Week 3 Upper Gastrointestinal Flashcards
This module covers gastrointestinal assessment along with learning about different upper gastrointestinal disorders such as Nausea and Vomiting, GORD, Gastritis, Peptic Ulcer disease. You will look also learn about oral conditions and assessments, obesity and eating disorders along with nutritional support.
A detailed NURSING ASSESSMENT is essential in determining an appropriate nursing care plan for conditions affecting the digestive system.
Some elements include:
- Vital signs including pain score
- Patient’s medical, surgical and social history - pre-existing conditions, family history, smoking, alcohol, recent travel, occupation
- General appearance
Skin- dehydration, pallor, jaundice, bruising, itching
eyes- sunken, yellow sclera, pale conjunctivae
mouth- halitosis; lips (dry, chapped, pale, sores); tongue (dry and coated, ulcerations); condition of gums and teeth
Weight- fluctuations - Diet- any changes in appetite, altered bowel pattern, food intolerances
- Medication history- usual medications, drug allergies
- SYMPTOMS
Nausea and vomitting- note the onset, duration and triggers of vomitting in addition to characteristic of vomitus eg/haematemesis (blood in vomit)
Dyspepsia (indigestion)
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Abdominal pain- note site, onset, nature
Bowel sounds- present or absent
Diarrhoea OR Constipation- onset, duration, frequency, characterisitcs of stool eg/melena- black tarry stool resulting from bleeding in upper GI tract
Palpaple lump(s)- site, onset, characteristcs.
A systematic approach to planning and implementing nursing care will ensure that an individual’s needs are comprehensively addressed. Elements include:
COMMUNICATION
OBSERVATIONS
NUTRITION/HYDRATION
ELIMINATION
PAIN RELIEF
MOBILISATION
PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT
A variety of INVESTIGATIONS may be be necessary to make a diagnosis. Specific examples include:
- x-ray, ultrasound, CT
- Gastroscopy/Endoscopy- a procedure where a thin, flexibile tube with a light and camera on one end, called an endoscope, is used to look inside the oesophagus, stomach and small intestine (duodenum).
- Barium Swallow- a test that uses barium swallowed and x-ray to create images of the upper GI tract including throat (pharynx) and oesophagus.
- Colonoscopy- a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera attached is used to look inside your large intestine (colon) and rectum.
- Laparoscopy- performed under anaesthetic involving a small incision (keyhole) through the abdominal wall to allow the injection of carbon dioxide into the peritoneal cavity to move organs and structures away from each other to be better visualised. It helps in obtaining tissue and fluid samples as well as detecting inflamattion, masses and other abnormalities.
Nausea is
is a feeling of discomfort in the epigastrium with a conscious desire to vomit
Vomiting is
is the forceful ejection of partially digested food and secretions from the upper GI tract
Nursing assessment for nausea and vomiting:
Vital signs- to help detect fluid volume deficit
General observation- appearance, skin colour and turgor
Collect patient history- Duration, frequency, severity, precipating factors, medications, measures used to alleviate.
Nursing care and interventions for nausea and vomiting:
Emesis bag, postion patient close to a bathroom
Strict fluid balance chart
NBM, or if not prohibited- ice chips to suck on.
Postion patient upright
NGT and suction to decompress the stomach
IVT
Medication thearpy as ordered- antiemetics
Other non-pharmacological therapy- acupuncture, ginger, relaxation, change in body position
Lifespan considerations nausea and vomiting
Older patients are more likely to have cardiac or renal insufficiency that places them at a great risk for life-threatening fluid and electrylite imbalances.
The older adult with a decreased level of consciousness may be at a high risk for aspiration of vomitus.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is
a chronic symptom of mucosal damage caused by reflux of stomach acid into the lower oesphagus. In fact, GORD is not a disease, but a syndrome.
GORD is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions in Australia. It is estimated to occur in
10–15% of the population, with a rising prevalence, most likely due to obesity. In addition to obesity, risk factors include advanced age, male gender, Caucasian ethnicity, diets high in fats, sugars and salt, and smoking
GORD is usually caused by
the ring of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus becoming weakened.
It is not always clear what causes this but people at risk of developing GORD are:
Obesity- increased pressure on the stomach can weaken muscles in the oesophagus
smoking, alcohol, coffee or chocolate- these may relax the muscles at the bottom of the oesphagus.
pregnancy- temporary changes in hormone levels and increased pressure on stomach
hiatus hernia- when part of your stomach pushes up through the diaphragm
Stress
Gastritis is
inflammation of the stomach lining and is one of the most common problems affecting the stomach. There are two types of gastritis, acute and chronic.
Causes of gastritis
Medications- aspirin, corticosteroids, NSAIDs- these medications inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins that are protective to the gastric mucosa.
Diet- alcohol, spicy food
Helicobacter pylori infection- prolonged inflammation leads to changes in the stomach and can lead to cancer.
Environmental- radiation, smoking
Pathophysiological conditions- burns, large hiatus hernia, reflux of bile/pancreatic secretions, renal failure, sepsis, shock.
Other factors- endoscopic procedures, NG tube, psychological stress.
GORD Signs and Symptoms- these vary from person to person.
heartburn is the most common symptom. It is a burning, tight sensation felt intermittently beneath the lower sternum and spreading upwards to the throat or Jaw
dyspepsia- pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
regurgitation- described as hot, bitter or sour liquid coming into the throat or mouth.
respiratory symptoms such as; wheezing, coughing, and dyspnoea
GORD-related chest pain can mimic angina and is described as burning, squeezing or radiating to the back, neck, jaw or arms. Assessment is vital!
GORD Complications
oesophagitis- inflammation of the oesophagus and this can potentially lead to oesophageal ulcers that can bleed, cause pain and make swallowing difficult.
Barrett’s oesphagus- repeated episodes of GORD can damage the cells lining in the lower oesphagus
dental erosion- due to acid reflux into the mouth
Oesophageal cancer
GASTRITIS Signs and Symptoms
Nausea and Vomiting
Abdominal bloating
Abdominal pain
Indigestion
Burning feeling
Loss of appetite
Nursing care and management GORD:
elevate bed to 30 degrees
patient should not lay supine for 2 - 3 hours after a meal
Medication therapy
- Protein pump inhibitors (PPIs) block the acid secretory pathway eg/omeprazole
- PPIs have a short plasma half-life thereofre the TIMING of administration is important with the greatest efficacy seen when given a meal time.
- PPIs should be given approximately 30 minutes before a meal.
- Long term use of PPIs may increase the risk of falls and fractures.
- PPis are associated with increased risk of C.difficile infection in hospitalised patient’s.
education - avoid late night eating and identified activites that causes reflux for them, weight reduction, avoiding alcohol and smoking
Nursing care and management- GASTRITIS
Supportive treatment such as IV fluids and NBM status if vomiting and dehydration accompanies acute gastritis.
Administration of medication therapy- focuses on reducing irritation of the gastric mucosa and providing symptomatic relief eg/ antiemetics, H2 repetor blockers or PPIs to reduce gastric HC1 secretion, antibiotic combinations used to eradicate H.pylori if a cause.
In severe of acute gastritis- NG tube may be used to monitor for bleeding, lavage the precipating agent from the stomach, keep the stomach empty.
Involvement of mulitidisciplanary team- eg/dietician
A peptic ulcer is
a break or ulceration in the mucosal lining of the lower oesophgus, stomach or duodenum.
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) damages the
lining, usually by increased acid secretion leading to inflammation and ulceration. Helicbacter pylori infection and the use of no-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the primary causes of both gastric and duodenal ulcers.
PUD Signs and symptoms
Epigastric pain- Gnawing or burning pain in the middle to upper stomach between meals or at night
Pain that temporarily disappears if you eat something like food milk or antacids
Bloating
Heartburn
Nausea or vomiting
- Bleeding, performation and gastric obstruction are the major complications of PUD
Nursing care and management PUD
Administration of prescribed medication
- PPI’s eg/omeprazole
- H2 blockers eg/rantididine
- Antibiotics eg/amoxicillin, clarithromycin and metroniadole
- Protective medications eg/sucralfate
- Antimetic eg/ Stemetil, ondansetron or metoclopramide to relieve nausea and vomiting.
If complications occur such as haemorrage, performation or pyloric stenosis, intravenous access will need to be established and fluid replacement initiated to correct hypovolemia.
Insertion of a NG tube may be indicated to allow aspiration to decompress and empty the stomach.
Commencement of a fluid balance chart and regular vital signs
A urinary catheter may be required to monitor input/output.
Nutritional therapy- avoid caffeine-containing beverages and foods. Eliminating alcohol as it can delay healing. Avoid foods that cause gastric irritation including hot (spicy) foods, peppper and carbonated beverages.
Gingivitis
The gingiva are the gums, the visible mucosa around teeth. Gingivitis refers to inflammation of the gingiva, and is common. It is a mild form of periodontitis, which means inflammation of all the tissues surrounding the teeth, and is less common
Gingivitis
Signs and symptoms:
Patients with gingivitis present with:
Puffy, dusky red, swollen gums
Gums which are tender and bleed easily
Foul breath
Bleeding when brushing teeth
Development of pus
Formation of abscess with loosening of teeth
Gingivitis
Risk Factors:
Poor oral hygiene, which leads to the build-up of plaque. If teeth are not cared for properly, plaque hardens into tartar and irritates the gingiva
Systemic disorders like diabetes or leukaemia, exposure to heavy metals, pellagra (niacin deficiency) and scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency)
Skin disease, particularly erosive lichen planus
Hereditary factors
Poor or inadequate oral hygiene practices
Tobacco use
Immune compromise
Viral and yeast infections
Dry mouth
Hormonal changes associated with menses and pregnancy
Poor nutrition
Substance abuse
Ill-fitting dental restoration
Type 1 diabetes, leukaemia, Down syndrome, Papillon-Lefevre syndrome and Crohn disease.
Gingivitis
Treatment:
Prevention through health teaching
Dental care
Gingival massage
Regular dental checkups - including professional cleaning of teeth
Treatment of underlying conditions
Candidiasis
is an infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Candida normally lives on the skin and inside the body, in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing any problems. Sometimes, Candida can multiply and cause an infection if the environment inside the mouth, throat, or esophagus changes in a way that encourages fungal growth. Candidiasis in the mouth and throat is also called thrush or oropharyngeal candidiasis. Candidiasis in the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat to the stomach) is called esophageal candidiasis or Candida esophagitis.
Oral Candidiasis
Signs and Symptoms
White patches on the inner cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, and throat
Redness or soreness
Halitosis
Cotton-like feeling in the mouth
Loss of taste
Pain while eating or swallowing
Oral Candidiasis
Risk Factors
Taking antibiotics, including inhaled corticosteroids
Wearing dentures
Having cancer, HIV/AIDS
Smoking
Oral Candidiasis
Treatment
Miconazole oral gel
Good oral hygiene
Rinising mouth after using inhaled corticosteroids
HSV -1
HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact to cause infection in or around the mouth.
HSV-1 affects most people on one or more occasions during their lives and is the herpes simplex virus that will be discussed here.
Both variants of the herpes simplex virus present with localised blistering.
HSV 2
HSV-2 on the other hand is almost exclusively transmitted through genital-to-genital contact during sex.
Both variants of the herpes simplex virus present with localised blistering.
HSV Cold sores
Herpes simplex is commonly referred to as cold sores or fever blisters, as recurrences are often triggered by a febrile illness, such as a cold.
HSV
Signs and Symptoms
Lip lesions
Mouth lesions
Vesicle formation (single or clustered)
Shallow painful ulcers
Blisters