MODULE 4 GASTEOINTESTINAL DISORDERS

Question 1

When auscultating the abdomen how often should bowel sounds be heard?

Answer 1

Every 3 - 5 seconds

Question 2

Identify the location and describe the function of the following abdominal organs
- Gallbladder
- Spleen
- Liver
- Kidneys

Answer 2

Gallbladder: Located under the liver; stores and concentrates bile.

Spleen: Left upper quadrant; filters blood, stores platelets.

Liver: Right upper quadrant; detoxifies blood, produces bile.

Kidneys: Retroperitoneal; filter blood, produce urine.

Question 3

Describe three commonly recognised types of abdominal pain and provide a cause for each.

Answer 3

Visceral Pain: Originates from internal organs. Example: Appendicitis.

Parietal Pain: Arises from the inflammation of the peritoneum. Example: Peritonitis.

Referred Pain: Felt in a location other than the organ causing the pain. Example: Gallbladder pain referred to the right shoulder.

Question 4

How would you differentiate between upper and lower GI bleeding? What are some common causes of each?

Answer 4

Upper GI Bleeding: Melena (black, tarry stools). Causes: Peptic ulcers, esophageal varices.

Lower GI Bleeding: Hematochezia (bright red blood in stools). Causes: Diverticulosis, colorectal cancer.

Question 5

What is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in children under 5 years of age?

Answer 5

Rotavirus

Question 6

Provide a brief definition of the following terms
- Anorexia
- Omentum
- Ascites
- Melaena
- Steatorrhoea
- Tenesmus

Answer 6

Anorexia: Loss of appetite.

Omentum: A fold of peritoneum connecting or draping over abdominal organs.

Ascites: Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

Melaena: Dark, tarry stools containing blood.

Steatorrhoea: Excessive fat in the feces.

Tenesmus: Persistent, ineffective urge to defecate.

Question 7

Describe the vomiting reflex activities in the order they occur.

Answer 7

• Nausea Perception
• Retching (preparation for vomiting)
• Actual Vomiting
• Relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter
• Forceful expulsion of gastric contents

Question 8

True or False: Coffee ground vommit usually suggest acute fresh bleeding in the upper GI tract.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

What are some factors that increase the risk of developing a peptic ulcer? What is the long term management of this condition?

Answer 9

Factors: H. pylori infection, NSAID use.
Management: Antibiotics (if H. pylori positive), proton pump inhibitors, lifestyle changes.

Question 10

Explain the difference between diverticulitis and diverticulosis.

Answer 10

Diverticulosis: Presence of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall.

Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of the diverticula.

Question 11

Describe the causes of appendicitis, and its classic presentation

Answer 11

Causes: Obstruction of the appendix. Classic Presentation: Pain starting around the navel and migrating to the right lower quadrant, fever, nausea, vomiting.

Question 12

Define the term ileus. What is the main complication of this condition?

Answer 12

Definition: Lack of movement in the intestines. Complication: Bowel obstruction.