Questions and Answers
The gastrointestinal system is made up of two sections: the _____________ and the _____________
gastrointestinal tract; accessory organs
The epiglottis blocks food from entering the ________
trachea
Most fluids are absorbed in the _______
small intestine
Feces is eliminated from the body by ________ through the anus
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The large intestine helps regulate water balance by absorbing _______ and _________ and eliminating solid waste products as feces
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The functions of the gastrointestinal system are ___________ and ________ of food, absorption of nutrients, and _________ of waste products
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As a person ages, he may find it harder to taste foods
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An older person may be constipated more often
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Difficulty chewing and swallowing may occur as a person ages
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An increase in the ability to absorb vitamins and minerals is a normal change of aging
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As a person ages, she may have an increase of saliva and other digestive fluids
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Solid waste products eliminated by the colon are called
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What should normal stool look like?
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Which of the following is true of bowel elimination?
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The best position for bowel elimination is
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Which of the following should be increased if constipation is a problem?
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How should a NA place a standard bedpan?
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Which of the following is a type of elimination equipment used for people who cannot lift their buttocks onto a standard bedpan?
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What does constipation refer to?
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What causes Chrohn's disease?
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What is diarrhea?
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What is diverticulitis?
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What is diverticulosis?
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What is fecal impaction?
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What is fecal incontinence?
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What is flatulence?
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What is gastroesophageal reflux disease?
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What is heartburn?
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What are hemorrhoids?
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What is irritable bowel syndrome?
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What is malabsorption?
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What is ulcerative colitis?
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What are ulcers?
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An enema is given when help is needed _________ stool from the colon.
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Enemas are also ordered in preparation for a(n) ____________ or __________
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__________ water, __________ and ________ enemas are considered cleansing enemas
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During the enema, the resident should be in the _______ position
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When giving an enema, the NA should stop immediately if the resident has ______ or if the NA feels resistance
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The goals of using an oil-retention enema include lubricating the intestine, softening ________, and reducing ______ with bowel movements
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A specimen is a sample used for analysis and diagnosis
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A stool sample may be tested for blood, pathogens, or other things
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If stool needs to be tested for ova and parasites, the NA should place the specimen on ice before taking it to the lab
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Specimens are generally stored in the same refrigerators that are used for food and drinks
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Urine and toilet paper should not be included in a stool specimen
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A plastic collection container called a 'hat' is sometimes inserted into a toilet to collect and measure urine or stool
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Collecting a specimen from a resident in isolation requires the same procedure as is used for a resident who is not in isolation
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The surgical creation of an opening from an area inside the body to the outside is called a(n)
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When a resident has colostomy, stool will generally be
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What is worn over a stoma to collect feces when a resident has an ostomy?
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When giving ostomy care, in which direction should the NA wash?
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What is retraining in the context of bowel and bladder control?
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What does it mean to be positive?
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What can be offered at specific times each day?
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What must be answered promptly during the retraining process?
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Wearing gloves while handling body wastes is a part of these guidelines?
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What can be predicted by observing elimination habits?
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Providing this as needed helps promote proper hygiene?
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Study Notes
Gastrointestinal System Overview
- Comprises two primary sections: gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs.
- Responsible for the ingestion, digestion, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste.
Anatomy and Functions
- The epiglottis prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing.
- Most fluid absorption occurs in the small intestine.
- Feces are expelled through the anus via peristalsis.
- The large intestine regulates water balance by absorbing water and electrolytes, while eliminating solid waste.
Aging and the Gastrointestinal System
- Taste sensitivity may diminish with age, affecting food enjoyment.
- Constipation is more prevalent among older adults due to various factors.
- Difficulty with chewing and swallowing may increase in the elderly.
- Aging does not lead to increased absorption of vitamins and minerals, nor to increased saliva production.
Bowel Elimination
- Normal stool should appear brown and formed.
- Bowel elimination should not cause pain; fecal incontinence is not a normal part of aging.
- Best position for bowel elimination is squatting and leaning forward to aid in the process.
- Constipation management can be improved by increasing intake of whole grains.
Enemas and Elimination Equipment
- Standard bedpan placement should align the wider end with the resident's buttocks.
- Fracture pans are useful for individuals who cannot lift themselves onto a standard bedpan.
- Cleansing enemas include tap, soapsuds, and saline solutions.
- During enemas, residents are positioned in the sim's position, and administration should stop upon pain or resistance.
Common Gastrointestinal Conditions
- Constipation: Difficulty in stool elimination, often leading to hard, dry stool.
- Diarrhea: Characterized by frequent elimination of liquid or semi-liquid feces.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of small pouches in the large intestine.
- Fecal incontinence: Loss of bowel control leading to involuntary stool passage.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Chronic condition aggravated by stress.
Specimen Collection and Testing
- Correct specimen handling is crucial for analysis; stool should be free of urine and toilet paper.
- Specimens require separate storage from food items to prevent contamination.
- Procedures may differ for residents in isolation settings, emphasizing the need for adherence to specific protocols.
Ostomy Care
- An ostomy is a surgical procedure creating an external opening for waste elimination.
- Colostomy typically produces semi-solid stool.
- Managed with a disposable pouch worn over the stoma, ensuring cleanliness is maintained by washing away from the stoma.
Health Promotion and Hygiene
- Retraining involves assisting residents in regaining bowel and bladder control, requiring timely responses to call lights.
- Standard precautions include wearing gloves when handling body wastes to ensure hygiene and safety.
- Perineal care is essential to promote proper hygiene in individuals dealing with elimination difficulties.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the gastrointestinal system with this chapter 15 quiz. Covering key terms and functions, this quiz will help reinforce your understanding of how the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs work together. Perfect for students studying anatomy and physiology.