GI WKS Flashcards
Which gastrointestinal changes occur in older adults? (Select all that apply.)
A. Increased hydrochloric acid secretion
B. Decreased absorption of iron and vitamin B12
C. Decreased peristalsis may cause constipation
D.Increased cholesterol synthesis
E. Decreased lipase with decreased fat absorption and digestion
F. Decreased liver enzyme activity depresses drug metabolism
Answer: B, C, E, F
Rationale: liver cells sclerosis so will be decreased in fat absorption
As age things get worse
Decreased hydrochloric acid secretion and cholesterol synthesis (cells sclerose in liver)
More constipation and more prone incontinence
Higher risk for sterrhoea - fatty stools
Much higher risk for toxicity - liver and GI - and decreased functioning in kidneys (filter less)
Atrophy of Gastric Mucosa
Decrease in hydrochloric acid levels
Decrease in the number and size of hepatic cells and increase in fibrous tissue
Distension and dilation of pancreatic ducts
Calcification of pancreatic vessels and a decrease in lipase production
Peristalsis decreases and intestinal nerve impulses dulled
Decreased sensation to defecate can result in postponement of bowel movements
GI changes with aging
Decreased absorption of iron and vitamin B12
Proliferation/more of bacteria
Atrophic gastritis occurs as a consequence of bacterial overgrowth
Decrease in hydrochloric acid levels
Leads to decreased protein synthesis and changes in liver enzymes
Depresses drug metabolism - increased risk toxicity
Decrease in the number and size of hepatic cells and increase in fibrous tissue
Decreased lipase level results in decreased fat absorption and digestion
Excess fat in the feces (steatorrhea)occurs because of decreased fat digestion
Calcification of pancreatic vessels and a decrease in lipase production
Leads to constipation and impaction and incontinence
Decreased sensation to defecate can result in postponement of bowel movements
Encourage bland foods high in vitamins and iron - risk for irrational; risk for malnutrition with decreased absorption
Assess for epigastric pain to detect gastritis
Assess for adverse effects of medications, specifically drug toxicity; adjust doses
Encourage small, frequent meals
Assess for diarrhea and dehydration
Encourage a high-fiber diet and 1500 mL of fluid intake daily - facilitate peristalisis
Encourage as much activity as tolerated
GI changes with aging interventions
Helps prevent steatorrhea
Encourage small, frequent meals
These interventions increase the sensation of needing to defecate
Encourage as much activity as tolerated
Visual exam/scope of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum with use of fiberoptic scope
Visual scope of esophagus, gastric, duodenum
What type of exam is the EGD and what does it evaluate? - EGD
NPO for 6-8 hours and avoid anticoagulants, aspirin, platelet meds, NSAIDS several days before procedure - not want to give anything that increases bleeding
NPO, hold anticoags, ibuprofen, aspirin, NSAIDS
Preparation for the procedure: - EGD
conscious/Moderate sedation – not completely under but sedation under enough where amnesia and pain medication where deep sleep but breathing on own
Numb throat
sedation/anesthesia
numb throat
What is done to minimize discomfort during the procedure? - EGD
Keep patient NPO until gag reflex returns
monitor for bleeding;
Hbg and Hct;
frequent VS (BP down; HR up);
Gag reflex before eating or drinking
Check airway
Post procedure care: - EGD
Priority care includes preventing aspiration and assess for any bleeding or pain that could indicate perforation
Priority for care is to monitor for complications: aspiration, bleeding, ABCs
Can have perforation so watch for signs of this
What is the priorities for post procedure? - EGD
Someone to drive them home
If discharged the same day, what precaution should be taken? - EGD
The nurse is caring for a patient scheduled for a colonoscopy in three days after discharge. What does the nurse teach the patient about preparations for this diagnostic test? (Select all that apply.)
A. “Take only clear liquids the day before the procedure.”
B. “You may drink red, orange, or purple beverages the day before the test.”
C. “Avoid aspirin, anticoagulants, or antiplatelet medications for several days before the procedure.”
D. “You will have watery diarrhea shortly after taking the medication prescribed for cleansing the bowel.”
E. “You will have an IV placed to receive medication to help you relax during the procedure.”
Answer: A, C, D, E
Clear liquids - easier bowel prep
Red, orange, purple - dye bowel to think something going on
You will have watery diarrhea shortly after taking the medication prescribed for cleansing the bowel - goal and want to completely clean them out
IV placed - conscious/full sedation
What is the goal of the bowel preparation?
Clear liquid BM, so able to visualize colon
Bleeding; Perforation (concerned about infection - peritonitis [rigid boardlike abdomen] and infection/sepsis quickly); AB - considered since under anesthesia so take VS
What should the nurse monitor for post procedure?
Endoscopic exam of the entire large intestine
Baseline test should be done at age 50 and every 10 years if norm
Preparation:
Procedure: Moderate sedation and procedure lasts 30-60 minutes
Post procedure:
Colonoscopy
Can be used to visually diagnose, biopsy and treat
Endoscopic exam of the entire large intestine - Colonoscopy
Clear liquids the day before
NPO 4-6 hours prior
Avoid aspirin, anticoagulants, and antiplatelet drugs for several days before
Adequate bowel cleansing is essential
Follow provider orders for oral and rectal preparation; Patient should be passing clear liquid prior to procedure
Preparation: - Colonoscopy
Observe for signs of perforation (severe pain) and hemorrhage
Feelings of fullness and cramping are expected - air gets into bowel
Fluids are permitted after the patient passes flatus to indicate that peristalsis has returned
Post procedure: - Colonoscopy
Visual and radiographic exam of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas - back and look in all areas
Use radiopaque dye
Used to diagnose obstruction as well as treat obstructions
Preparation: NPO for 6-8 hours and typically avoid anticoagulants as determined by provider - sim to EGD
Procedure: Moderate sedation and lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours
Post procedure:
Endoscopic retrogrand cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Keep patient NPO until gag reflex returns
Priority care includes preventing aspiration and assess for any bleeding or pain that could indicate perforation
Assess for gallbladder inflammation and pancreatitis - pancreatic inflammation - acute onset of severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fever and elevated lipase
Post procedure: - Endoscopic retrogrand cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Abdominal x-ray
Acute abdominal series
Abdominal computerized tomography (CT) - unique: DYE GIVEN PO AND IV
Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Upper GI series (Barium Swallow)
Small bowel follow-through
Barium enema
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
Imaging tests
Can identify tumors, strictures and obstructions
Abdominal x-ray
Includes chest x-ray, supine and upright abdominal x-ray
Acute abdominal series
X-ray from mouth to duodenojejunal junctions with use of barium
Or through NG tube
Gives better pics
Upper GI series (Barium Swallow)
Extension of the upper GI x-ray with use of barium
Gives better pics
Small bowel follow-through
X-ray of large intestine with use of barium
Gives better pics
Barium enema
Looking at pancreas, bile duct, gallbladder, liver area - done via MRI
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
Diet
Elimination patterns
Psychosocial
Family history
Physical assessment
Symptoms
Other assessments when there are GI issues
Big one; huge impacts on GI tract
Diet
Stress - certain things are exacerbated by stress
Psychosocial
Bowel sounds
Abdomen - stomach shape, firm, soft
Stool
Physical assessment
Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea
Pyrosis - heartburn
Abd pain
Regurgitation
Constipation
Symptoms
is a type of secondary stomatitis. Long-term antibiotic therapy destroys other normal flora and allows it to overgrow.
Candida albicans - like opportunistic infection
Fungal - white patches on tongue; sometimes redness and inflammation if really bad
What type of infection is this?
immunocompromised
What might put a patient at risk for this type of infection?