Disorders of the GI System

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Questions and Answers

Which diagnostic test is considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening?

Sigmoidoscopy

Fecal occult blood test

Colonoscopy (correct)

Endorectal ultrasonography

What symptom is more likely to be observed in individuals with descending colon cancer?

Weight loss

Nausea

Chronic abdominal pain

Alternating constipation and diarrhea (correct)

What should individuals with a family history of colon cancer undergo before age 50?

Colonoscopies every year

Digital rectal examination

Endorectal ultrasonography

A baseline colonoscopy (correct)

What is the common clinical manifestation of colorectal cancer related to blood?

Anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom experienced during the progression of Crohn's disease?

Malnutrition and weight loss Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is NOT characteristic of Crohn's disease?

Presence of blood in diarrhea Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic test is considered most definitive for differentiating Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis?

Colonoscopy with multiple biopsies Signup and view all the answers

How does malabsorption affect patients with Crohn's disease?

Reduced nutrient intake causes anemia Signup and view all the answers

What might result from poor absorption of bile salts in patients with Crohn's disease?

Watery stools Signup and view all the answers

What type of pain is characteristically associated with Crohn's disease?

Right-lower-quadrant pain Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication that may arise from Crohn's disease?

Intestinal obstruction Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is least likely to be reported by a patient with worsening Crohn's disease?

Weight gain Signup and view all the answers

What type of drug therapy is typically initiated once Crohn's disease is diagnosed?

Immunosuppressive treatment Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of damage to the small intestine in celiac disease?

Autoimmune response to gluten Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common clinical manifestation of celiac disease?

Weight gain Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin deficiencies can severely affect organs in someone with celiac disease?

Vitamin D and B12 Signup and view all the answers

What type of diagnostic test is performed if blood tests indicate a potential positive for celiac disease?

Intestinal biopsy via endoscopy Signup and view all the answers

Which symptoms are typically included in the subjective data assessment for celiac disease?

Abdominal pain and neuropathic complaints Signup and view all the answers

What is the essential management strategy for someone diagnosed with celiac disease?

Adhering to a gluten-free diet Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the objective data findings commonly seen in celiac disease patients?

Pale, foul-smelling stools with high fat content Signup and view all the answers

What dietary change is often recommended to manage the symptoms of diverticulosis?

High-fiber diet including fruits and vegetables Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common clinical manifestation of diverticulitis?

Pain in the left lower quadrant Signup and view all the answers

Why should a barium enema not be performed on a patient with acute diverticulitis?

There is a risk of perforation and peritonitis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary test used for diagnosing diverticulitis?

CT scan with oral contrast Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory findings are commonly associated with diverticulitis?

Elevated white blood cell count Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential serious complication of untreated diverticulitis?

Septicemia and septic shock Signup and view all the answers

How does diverticulosis often present in patients?

With no problematic symptoms at all Signup and view all the answers

What treatment is recommended if muscle atrophy is identified as a cause of diverticulitis?

High-fiber diet, stool softeners, and bed rest Signup and view all the answers

What are common subjective symptoms experienced by patients with diverticulitis?

Constipation and diarrhea with pain Signup and view all the answers

In the case of localized abscess due to microperforation from diverticulitis, which treatment is appropriate?

Combination of antimicrobials effective against various organisms Signup and view all the answers

What initial diagnostic method is recommended for assessing a suspected hernia?

Palpation of the weakened wall Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is primarily treated with a posterior gastropexy?

Hiatal hernia Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of a hiatal hernia that may lead to diagnosis?

Gastroesophageal reflux, or pyrosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following may predispose an individual to developing a hiatal hernia?

Trauma or obesity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between a reducible hernia and other types?

It can be manually replaced into the abdominal cavity Signup and view all the answers

What precautionary measure should be taken for a patient with an external hernia?

Document the hernia's location and size Signup and view all the answers

Which surgical procedure involves wrapping the fundus of the stomach around the lower esophagus?

Nissen fundoplication Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential life-threatening complication associated with hiatal hernias?

Gastric volvulus Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a truss or firm pad for hernias?

To manually reduce the hernia Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure is a common surgical intervention for symptomatic hiatal hernias?

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Intestinal Infections

Infectious agents can enter the body through contaminated food or water, or person-to-person contact.
Normal bacterial flora in the intestines help fight infection, but antibiotics can disrupt this balance, leading to overgrowth of opportunistic bacteria like C. difficile.
Opportunistic bacteria produce toxins, causing fluid secretion in excess of the intestines' reabsorption capacity, leading to imbalances.
E. coli strains, some not part of normal flora, can cause hemorrhagic colitis (bloody diarrhea) which is sometimes complicated by abdominal tenderness, particularly within 2-4 days after contaminated food consumption.
C. difficile is a healthcare-associated infection, often in immunocompromised patients taking antibiotics; the spores survive for a long time on surfaces.
Diarrhea is a common symptom, and stool may contain blood and mucus if the intestinal mucosa is directly invaded.
Other symptoms include rectal urgency, tenesmus (straining), nausea, abdominal cramps, fever, and vomiting.
History of antibiotic use, recent travel, and diet are important factors in assessing and diagnosing intestinal infections.

Celiac Disease

A genetic disorder affecting the small intestine.
An autoimmune response to gluten in wheat, rye, and barley triggers immune system damage to the small intestine villi.
Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and other complications due to nutrient deficiencies throughout the body.
Diagnostic tests involve blood tests for antibodies and an intestinal biopsy (often via endoscopy).
Treatment involves a strict gluten-free diet.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A functional disorder with episodes of altered bowel function, discomfort, and pain.
The exact cause is unknown, but may involve psychological factors and a correlation with anxiety, chronic pain, and history of sexual abuse.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or constipation, and a feeling of incomplete bowel movements.
Assessment involves patient history of symptoms, including abdominal pain triggered by defecation, and presence of mucus in stool.
Management involves managing symptoms, such as eliminating foods that trigger the symptoms, and counseling interventions like stress management or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammation and ulceration of the colon and rectum, beginning in the rectum and traveling upwards.
Symptoms often include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and pain.
Diagnostic tests include colonoscopy with biopsies and blood tests.
Treatment involves medication to reduce inflammation or surgery to remove the affected part of the colon.

Crohn's Disease

Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting any section from the mouth to anus; often has discontinuous areas of inflammation.
Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and sometimes fistulas and strictures leading to bowel obstruction.
Stool often contains pus and blood.
Treatment may involve medications to reduce inflammation or surgery to remove the affected parts of the bowel.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix, usually in the lower right abdomen.
Common symptoms include pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and tenderness in the lower right quadrant, often worsening over time.
Tests might include a white blood cell count, a CT scan, and abdominal X-rays.
Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the appendix.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall (most frequently the sigmoid colon).
Symptoms include lower left quadrant pain and tenderness, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits.
Diagnosis usually involves imaging tests, blood tests, and sometimes colonoscopy.
Treatment involves rest, fluids, and sometimes antibiotics; surgery is typically reserved for complications or perforation.

Peritonitis

Inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and an inability to pass stool or gas, sometimes combined with an impacted or blocked bowel.
Possible causes include ruptured appendix, perforated bowel, or a leaking abscess.
Treatment often includes fluid replacement, antibiotics, and surgery to manage the source of the infection.

Anal Fissures and Fistulas

Anal fissure: a linear tear or ulceration of the anal skin, often caused by straining during bowel movements.
Fistula: an abnormal connection between the anal canal and surrounding tissues.
Symptoms often include pain, bleeding, and/or pus/discharge.
Requires surgical treatment in the case these conditions worsen.

Intestinal Obstruction

Blockage in the intestines leading to swelling, pain, and potentially decreased blood flow.
Symptoms range depending on location (e.g., upper intestinal obstruction), but general symptoms include pain, nausea, vomiting and decreased bowel movement or inability to pass gas.
Diagnosis and treatment vary dependent on the cause of the obstruction.
The presence of abdominal distension, vomiting, and no bowel sounds may indicate a partial or complete obstruction that requires medical intervention.

Hiatal Hernia

Stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through a weakened esophageal opening.
Symptoms can include heartburn, acid reflux, and regurgitation.
Can cause significant pain if impacted and may require surgical intervention to treat.

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Description

Test your knowledge on colorectal cancer and Crohn's disease with this quiz. Covering symptoms, diagnostic tests, and common clinical manifestations, this quiz is essential for students in health sciences. Assess what you know about these significant gastrointestinal conditions.