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essentials > gi objectives - Sheet1 > Flashcards

gi objectives - Sheet1 Flashcards

(85 cards)

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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
How does surgery and anesthesia affect bowel elimination?
Surgery and anesthesia can slow down GI motility, leading to post-surgical constipation.
26
How does position affect bowel elimination?
Positioning during defecation, such as using a bedpan versus squatting, can impact the ease of elimination. Squatting is more natural for bowel movements.
27
What is constipation?
Difficulty or infrequent bowel movements, typically caused by low fiber intake, dehydration, and certain medications.
28
What are common causes of diarrhea?
Infections, food intolerances, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and other gastrointestinal disorders.
29
What causes fecal incontinence?
Inability to control bowel movements, often caused by nerve damage, diarrhea, or chronic constipation.
30
What causes flatulence?
Excessive gas in the digestive system, often due to diet, food intolerance, or digestive disorders.
31
What is bowel obstruction?
A blockage in the intestines that prevents normal passage of stool, causing pain, vomiting, and the inability to pass stool.
32
What is fecal impaction?
A condition where stool becomes hardened in the colon, often due to chronic constipation and dehydration, preventing normal defecation.
33
What is rectal bleeding?
Blood in the stool, which may be caused by hemorrhoids, fissures, diverticulosis, or colorectal cancer.
34
What is GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)?
A condition where stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
35
What is malabsorption?
Poor absorption of nutrients from food, which can result from conditions like celiac disease or Crohn's disease.
36
What is diverticulosis and diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis is the formation of small pouches in the colon, which can become inflamed (diverticulitis), leading to pain, fever, and digestive issues.
37
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Changes in bowel habits, weight loss, and blood in the stool.
38
What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
Abdominal cramps, bloating, alternating diarrhea and constipation, often triggered by stress or diet.
39
How does diet affect bowel elimination?
A diet low in fiber or fluids can lead to constipation. A balanced diet with adequate fiber helps promote regular bowel movements.
40
How does physical activity affect bowel elimination?
Regular physical activity can stimulate peristalsis and promote regular bowel movements.
41
How does aging affect bowel elimination?
Aging can reduce GI motility, leading to constipation and changes in bowel habits.
42
What are nursing interventions for promoting normal defecation?
Assess bowel habits, encourage regular bathroom routines, ensure privacy, promote adequate fluid and fiber intake, and assist with positioning.
43
What is the purpose of administering an enema?
To promote bowel cleansing, prepare the bowel for diagnostic tests or surgery, and relieve constipation.
44
What are the types of enemas and their uses?
Cleansing enemas (hypertonic, isotonic) are used for bowel cleansing, oil retention enemas soften stool, and medicated enemas are used for treating infections.
45
What is the process of digital stool removal?
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
What are the indications for inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube?
Decompression (e.g., GI ileus or obstruction), enteral feeding, gastric lavage, or tamponade of GI bleeding.
47
What are the types of NG tubes?
Single lumen (Levin) for medication and feeding; double lumen (Salem Sump) for decompression and suction.
48
What is the purpose of the Salem Sump NG tube?
Used for gastric decompression and lavage; it has an air vent to prevent mucosal damage.
49
What is the purpose of the Levin NG tube?
Used for gastric decompression, enteral feeding, and medication administration.
50
What is the first step before inserting an NG tube?
Ensure there is a provider's order for NG tube insertion.
51
What technique is used for NG tube insertion?
Use medical asepsis and clean technique during the procedure.
52
How should the patient's nares be assessed before NG tube insertion?
Assess patency of both nares for obstruction or blockage.
53
What should you measure to determine the length of the NG tube?
Measure from the tip of the nose to the earlobe, and then to the xiphoid process.
54
What is the proper client position during NG tube insertion?
Position the client in high Fowler’s initially.
55
What should you instruct the patient to do during NG tube insertion?
Instruct the patient to tilt their head back initially, then forward while swallowing to help guide the tube.
56
What is the purpose of swallowing during NG tube insertion?
Swallowing helps the epiglottis close over the trachea and directs the tube into the esophagus.
57
How should the NG tube be lubricated?
Use a water-soluble lubricant to ease the passage of the tube.
58
How often should mouth care be performed for NPO patients with an NG tube?
Mouth care should be performed every 2 hours.
59
How should the NG tube be maintained?
Use clean technique, ensure comfort, change the fixation device regularly, and monitor for complications.
60
How can an NG tube become blocked?
Secretion buildup or kinks in the tubing can block the tube.
61
What should you do if resistance is encountered during NG tube irrigation?
Reposition the client to their left side and report persistent resistance to the MD.
62
What should be done if the patient vomits during NG tube management?
Clear the airway and withdraw the tube slightly to prevent aspiration.
63
How do you manage complications like respiratory distress during NG tube insertion?
Withdraw the tube until the patient resumes normal breathing and monitor their oxygen saturation.
64
How should NG tube fixation devices be managed?
Change the fixation device regularly to prevent pressure sores and skin irritation.
65
Can UAP assist in managing an NG tube?
UAP can assist with measuring and recording drainage, oral and nasal hygiene, and comfort care but cannot perform tube insertion or irrigation.
66
What is an ostomy?
An ostomy is an artificial opening in the abdominal wall to divert waste from the digestive tract, such as in ileostomies or colostomies.
67
What is the difference between an ileostomy and a colostomy?
An ileostomy diverts waste from the small intestine, and a colostomy diverts from the large intestine.
68
What is an ileoanal pouch anastomosis?
a surgical procedure that removes the colon and rectum and creates a pouch in the small intestine to store stool
69
What is a continent ileostomy?
A surgical procedure where a reservoir is created to allow the patient to control the release of stool.
70
What is a loop colostomy?
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
What are the different types of colostomies?
Ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colostomies, each based on the location of the ostomy in the colon.
72
What is important to monitor in a patient with an ileostomy?
Monitor for skin breakdown, proper pouching, and dehydration, as ileostomy effluent contains digestive enzymes.
73
What is the main concern with a colostomy?
The main concern is odor control due to bacteria in the colon.
74
What should be done to prevent skin breakdown around an ostomy?
Ensure proper fitting of the pouch, change it regularly, and protect the surrounding skin from digestive enzymes or stool.
75
What role does a UAP have in ostomy care?
UAP can assist with documentation, monitoring pouch changes, and ensuring comfort but cannot perform pouch changes.
76
What are some common ostomy complications?
Skin breakdown, infection, stoma prolapse, and obstructions can occur if the ostomy is not cared for properly.
77
What is the importance of maintaining dignity and self-esteem in ostomy care?
Provide education, privacy, and emotional support to the patient, and respect their concerns and preferences.
78
What is the purpose of a bowel diversion?
Bowel diversion allows the body to eliminate waste through an artificial opening when normal elimination is not possible.
79
What type of stool comes from an ileostomy?
Liquid, as it is the effluent from the small intestine.
80
What should be done to prevent odors in colostomy patients?
Use odor-control pouches, maintain proper fitting, and empty the pouch regularly.
81
What is critical to assess in a patient with a bowel diversion?
Assess the stoma for proper healing, maintain skin integrity, monitor for signs of infection, and provide emotional support.
82
What is the proper skin care for patients with ostomies?
Use an appropriate skin barrier, keep the skin clean and dry, and avoid skin irritation from effluent.
83
How often should the ostomy pouch be changed?
Regularly, as needed, to prevent skin irritation and maintain hygiene.
84
What is a common complication of a new ostomy pouch change?
Skin breakdown from improper fitting or leakage of stool.
85
What does a loop colostomy indicate?
A temporary ostomy that usually does not require irrigation and is used to allow the colon to rest.

essentials (16 decks)

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