GI System Flashcards
What are the areas of the abdomen?
right upper quadrant (RUQ), Left upper quadrant (LUQ), Epigastrium (upper central region of the abdomen), Right lower quadrant (RLQ), and Left lower quadrant (LLQ)
What is abdominal distention?
swelling or enlargement of the abdomen
What is ascites?
accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity
What are bowel sounds?
a PEx finding; may be diminished or hyperactive
What is C-difficile (C-diff)?
A bacteria in the intestines that causes diarrhea and GI problems, usually a side effect of antibiotic use
What is choledocholithiasis?
gallstones in the common bile duct
What is cirrhosis?
chronic degenerative liver disease
What is Crohn’s disease?
a form of inflammatory bowel disease
What is a decreased rectal tone PEx used for ?
assessment of nerve dysfunction
What is diverticulosis?
small abnormal pouches in the intestinal wall
What is diverticulitis?
inflammation and infection w in the diverticula
What is dyspepsia?
indigestion
What is dysphagia?
phag/o- to eat
difficulty swallowing
What is emesis?
vomiting
What is gastroenteritis?
stomach and intestines are irritated and inflamed (i.e. stomach flu)
What is gastroesophageal reflux disease?
GERD; a condition in which contents of the stomach flow back into the esophagus; known as reflux
What is guarding?
contraction of the abdominal muscles and discomfort when pressure is applied to the abdomen
What is a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed?
any bleeding in the gi tract, usually classified as “upper” or “lower”
What is a GUAIAC test?
a diagnostic test looking for occult blood in the stool. done after taking a small stool sample during a rectal exam
What is hepatomegaly?
an enlarged liver
What is hepatitis?
inflammation of the liver
What is hematemesis?
vomiting of blood
What is hematochezia?
passage of bright red blood in the stool
What are hemorrhoids?
painful, swollen veins in the anus or rectum; may be internal or external and cause rectal bleeding
What is an ileus?
decreased motor activity of the GI tract
What is IBS?
a common disorder that affects the LARGE intestine (colon). commonly causing cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation
What is jaundice?
yellow coloration of the skin/ mucus membranes from high levels of bilirubin in the blood stream
What are LFT’s?
liver function tests; measurements of liver enzymes and other substances in the blood; enzyme levels INCREASE when the liver is damaged
What is McBurney’s point tenderness?
a site of extreme sensitivity in acute appendicitis in the RLQ
What is melena?
black “tarry” color stool; a typical sign of upper GI bleeding
What is Murphy’s sign?
a test looking for acute cholecystitis where there is increased tenderness in the RUQ
What is organomegaly?
abnormal enlargement of an organ
What is pancreatitis?
inflammation of the pancreas
What is the peritoneum?
serous membrane that forms the abdominal cavity lining
What is peritoneal dialysis?
a way to remove waste products from your blood when your kidneys can no longer function; can be done at home
What is rebound?
an increase in severe pain and discomfort when pressure is abruptly relieved from a localized region of the abdomen
What does rigid mean?
hardness or stiffness of the abdomen
What is a small bowel obstruction (SBO)?
the inability of the intestinal tract to allow for regular passage of food and bowel contents. May be partial or complete
What is splenomegaly?
abnormal enlargement of the spleen
What is a colonoscopy?
internal examination of the large intestines and rectum
What is an upper endoscopy?
internal examination of the upper GI tract including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, using a small camera
What is a HIDA scan?
imaging used to diagnose problems in the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts
What is an ERCP?
procedure that combines an upper endoscopy and X-rays to treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts
