Upper Gastrointestinal Problems

Question 1

Vomiting Symptoms

Answer 1

• Dehydration can rapidly occur when prolonged.
• Metabolic alkalosis—from loss of gastric HCl
• Metabolic acidosis—from loss of bicarbonate if the contents from the small intestine are vomited
• Water and essential electrolytes are lost

Question 2

Contents of vomit

Answer 2

• Fecal odour and bile indicate a lower intestinal obstruction.
• Colour of emesis aids in determining presence and source, if bleeding
• Coffe gorunds could be indicative of gastic bleeding (coffee grounds happens when it comes in contact with HCL)

Question 3

Nondrug therapy for vomit/nausea

Answer 3

Acupressure
Botanicals
Ginger
Peppermint oil
Breathing exercises, massage, changing body position, self-hypnosis, guided imagery, biofeedback, music therapy

Question 4

Goals with Nausea/Vomiting

Answer 4

Be comfortable with minimal or no nausea and vomiting.
Maintain body weight.
Have electrolyte levels within normal range.
Be able to maintain adequate intake of fluids and nutrients.
Maintain normal urine volume

Question 5

Older adults N/V

Answer 5

more likely to have cardiac or renal insufficiency that places them at greater risk for life-threatening fluid and electrolyte imbalances. you

Question 6

Factors causing GERD

Answer 6

alcohol
Anticholinergic medications
Chocolate
Fatty foods
Nicotine
Peppermint or spearmint
Caffeine
medications

Question 7

Causes of Hiatal Hernia

Answer 7

Weakened muscles in the diaphragm
Increased intra-abdominal pressure
Increasing age
Trauma
Congenital weakness

Question 8

Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia

Answer 8

heartburn
Regurgitation
Acid reflux
Dysphagia
Chest or abdominal pain
SOB
Vomiting of blood or tarry stools