week 9 & 10: gastrointestinal system and dysphagia

Question 1

what are the components of the GI tract? what does each do? (6)

Answer 1

-oral cavity (breaks up food)
-pharynx (swallows)
-esophagus (transports food)
-stomach (stores & churns food)
-small intestine (absorbs nutrients)
-large intestine (reabsorbs water; stores feces)

Question 2

what are the components of the small intestine?

Answer 2

-duodenum
-jejunum
-ileum

Question 3

what are the components of the large intestine?

Answer 3

-cecum
-ascending colon
-transverse colon
-descending colon
-sigmoid colon
-rectum
-anus

Question 4

what is dysphagia?

Answer 4

difficulty with swallowing

Question 5

type I dysphagia

Answer 5

problems delivering bolus in mouth to esophagus

Question 6

type II dysphagia

Answer 6

problems transporting down esophagus (obstructions, impaired peristalsis)

Question 7

type III dysphagia

Answer 7

problems with bolus entry in stomach (lower esophageal sphincter LES disorder/obstruction)

Question 8

clinical manifestations of dysphagia

Answer 8

-trouble moving food to back of mouth (and pocketing of food)
-difficulty chewing
-excessive saliva or drooling
-aspiration (food or fluid in lungs)
-gurgling voice
-coughing during or after swallowing
-choking on food or drink

Question 9

how is dysphagia evaluated?

Answer 9

barium swallow test = uses x-ray to view flow and obstruction in esophagus (or endoscopy)

Question 10

treatment for dysphagia

Answer 10

-surgery
-soft/pureed or thickened diet to prevent aspiration

Question 11

nursing implications for dysphagia (11)

Answer 11

-only feed if alert (LOC)
-monitor for signs & symptoms of aspiration (coughing & wet gargled voice)
-eliminate distractions
-check for pocketing
-HOB at 90 degrees
-conduct bedside swallow screening
-collaborate with speech therapy
-suction nearby
-provide oral care before & after meals
-crush medications if appropriate
-alternate between liquids & solids while eating