Test #1 Flashcards
what is achalasia
When the LES cannot relax causing food / fluid to build up
what are complications of achalasia
- distention of the esophagus leading to risk for aspiration
- GERD
- halitosis (foul breath)
- malnutrition leading to weight loss, weakness and poor skin turgor
s/s of achalasia
- dysphagia= most common
- substernal chest pain- usually after eating
- regurgitation/ nocturnal regurgitation
- halitosis (foul breath)
- inability to burp
- gerd
why would you expect someone with achalasia to have weight loss
because they are not adequately digesting food because it cannot enter the stomach therefore the pt is losing nutrition and hydration
what causes achalasia
nerve degeneration esophageal dilation d/t food backed up hypertrophy of the sphincter can be viral or genetic. unknown
what kind of tests can we do if we suspect achalasia
- Upper GI barium- to see how the fluid moves through the GI track
- esophageal manometry
- EGD
what does an esophageal manometry look for
it checks the pressure on the esophageal sphincter
what does a pt need to do prior to having an EGD
NPO for 8 hrs prior
have the procedure explained by the MD
consent signed
what kind of sedation is given when an EGD is performed
usually a benzodiazepine such as Versed (antianxiety agent/sedative hypnotic)
what kind of medications are given for achalasia
smooth muscle relaxants such as anticholinergics, nitrates(smooth muscle relaxants), calcium channel blockers
or botulism injections to the LES
what are the invasive procedures for achalasia treatment
Dilation of the cardiac sphincter (can end up causing problems with reflux)
Heller Myotomy- surgical incision and release the muscle around the LES (can end up causing problems with reflux)
POEM- the heller myotomy except it is done laparoscopically
what is gastritis
chronic or acute inflammation of the stomach d/t breakdown of the protective barrier
what happens to the stomach lining with gastritis
the breakdown in the protective layer of the stomach.
-when the barrier is broken, HCL and pepsin secrete into the tissue and cause edema, disruption of capillary walls and can cause hemorrhage.
what are some causes of gastritis
NSAIDS, aspirin and corticosteroids (inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins)
alcohol use- increases HCL production
H pylori
radiation exposure
stress
what contributes to the protective layer of the stomach
-prostaglandins
manifestations of Gastritis
Heartburn
epigastric pain
anorexia
nausea
what is a complication of chronic gastritis
Pernicious anemia because the parietal cells are lost d/t atrophy and thus less IF is being secreted = less b12 absorption
What types of test would you do for a pt with gastritis
EGD/bx
H Pylori
cbc w/ IF
guaic stool
how do we treat gastritis
eliminate cause if known (i.e.: meds)
- NG tube for bowel rest
- PPIs (omeprazole)
- H2 blockers(ranitidine)
- antacids
- Abx (for H pylori infection)
complications of acute/chronic gastritis
ulcer formation
hemorrhage d/t ulceration
increased risk for stomach cancer d/t cells changing
What is Gerd
reflux of the gastric contents into the esophagus d/t incompetent LES
what puts pts at greater risk for GERD
- Incompetant LES
- food- caffeine, chocolate, peppermint
- Medications- anticholinergics(cause relaxation of the sphincter)
- smoking
- hiatal hernia
- obesity/increased abd pressure
s/s of GERD
- heartburn
- dyspepsia
- regurgitation- hot bitter sour liquid into throat or mouth
- respiratory sis (coughing, wheezing, dyspepsia, aspiration)
- chest pain burning squeezing or radiating to the back
what type of diagnostic tests would you suggest for a pt with GERD
-Endoscopy w/ bx (good is assessing the LES competence and the degree of inflammation
(bx to determine carcinoma from barrette and degree of dysplasia)
- pH monitoring- to determine the pH in the lower esophagus
- manometry- measure the LES pressure and motility
- Upper GI barium to see how the GI system is working
what are complications of GERD
- Esophagitis
- Barretts esophagitis
- respiratory compromise (aspiration, bronchospasm, cough,)
what is barretts esophagus
breakdown of tissue outside the esophageal sphincter. the cells begin to change and become precancerous
what are some medications that can be used to treat GERD
- PPIs
- H2 blockers
- prokinetic agents
- sulcrafate
- cholinergic
- antacids
- aluminum and magnesium
- Prostaglandins (cytotec)
what are the PPIs that can aid with GERD
dexilant nexus prevacid omeprazole pantoprozole
how do PPIs work
Inhibit the H+K+-atpase pump (responsible for gastric acid secretion)
thus decreasing HCL secretion
what are side effects of PPIs
HA Abd pain N&V diarrhea flatus
how do H2 blockers work
blocks the H2 receptors that way histamine cannot bind and thus decreasing the HCL secretion
what are the H2 blocker meds
Tagamet
Pepcid
nizatidine
ranitidine
Side effects of H2 blockers
HA
abd pain
diarrhea
constipation
what type of lifestyle changes should a pt make with GERD
- smaller more frequent meals throughout the day
- do not lay down for 2-3 hours after eating
- avoid triggering factos
- lose weight
- loose clothing around mid section
what types of surgery can be performed for GERD
LINX reflux management
(magnet around the LES that will act as the sphincter
What are the two types of hiatal hernias
sliding (most common- stomach slides up above diaphragm and back down)
-rolling (funds rolls through diaphragm and stays- causes risk for strangulation)
what diagnostic tests can you perform for hiatal hernia
- upper GI barium swallow
- EGD
what are s/s of a hiatal hernia
- Heartburn
- dyspepsia
- regurgitation
- pain
what contributes to the cause of a hiatal hernia
- weakening of the muscles of the diaphragm
- aging
- increasing abdominal pressure
- obesity
- pregnancy
- ascites
- heavy lifting
what are complications of a hiatal hernia
GERD esophagitis hemorrhage (from erosion- from gerd) stenosis ulceration of of herniated portion regurgitation strangulation
how do you treat hiatal hernias as a nurse
- decrease intra abdominal pressure
- avoid drugs and diets that effect the LES
- avoid late means/ before bed meals
- sleep at a 45 degree angle
- medications to relieve sxs such as PPIs or H2 blockers
- avoid carbonated beverages
prevent problems with gastric reflux
what are surgical options for hiatal hernias
Lap nissen- take the fundus of the stomach and wrap it around the LES - enhancing the function
Toupet fundoplication= only goes 270 degrees around the LES