Ch 45: Patient Care in GI Disorders

Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Villi Function: End-products of carbohydrate and protein digestion are absorbed into the bloodstream through the blood vessels in villi, tiny projections of the small intestine.

• Diverticulitis Pain: Characteristic pain for diverticulitis is typically located in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen.

• Ileostomy Concerns: Following an ileostomy, monitor for skin excoriation around the stoma due to potential impairment of skin integrity.

• Esophageal Cancer & Radiation: Patients receiving radiation therapy for esophageal cancer should be assessed for aspiration resulting from the formation of an esophagotracheal fistula.

• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Procedure: This diagnostic procedure allows visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible fiberoptic scope.

• Achalasia Definition: Achalasia is a condition where a muscle is unable to relax, affecting digestive function.

• Gastrectomy Monitoring: Post-gastrectomy, assess for vitamin B12 deficiency due to impaired absorption.

• Diverticulitis Management: Encourage a high-fiber diet to help alleviate symptoms of gas and constipation commonly associated with acute diverticulitis.

• Ileostomy Body Image: Patients undergoing an ileostomy are at risk of disturbed body image and low self-esteem, necessitating emotional support.

• Dumping Syndrome Prevention: To prevent dumping syndrome post-Billroth II procedure, suggest eating six small meals high in protein and fat.

• Appendicitis Care: Applying heat to the abdomen is contraindicated in suspected appendicitis as it may exacerbate symptoms.

• Post-Barium Swallow Care: After barium swallow studies, instruct patients to ensure complete expulsion of barium to avoid constipation.

• Stool Specimen for Parasites: For diagnosing parasites, obtain three stool specimens on separate days.

• Fluid Resuscitation in Appendicitis: In cases of suspected appendicitis, fluid and electrolyte replacement is a key intervention.

• Strangulated Hernia: A hernia with occluded blood supply is termed a strangulated hernia, posing serious health risks.

• Transverse Loop Colostomy Purpose: This type of colostomy is temporary, intended to allow healing of the bowel by diverting feces.

• Colostomy Adjustment Support: Encourage patients to express concerns regarding their colostomy to aid in coping and adjustment.

• NG Tube Patency: The most important intervention to ensure the patency of a nasogastric tube is monitoring and irrigating it as needed.

• Peristalsis Function: Refers to involuntary, progressive wavelike movements in the gastrointestinal tract that facilitate the movement of food and digestive substances.

• Disturbed Body Image Diagnosis: Patients with an abdominoperineal resection and permanent colostomy may have a nursing diagnosis of disturbed body image.

• Postoperative Bowel Sounds: Monitoring bowel sounds is critical after abdominal surgery to assess the return of peristalsis.

• Ineffective Tissue Perfusion Diagnosis: This diagnosis can be applied to patients in hypovolemic shock due to hemorrhaging from a bleeding peptic ulcer.

• Diet Management Goals in IBD: Goals include preventing weight loss, correcting malnutrition, replacing fluid losses, and providing adequate nutrition.

• Nutrition Interventions in IBD: Suggest six small frequent meals to cater to decreased appetite and tolerance for larger meals.

• Pain Management Priority in Peritonitis: When assessing a patient with peritonitis, evaluating pain severity is the highest nursing priority.

• Hydration Importance for Sulfasalazine: Patients should be educated on the necessity of staying hydrated while taking sulfasalazine to avoid kidney problems.

• Complications of Peptic Ulcers: Perforation is the most lethal complication, indicating a serious breach in the stomach or duodenum wall.

• GERD Management Strategies: Advise patients to remain upright after meals to help manage gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.

• Antibiotics for Stomach Disorders: Antibiotic therapy’s primary goal is to eradicate H. pylori bacteria.

• NSAID Use and Peptic Ulcers: NSAIDs should be taken cautiously in older adults to prevent the development of peptic ulcers.

• Care Essentials Post-GoLYTELY: For patients administered GoLYTELY, provide a bedside commode due to the likelihood of rapid bowel clearance.

• Monitoring in Crohn’s Disease: Important nursing interventions include daily weight monitoring, I&O assessment, and ensuring access to a commode.

• Colon Cancer Prevention: A high-fiber diet, regular checkups, and awareness of familial cancer predispositions can help prevent colon cancer.

• Constipation Management in Older Adults: To prevent constipation, recommend a high-fiber diet, adequate hydration, and increased physical activity.

• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Frequency: Should be performed every five years for baseline gastrointestinal health assessment.

• Colonoscopy Frequency for High-Risk Patients: Recommended every ten years for individuals with a history of colon cancer or a family history of colorectal cancer.

Test your knowledge on the care of patients with gastrointestinal disorders through these flashcards. This quiz focuses on the absorption processes and the roles of the small intestine's villi in digestion. Perfect for nursing students and healthcare professionals.