Abdominal Assessment and Diagnostics

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Questions and Answers

What is a potential consequence of hypertrophic gastritis?

Frequent hemorrhages (correct)

Weight gain due to increased appetite

Decreased risk of gastric cancer

Improved digestion and absorption

What characterizes atrophic gastritis?

Irregular thickened mucosa with nodular rugae

An increase in parietal and chief cells

A decreased number of parietal and chief cells (correct)

Absence of any gastric conditions

Which of the following is a nursing diagnosis related to chronic gastritis?

Risk for ineffective cardiovascular perfusion

Imbalanced nutrition related to inadequate intake (correct)

Effective airway clearance related to smoking

Acute pain related to muscle strain

Which risk factor is common in the development of chronic gastritis?

Helicobacter pylori infection Signup and view all the answers

What changes occur in the pathophysiology of the stomach lining in chronic gastritis?

The stomach lining becomes erythematous and then thin and atrophic Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention is utilized for severe cases of this condition?

Proctocolectomy Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of Crohn's disease that distinguishes it from ulcerative colitis?

Presence of deep fissures and ulceration Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is most affected by paratuberculosis incidence?

Adults aged 55-65 Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant symptom of advanced Crohn's disease?

Constant abdominal pain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary indicator of bowel obstruction in patients?

Visible peristalsis Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of ulcerative colitis patients presents with rectal involvement?

100% Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is primarily used for managing flare-ups in Crohn's disease?

Steroids Signup and view all the answers

What type of stool is typically seen in patients with severe Crohn's disease?

Soft, loose and sometimes bloody Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an Upper GI Series?

To detect disorders in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum Signup and view all the answers

What preparation is required for a patient undergoing an Upper GI Series?

Withhold opioid analgesics and anticholinergics 24° before the test Signup and view all the answers

Which sound indicates a presence of air in the intestines during abdominal examination?

High pitched sound Signup and view all the answers

What does Blumberg’s sign indicate in a physical examination?

Rebound tenderness indicating potential peritonitis Signup and view all the answers

Which blood test would likely indicate GI bleeding or anemia?

CBC Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of administering plenty of fluids after a barium procedure?

To help eliminate barium from the body Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elevations in serum markers is the best indicator of acute pancreatitis?

Elevated serum amylase and lipase Signup and view all the answers

Which condition could a Lower GI Series best detect?

Bowel obstruction due to volvulus Signup and view all the answers

What might the stool appear like for 24-48° after receiving barium during a diagnostic test?

Chalky white Signup and view all the answers

What condition is indicated by a prolonged PT in a blood test?

Liver damage Signup and view all the answers

What dietary recommendations should be encouraged for a patient requiring increased nutritional intake?

Small frequent feedings with a high-calorie content Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention should be taken to relieve pruritus in a patient?

Keep the nails short to prevent skin excoriation Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial step in monitoring a patient experiencing signs of shock?

Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diagnostic evaluations is essential for identifying the cause and site of upper GI bleeding?

Upper GI endoscopy Signup and view all the answers

What nursing intervention is important for preventing skin breakdown?

Frequent turning and proper skin care Signup and view all the answers

What is the first symptom of appendicitis that typically presents?

Pain in the epigastric or umbilical region Signup and view all the answers

Which sign indicates rebound tenderness in appendicitis assessment?

Blumberg sign Signup and view all the answers

What is a common intervention prior to an appendectomy?

Give support to parents about treatment delay Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic test is NOT typically used to detect appendicitis?

MRI Signup and view all the answers

What condition can develop from appendicitis within 24-36 hours due to hypoxia?

Gangrene Signup and view all the answers

Which sign indicates pain upon extension of the right hip?

Psoas sign Signup and view all the answers

What underlying factors can lead to diverticulitis?

Chronic constipation and low fiber diet Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of high-grade fever in cases of appendicitis?

It signifies a ruptured appendix. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT describe typical assessment findings during appendicitis?

Painless abdomen Signup and view all the answers

What does Rovsing’s sign indicate during an abdominal examination?

Right quadrant pain when the left side is palpated Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Abdominal Assessment and Diagnostic Procedures

Medications like aspirin and NSAIDs are linked to peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Laxatives and enemas can lead to dependency and subsequently cause constipation.
Travel history can help identify potential infectious causes or exposures.

Upper GI Series and Small Bowel Series

X-ray visualization from the oral pharynx to the duodenojejunal junction is essential for diagnosing structural or functional disorders.
Barium swallow helps in assessing the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum; small bowel follow-through extends up to the ileocecal junction.
Patient preparation includes 8 hours of NPO before the procedure, avoiding opioids and anticholinergics 24 hours prior to minimize motility, and drinking 16 ounces of barium.
Post-procedure care includes adequate hydration to eliminate barium and potential stool softeners.

Diagnostic Blood Tests

CBC is useful for detecting gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia.
PT (prothrombin time) assesses liver damage; prolonged PT indicates liver dysfunction.
Serum electrolytes identify malabsorption issues.
AST and ALT liver enzymes are indicators of disorders such as viral hepatitis.
Elevated serum amylase and lipase indicate acute pancreatitis.
Bilirubin levels are crucial for evaluating liver and biliary tract functioning.
Serum ammonia levels assess hepatic function and possible ammonia elevation leading to encephalopathy.

Gastritis Types and Etiologies

Atrophic gastritis results from chronic gastric ulceration, decreasing parietal and chief cells; often associated with pernicious anemia.
Hypertrophic gastritis presents with nodular mucosa and is often linked to hemorrhages.
Helicobacter pylori infection contributes to chronic gastritis.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Associated with chronic atrophic gastritis and may lead to gastric cancer.
Age is a significant risk factor, particularly for older adults.

Crohn's Disease vs. Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn’s disease is characterized by deep fissures, ulcerations, and potentially bowel fistulas, leading to malabsorption and diarrhea.
Maintenance treatments may include TPN and medications like steroids and sulfasalazine.
Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon with more frequent bowel movements.

Appendicitis Pathophysiology

Inflammation begins with mucus secretion in the appendix, leading to increased pressure, bacterial proliferation, and eventual gangrene within 24-36 hours.
Symptoms include pain in the epigastric area that localizes to McBurney's point and positive rebound tenderness.

Diverticulitis

Results from trapped fecal material and bacteria, leading to infection and acute inflammation.
Common causes are low fiber diets, chronic constipation, and obesity.

Assessment Findings for Abdominal Disorders

Symptoms may include abdominal distention, constant pain, low-grade fever, and steatorrhea.
Watch for signs of peritonitis and bowel obstruction.

Nursing Management

Focus on pain management, nutritional intake, fluid balance, and education on dietary needs.
Ensure pre-operative care for conditions like appendicitis, including lab work and supportive care for families.
Monitor patients closely for shock indicators and maintain strict vital sign checks.

Diagnostic Tests

Elevated WBC counts can indicate infection; abdominal ultrasound or x-ray is essential for diagnosing appendicitis.
Upper GI endoscopy may be used to locate bleeding sources.

Interventions for Nutritional and Infection Prevention

Promote small, frequent meals, and a high-calorie diet with necessary vitamin supplementation.
Implement rigorous infection control measures and provide skin care to prevent breakdown, particularly in patients with leukopenia.

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Description

This quiz covers essential aspects of abdominal assessment, diagnostic procedures, and related blood tests. It highlights the significance of medications, imaging techniques, and patient care in diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders. Test your knowledge on abdominal diagnostic practices and protocols.