Digestive System Diseases Assessment Quiz

Digestive System Diseases

• Diseases of the digestive system encompass various conditions affecting the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, and other parts.
• Upper GI disorders involve the oral cavity, esophagus, and stomach.
• Thought and emotional factors can influence digestive system health and function.
• Malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies are secondary diseases that can result from GI disorders.
• Nutritional support is crucial in managing and preventing complications in digestive system disorders.

Assessment of GI

• Unintentional weight loss is a significant indicator of GI issues.
• Severe malnutrition is defined by percentages of weight loss over time.
• % ideal body weight (Ibw), body mass index (BMI) are used in assessing patients with GI problems.
• Symptoms like nausea (N/V), diarrhea, and dysphagia can signal GI issues.
• Allergies to food and/or medications may affect GI health.
• Lab tests like blood tests (CBC, ferritin, B12, folate) are used to assess the patient's nutritional status.

Digestion

• Digestion involves a mechanical breakdown (physical) and chemical breakdown of food using enzymes.
• Enzymes like salivary amylase, lipase, and pepsin are crucial for digestion.
• Pancreatic enzymes (lipase, protease, amylase) and bile salts also play important roles.
• The small intestine is where most of the absorption of nutrients occurs.
• Various factors can affect digestion and absorption (e.g., medications, diseases, and malnutrition).

Types of Digestion

• Pancreatic phase involves pancreatic enzymes released into the small intestine.
• Intestinal phase involves enzymes released from the small intestine, breaking down remaining nutrients.
• Maldigestion involves issues with any step of digestion, including problems with normal stomach emptying.

Absorption

• Absorption involves taking nutrients and transporting them into the bloodstream.
• Mostly occurs in the duodenum, with absorption of monosaccharides, amino acids, and fatty acids.
• Fat-soluble vitamins (e.g., vitamins A, D, E, K) require bile for absorption.
• Water-soluble vitamins (e.g., B vitamins and C) are absorbed into the intestinal mucosa.
• Malabsorption can arise from various problems (e.g., issues with digestive enzymes, infections).

Functional and Organic Diseases

• Functional diseases don't have structural damage (e.g., ulcerative colitis).
• Organic diseases involve actual structural damage to tissues (tissues).
• Stress and emotional factors can impact digestive function.

Esophageal Diseases

• The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach.
• Problems with esophageal sphincters (e.g., lower esophageal sphincter (LES)), can cause GERD.
• GERD is gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• Esophageal disorders can be obstructive, inflammatory, or nervous in nature.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

• GERD involves reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.
• Symptoms include heartburn, substernal pain, belching, and esophageal problems
• GERD can impact adults between 20% to 40%.
• Diagnosis is often based on an upper endoscopy.

GERD Pathophysiology

• GERD involves a complex interplay of reduced lower esophageal sphincter pressure, mucosal irritants, decreased gastric motility, and increased intra-abdominal pressure.
• Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and other factors can contribute to GERD problems
• Specific treatments vary.