A

The presence of food in the intestines and mass peristalsis, which occurs 3-4 times per day, especially after meals.

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20
Q

What is mass peristalsis and when does it occur?

A

A strong contraction that moves contents through the colon, typically occurring 3-4 times a day, especially within an hour after eating.

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21
Q

What is the physiological process of normal defecation?

A

Stool in the rectum causes distention, triggering the relaxation of the internal anal sphincter and external sphincter. Abdominal muscles contract to help expel the stool.

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22
Q

What psychological factors affect bowel elimination?

A

Age, personal habits, physical activity, diet, fluid intake, medications, stress, and psychological conditions can all influence bowel movements.

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23
Q

What medications can affect bowel elimination?

A

Laxatives, opioids, antibiotics, and other medications can either promote or hinder bowel movements.

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24
Q

How does pregnancy affect bowel elimination?

A

Pregnancy can slow bowel motility due to hormonal changes and pressure from the growing uterus, leading to constipation.

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25
Q

How does surgery and anesthesia affect bowel elimination?

A

Surgery and anesthesia can slow down GI motility, leading to post-surgical constipation.

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26
Q

How does position affect bowel elimination?

A

Positioning during defecation, such as using a bedpan versus squatting, can impact the ease of elimination. Squatting is more natural for bowel movements.

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27
Q

What is constipation?

A

Difficulty or infrequent bowel movements, typically caused by low fiber intake, dehydration, and certain medications.

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28
Q

What are common causes of diarrhea?

A

Infections, food intolerances, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and other gastrointestinal disorders.

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29
Q

What causes fecal incontinence?

A

Inability to control bowel movements, often caused by nerve damage, diarrhea, or chronic constipation.

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30
Q

What causes flatulence?

A

Excessive gas in the digestive system, often due to diet, food intolerance, or digestive disorders.

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31
Q

What is bowel obstruction?

A

A blockage in the intestines that prevents normal passage of stool, causing pain, vomiting, and the inability to pass stool.

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32
Q

What is fecal impaction?

A

A condition where stool becomes hardened in the colon, often due to chronic constipation and dehydration, preventing normal defecation.

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33
Q

What is rectal bleeding?

A

Blood in the stool, which may be caused by hemorrhoids, fissures, diverticulosis, or colorectal cancer.

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34
Q

What is GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)?

A

A condition where stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.

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35
Q

What is malabsorption?

A

Poor absorption of nutrients from food, which can result from conditions like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease.

36
Q

What is diverticulosis and diverticulitis?

A

Diverticulosis is the formation of small pouches in the colon, which can become inflamed (diverticulitis), leading to pain, fever, and digestive issues.

37
Q

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

A

Changes in bowel habits, weight loss, and blood in the stool.

38
Q

What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

A

Abdominal cramps, bloating, alternating diarrhea and constipation, often triggered by stress or diet.

39
Q

How does diet affect bowel elimination?

A

A diet low in fiber or fluids can lead to constipation. A balanced diet with adequate fiber helps promote regular bowel movements.

40
Q

How does physical activity affect bowel elimination?

A

Regular physical activity can stimulate peristalsis and promote regular bowel movements.

41
Q

How does aging affect bowel elimination?

A

Aging can reduce GI motility, leading to constipation and changes in bowel habits.

42
Q

What are nursing interventions for promoting normal defecation?

A

Assess bowel habits, encourage regular bathroom routines, ensure privacy, promote adequate fluid and fiber intake, and assist with positioning.

43
Q

What is the purpose of administering an enema?

A

To promote bowel cleansing, prepare the bowel for diagnostic tests or surgery, and relieve constipation.

44
Q

What are the types of enemas and their uses?

A

Cleansing enemas (hypertonic, isotonic) are used for bowel cleansing, oil retention enemas soften stool, and medicated enemas are used for treating infections.

45
Q

What is the process of digital stool removal?

A

Used to remove an impaction when enemas are unsuccessful. It involves using fingers to break up and remove hardened stool. This requires a healthcare provider’s order.

46
Q

What are the indications for inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube?

A

Decompression (e.g., GI ileus or obstruction), enteral feeding, gastric lavage, or tamponade of GI bleeding.

47
Q

What are the types of NG tubes?

A

Single lumen (Levin) for medication and feeding; double lumen (Salem Sump) for decompression and suction.

48
Q

What is the purpose of the Salem Sump NG tube?

A

Used for gastric decompression and lavage; it has an air vent to prevent mucosal damage.

49
Q

What is the purpose of the Levin NG tube?

A

Used for gastric decompression, enteral feeding, and medication administration.

50
Q

What is the first step before inserting an NG tube?

A

Ensure there is a provider’s order for NG tube insertion.

51
Q

What technique is used for NG tube insertion?

A

Use medical asepsis and clean technique during the procedure.

52
Q

How should the patient’s nares be assessed before NG tube insertion?

A

Assess patency of both nares for obstruction or blockage.

53
Q

What should you measure to determine the length of the NG tube?

A

Measure from the tip of the nose to the earlobe, and then to the xiphoid process.

54
Q

What is the proper client position during NG tube insertion?

A

Position the client in high Fowler’s initially.

55
Q

What should you instruct the patient to do during NG tube insertion?

A

Instruct the patient to tilt their head back initially, then forward while swallowing to help guide the tube.

56
Q

What is the purpose of swallowing during NG tube insertion?

A

Swallowing helps the epiglottis close over the trachea and directs the tube into the esophagus.

57
Q

How should the NG tube be lubricated?

A

Use a water-soluble lubricant to ease the passage of the tube.

58
Q

How often should mouth care be performed for NPO patients with an NG tube?

A

Mouth care should be performed every 2 hours.

59
Q

How should the NG tube be maintained?

A

Use clean technique, ensure comfort, change the fixation device regularly, and monitor for complications.

60
Q

How can an NG tube become blocked?

A

Secretion buildup or kinks in the tubing can block the tube.

61
Q

What should you do if resistance is encountered during NG tube irrigation?

A

Reposition the client to their left side and report persistent resistance to the MD.

62
Q

What should be done if the patient vomits during NG tube management?

A

Clear the airway and withdraw the tube slightly to prevent aspiration.

63
Q

How do you manage complications like respiratory distress during NG tube insertion?

A

Withdraw the tube until the patient resumes normal breathing and monitor their oxygen saturation.

64
Q

How should NG tube fixation devices be managed?

A

Change the fixation device regularly to prevent pressure sores and skin irritation.

65
Q

Can UAP assist in managing an NG tube?

A

UAP can assist with measuring and recording drainage, oral and nasal hygiene, and comfort care but cannot perform tube insertion or irrigation.

66
Q

What is an ostomy?

A

An ostomy is an artificial opening in the abdominal wall to divert waste from the digestive tract, such as in ileostomies or colostomies.

67
Q

What is the difference between an ileostomy and a colostomy?

A

An ileostomy diverts waste from the small intestine, and a colostomy diverts from the large intestine.

68
Q

What is an ileoanal pouch anastomosis?

A

a surgical procedure that removes the colon and rectum and creates a pouch in the small intestine to store stool

69
Q

What is a continent ileostomy?

A

A surgical procedure where a reservoir is created to allow the patient to control the release of stool.

70
Q

What is a loop colostomy?

A

A temporary ostomy where a loop of the colon is brought to the surface of the abdomen to create two openings for stool and mucus.

71
Q

What are the different types of colostomies?

A

Ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colostomies, each based on the location of the ostomy in the colon.

72
Q

What is important to monitor in a patient with an ileostomy?

A

Monitor for skin breakdown, proper pouching, and dehydration, as ileostomy effluent contains digestive enzymes.

73
Q

What is the main concern with a colostomy?

A

The main concern is odor control due to bacteria in the colon.

74
Q

What should be done to prevent skin breakdown around an ostomy?

A

Ensure proper fitting of the pouch, change it regularly, and protect the surrounding skin from digestive enzymes or stool.

75
Q

What role does a UAP have in ostomy care?

A

UAP can assist with documentation, monitoring pouch changes, and ensuring comfort but cannot perform pouch changes.

76
Q

What are some common ostomy complications?

A

Skin breakdown, infection, stoma prolapse, and obstructions can occur if the ostomy is not cared for properly.

77
Q

What is the importance of maintaining dignity and self-esteem in ostomy care?

A

Provide education, privacy, and emotional support to the patient, and respect their concerns and preferences.

78
Q

What is the purpose of a bowel diversion?

A

Bowel diversion allows the body to eliminate waste through an artificial opening when normal elimination is not possible.

79
Q

What type of stool comes from an ileostomy?

A

Liquid, as it is the effluent from the small intestine.

80
Q

What should be done to prevent odors in colostomy patients?

A

Use odor-control pouches, maintain proper fitting, and empty the pouch regularly.

81
Q

What is critical to assess in a patient with a bowel diversion?

A

Assess the stoma for proper healing, maintain skin integrity, monitor for signs of infection, and provide emotional support.

82
Q

What is the proper skin care for patients with ostomies?

A

Use an appropriate skin barrier, keep the skin clean and dry, and avoid skin irritation from effluent.

83
Q

How often should the ostomy pouch be changed?

A

Regularly, as needed, to prevent skin irritation and maintain hygiene.

84
Q

What is a common complication of a new ostomy pouch change?

A

Skin breakdown from improper fitting or leakage of stool.

85
Q

What does a loop colostomy indicate?

A

A temporary ostomy that usually does not require irrigation and is used to allow the colon to rest.