Nursing Care of Pt w/ GI Disorders Flashcards
Fx of the Digestive Tract
- Breakdown of food for digestion
- Absorption of nutrients produced by digestion into the bloodstream
- Elimination of undigested foodstuffs and other waste products
Digestion is
phase of the digestive process that occurs when enzymes mix with ingested food and when proteins, fats, and sugars are broken down into their component molecules.
Absorption
phase of the digestive process that occurs when small molecules, vitamins, and minerals pass through the walls of the small and large intestine and into the bloodstream.
Elimination
phase of the digestive process that occurs after digestion and absorption, when waste products are eliminated from the body
Major enzymes and secretions of the mouth
- saliva
- salivary amylase
Major enzymes and secretions of the stomach
- hydrochloric acid
- pepsin
- intrinsic factor
Major enzymes and secretions of the small intestines
- amylase
- lipase
- trypsin
- bile
Assessment of GI tract
- Include all info related to GI
- pain
- dyspepsia
- gas
- N/V
- constipation/diarrhea
- jaundice etc.
- Psychosocial, spiritual and cultural factors
- Assess knowledge
- need for education
General Assessment includes
- Mouth
- Abdomen
- Stool tests
- Blood tests
Stool tests include
- fecal occult blood tests
- stool examination for
- ova
- parasites
- bacteria
Blood tests include
- CBC
- chemistry
- AST
- ALT
- amylase
- lipase
- bilirubin
- carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
Sites for referred abdominal pain
Quadrants of the abdomen
Regions of the Abdomen
Correct order of abdominal assessment
- Inspection
- auscultation
- percussion
- palpation
Dx tests for abdomen
- stool specimens
- breath tests
- abdominal ultrasound
- imaging studies: CT, PET, MRI
- Upper GI tract study
- Lower GI tract study
- GI mobility studies
- Endoscopic procedures
- other
CT scan
CT scan - computed tomography
- Purpose
- to detect tissue densities and abnormalities in the abd, liver, pancrease, spleen and biliary tract
- Client Prep - with or without contrast
- NPO 4 hrs prior if contrast used
- IV access
- Follow-up care
- none specific unless sedation needed
Upper GI radiographic series
- Purpose
- detect abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum
- Client prep
- NPO (8hrs)
- PO contrast
- no opioids or anticholinergic meds for 24hrs prior
- Follow-up Care
- drink plenty of fluids to eliminate barium
- Laxative may be given
- Stool may be chalky for 24-72 hrs after exam
Barium Enema
- Purpose
- detect changes in large intestines
- Client Prep
- clear liquids only 12-24hrs prior
- NPO 8hrs prior
- bowel cleansing night before exam
- Follow-up Care
- same as upper GI
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
- Purpose
- visualize the mucosal
- Client Prep
- NPO at least 8hr prior
- Follow-up care
- NPO until gag reflex returns
- check temp frequently for first 2 hrs post-surgery
- begin with clears and advance as ordered
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Purpose
- visualize the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas
- determine obstructions
- Client prep
- same as EGD
- Follow-up care
- Same as EGD
- also, educate on the s/s of possible pancreatitis
S/S of pancreatitis
- nausea
- abdominal pain
- elevated temp
Colonoscopy
- Purpose
- view large bowel for…obtaining bx, removing polyps, evaluate cause of chronic bowel problems, locate source of GI bleeding
- Client prep
- clear liquids 12-24 hrs prior
- NPO 6-8hrs prior
- bowel cleansing night before
- follow-up care
- VS monitoring freq, monitor for s/s of perforation and hemorrhage
- will have lots of gas afterwards (feeling of fullness and cramping)
Interventions for Malnourishment
- NG tube
- G-tube/percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube feedings
- TPN
- Central Line
- Incompatible with meds
- Prevent infections
- Glucose monitoring q6h
- Electrolyte imbalances
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix
Causes of appendicitis
- obstruction of the lumen by accumulated
- feces
- foreign bodies
- tumor of the cecum or appendix
- thickening of the mucosa
S/S of appendicitis
- increased WBCs
- peri-umbilical pain (McBurney’s point) eventually shifting to RLQ
- rebound tenderness (Rovsing’s sign)
- kids do not get rebound like adults
- N/V
- anorexia
- possible low-grade fever
Assessment and Dx for appendicitis
- abd assessment
- CBC - elevated WBC
- x-ray
- ultrasound
- ct
Interventions for appendicitis
- IV fluids
- Antibiotics
- Surgical removal
Gastroenteritis
- Inflammation of the stomach and intestinal tract that causes V/D or both
- Most common causes are viruses and bacteria
- Other cause - protozoa
S/S of gastroenteritis
- N/V
- dehydration
- malaise
- abdominal cramps
- fever
Prevention and assessment of gastroenteritis
- handwashing
- principle food handling (eggs and raw meat)
- Assessment - abdomen and hydration
Labs for gastroenteritis
- CBC
- for dehydration and WBC
Treatment of gastroenteritis
- elimination of symptoms
- underlying cause
Parasitic Disorders of the GI tract
- Parasitic Disorders - Helminthes
- Round worm most common
- Others include: flatworms, tapeworms, pinworms, hookworms, and flukes
- Transmission occurs through skin or ingestion of helinthes eggs