WEEK 5: Gastrointestinal System Q's Flashcards
Melena
Black, tarry stools that typically indicate bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach or duodenum
Colostomy
A surgical procedure where a part of the colon is diverted to an abdominal wall opening, allowing waste to be expelled into a bag.
Stoma
An opening was created surgically on the abdominal wall to eliminate waste after a procedure like a colostomy or ileostomy.
Parenteral Nutrition
A method of providing nutrition intravenously, bypassing the digestive system, is often used when a person cannot eat or absorb nutrients through the gastrointestinal tract.
Ileostomy
A surgical procedure in which the ileum (the last portion of the small intestine) is diverted to an opening in the abdomen, bypassing the colon.
H. pylori
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium associated with developing peptic ulcers, gastritis, and some forms of stomach cancer.
Hematemesis
The vomiting of blood often indicates a severe upper gastrointestinal bleed, such as from ulcers or varices.
Gastritis
Inflammation of the stomach lining, which can be caused by infections (like H. pylori), alcohol use, or certain medications.
Gastric lavage
A medical procedure in which the stomach is irrigated with fluids, typically used to clear out toxins or substances ingested in overdose.
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing, which can result from various conditions affecting the mouth, throat, or esophagus.
Gastroenteritis
Inflammation of the stomach and intestines is typically caused by viral or bacterial infections, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
Stomatitis
Inflammation within the mouth often leads to sores, pain, or swelling, and can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or irritants.
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder, usually due to gallstones obstructing the bile ducts, causes pain and digestive issues.
Cholelithiasis
The formation of gallstones in the gallbladder may block bile flow and lead to cholecystitis.
Cholecystectomy
Surgical removal of the gallbladder is often performed when a patient has gallstones or cholecystitis.
Colic
Severe abdominal pain caused by the intestines or other parts of the gastrointestinal tract cramping.
Jaundice
Yellowing of the skin and eyes, often resulting from liver or gallbladder disease, such as hepatitis or gallstones.
Laparoscopy
A minimally invasive surgical technique in which small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a camera is used to view internal structures, often for diagnostic or treatment purposes.
Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL).
A non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves to break up kidney stones or gallstones so they can be passed more easily.
Bile
A digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fats in the small intestine.
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdominal cavity) is usually caused by infection, often due to a ruptured organ or perforation.
McBurney’s point
A location on the abdomen that is typically associated with acute appendicitis is located one-third of the way from the anterior superior iliac spine to the navel.
Appendectomy
The surgical removal of the appendix is often performed in cases of appendicitis.
Describe the pathophysiology of a hiatal hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, which can lead to acid reflux and esophageal irritation.
What is meant by a “sliding hernia”?
A sliding hiatal hernia is when the stomach and the lower esophagus move upward through the diaphragm. It is the most common type of hiatal hernia.
Describe the treatment for hiatal hernia.
Treatment includes lifestyle changes, medications like proton pump inhibitors to reduce acid reflux, and surgery (Nissen fundoplication) if conservative measures fail.
Describe the pathophysiology of an inguinal hernia.
An inguinal hernia happens when part of the intestine or abdominal tissue bulges through the inguinal canal in the lower abdomen. It’s more common in men.
Describe the treatment for inguinal hernia.
Treatment often includes surgery to repair the hernia and prevent complications such as strangulation.
Describe the appearance of a peptic ulcer.
Peptic ulcers appear as open sores in the stomach lining or duodenum, often presenting with raised edges and a base that can be red or inflamed.
Outline the pathophysiology and manifestations of peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
PUD is caused by an imbalance between stomach acid and the mucosal lining, leading to ulcers. Symptoms include burning stomach pain, nausea, and bloating.
List the complications that may occur with PUD.
Complications can include bleeding, perforation, and gastric obstruction.
List the diagnostic tests used for PUD.
Tests include endoscopy, H. pylori testing, and barium swallow.
Describe the treatment modalities used for PUD.
Treatments include antibiotics (for H. pylori), proton pump inhibitors, and antacids.
Outline the nursing care plan for a client with PUD.
The nursing care includes pain management, promoting adequate nutrition, monitoring for complications, and educating the patient about medication adherence.
Outline the pathophysiology of cholecystitis.
Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones blocking the bile ducts.
Describe the manifestations of cholecystitis and list its incidence.
Symptoms include pain in the upper right abdomen, fever, and nausea. Incidence is higher in those with obesity, pregnancy, or high cholesterol.
List the diagnostic tests used for cholecystitis.
Tests include ultrasound, liver function tests, and HIDA scans.
Describe the treatment modalities used for cholecystitis, including drug therapy.
Treatment typically includes pain management, antibiotics, and cholecystectomy.
Outline diet modifications for the client with gallbladder disease.
To reduce gallbladder strain, patients are advised to eat low-fat meals and avoid greasy or fried foods.
Outline the pathophysiology of appendicitis
Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed, often due to obstruction or infection.
Describe manifestations of appendicitis
Common symptoms include sharp abdominal pain (especially around McBurney’s point), nausea, and fever.
Outline treatment for appendicitis.
The primary treatment is appendectomy (surgical removal of the appendix).
Describe any complications that may occur from appendicitis.
Complications include rupture of the appendix, leading to peritonitis.
List the two conditions categorized as inflammatory bowel diseases.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Describe how these conditions are alike and how they differ.
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, while ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum.
Outline the pathophysiology of IBD.
IBD is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, with immune system dysregulation playing a role in its development.
Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease
Both conditions are treated with anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, biologics, and sometimes surgery. The difference lies in the specifics of surgery (e.g., colectomy for ulcerative colitis).
Outline the pathophysiology of diverticulitis and diverticulosis.
Diverticulosis is the formation of pouches (diverticula) in the colon, while diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of these pouches.
Describe manifestations of diverticulitis and diverticulosis.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits.
Outline treatment for diverticulitis and diverticulosis.
Treatment includes antibiotics for infection, dietary changes, and sometimes surgery.
Describe any complications that may occur from diverticulitis and diverticulosis
Complications include perforation, abscess, and peritonitis.
Outline the pathophysiology of liver failure
Liver failure occurs when the liver cannot perform its essential functions, often due to chronic liver disease, viral hepatitis, or alcohol abuse.
Describe manifestations of liver failure
Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, confusion, and bleeding.
Outline treatment for liver failure
Treatment involves managing the underlying cause, supportive care, and liver transplantation in severe cases.
Describe any complications that may occur from liver failure
Complications include hepatic encephalopathy, bleeding, and kidney failure.
Outline the pathophysiology of pancreatitis
Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, often due to gallstones, alcohol abuse, or high triglycerides.
Describe manifestations of pancreatitis
Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Outline treatment for pancreatitis
Treatment includes fasting the patient, pain management, and addressing the underlying cause (e.g., gallstones).
Describe any complications that may occur from pancreatitis
Complications can include infection, pseudocysts, and organ failure.
