Intestinal Failure

Question 1

Define Intestinal Failure

Answer 1

Results from an inability to maintain adequate nutrition or fluid status via the intestines. Intestinal failure results from obstruction, dysmotility, surgical resection, congenital defect, or disease associated loss of absorption and is characterised by the inability to maintain protein-energy, fluid, electrolyte, or micronutrient balance.

Question 2

Meaning of Acute short term

Answer 2

2 weeks

Question 3

Meaning of Chronic long term

Answer 3

Cannot eat for the rest of their lives

Question 4

How many types of intestinal failure are there?

Answer 4

3 - type 1,2,3

Question 5

Describe Type 1

Answer 5

Self-limiting short term (days weeks) postoperative or

paralytic ileus.

Question 6

Describe Type 2

Answer 6

Prolonged, associated with sepsis and

metabolic complications. Often related to abdominal surgery with complications

Question 7

Describe Type 3

Answer 7

Long term but stable – Home Parenteral

Nutrition often indicated.

Question 8

Where is the most appropriate location of care for type 1?

Answer 8

Wards, (HDU and ITU)

Question 9

Where is the most appropriate location of care for type 2

Answer 9

HDU, ITU (wards)

Question 10

Where is the most appropriate location of care for type 3

Answer 10

Wards to home

Question 11

What happens if there is an operation in the gut

Answer 11

More acid will be produced in response

they may need proton pump inhibitors (PPI)