Lower GI: Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease Flashcards
1
Q
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
A
• Chronic inflammatory disease of the colon, characterized by periods of remissions and exacerbations
2
Q
What is the patho of UC?
A
- Abnormal immune response causes inflammation in the mucosal layer of the colon, which leads to continuous ulcerations
- Pseudopolyps may be present
- Involves ONLY the colon
3
Q
What are the risk factors for UC?
A
- Autoimmune disorders
- Genetics
- Jewish descent
- Stress
4
Q
What are the s/s of UC?
A
- Diarrhea with blood or pus (10-20 liquid stools/day)
- Abdominal pain/cramping
- Fecal urgency
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Anemia
- Dehydration
- Tenesmus (always feeling like you need to shit)
5
Q
What lab results indicate UC?
A
- ↑ WBC, CRP, ESR
* ↓Hgb/Hct, albumin, potassium, magnesium
6
Q
What is CRP?
A
- C-reactive protein
- Protein made by the liver
- A high CRP test result is a sign of acute inflammation
7
Q
What is ESR?
A
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- Blood test that measures how quickly erythrocytes (red blood cells) settle at the bottom of a test tube that contains a blood sample.
- A faster-than-normal rate may indicate inflammation in the body.
8
Q
What dx tests are done for UC?
A
- Guaiac test
* Colonoscopy w/ biopsy
9
Q
What medications are used for tx of UC?
A
- Sulfasalazine
- Aminoacylates
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressants
- Antidiarrheals
10
Q
What surgery tx is used for tx of UC?
A
- Colectomy with appropriate ostomy
* Fecal microbiota transplant
11
Q
What are we monitoring as part of our nursing care for UC pts?
A
- I/Os
- Electrolytes (risk of hypokalemia)
- CBC levels
- Complications (peritonitis, sepsis)
12
Q
What is our pt teaching for UC?
A
- NPO during exacerbations
- Consume high calorie, low fiber diet (if ongoing UC)
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, lactose
- Eat smaller, more freq meals
13
Q
What are the complications associated with UC?
A
- Toxic megacolon
- Perforation
- Hemorrhage
- Arthritis
- Colorectal
14
Q
What is Crohn’s Disease?
A
- Chronic inflammatory disease that can involve the entire GI tract and all layers of the bowel wall.
- Most common in the distal small intestine or proximal colon
- Characterized by periods of remissions and exacerbations
15
Q
What is the patho for Crohn’s Disease?
A
- Genetic, immune and environmental factors cause inflammation, which leads to the development of patchy ulcerations and granulomas in the GI tract
- Causes scarring and narrowing of the intestinal lumen, and places the pt at risk for fistulas