GI Study Guide for Digestive System Diseases PDF

GI STUDY GUIDE 1.​ What are the preventative measures to take to prevent G.E.R.D. ​ Maintaining an ideal body weight. ​ Chewing food completely. ​ Avoiding high-fat and spicy foods. ​ Identifying and avoiding trigger foods that cause symptoms, such as ci...

GI STUDY GUIDE 1.​ What are the preventative measures to take to prevent G.E.R.D. ​ Maintaining an ideal body weight. ​ Chewing food completely. ​ Avoiding high-fat and spicy foods. ​ Identifying and avoiding trigger foods that cause symptoms, such as citrus or tomato products. ​ Avoiding alcohol, chocolate, coffee, peppermint, and spearmint. ​ Not eating within 3 hours of bedtime. ​ Elevating the head of the bed on 4- to 6-inch blocks while sleeping. ​ Quitting smoking. 2.​ Heliobacteria Pylori is a bacteria that causes what? ​ Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD): H. pylori is a major cause of PUD, which involves erosion of the stomach or duodenal lining. ​ Gastritis: H. pylori is associated with environmental gastritis. It can cause inflammation of the stomach mucosa. ​ Gastric Cancer: H. pylori can play a role in the development of gastric cancer. Patients with chronic gastritis caused by H. pylori have an increased risk of developing stomach cancer. 3.​ Inability to absorb which vitamin is associated with chronic gastritis and pernicious anemia? ​ Autoimmune gastritis attacks the parietal cells in the stomach. ​ Parietal cells are responsible for producing intrinsic factor, a substance necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12. ​ Reduced intrinsic factor due to the damage of parietal cells prevents vitamin B12 from being properly absorbed in the intestines. ​ Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to the development of pernicious anemia. 4.​ What are the risk factors for Gastritis B? ​ Alcohol use  ​ Medications, such as aspirin, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, digitalis, and chemotherapy agents ​ Infections from microorganisms, such as Helicobacter pylori and Salmonella ​ Endoscopic procedures ​ Nasogastric suctioning ​ Radiation ​ Reflux of bile ​ Smoking ​ Stress (both emotional and physiological) ​ Trauma ​ Crohn disease 5.​ What is gastritis? Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach mucosa 6.​ Stool color of someone with upper GI bleeding Black and tarry, a condition known as melena. 7.​ How do you initially confirm tube placement of someone with an NG tube. ​ Aspirating gastric contents: ​ X-ray imaging: 8.​ Rebound pain in which the abdominal quadrant indicates appendicitis. Rebound tenderness, which is the intensification of pain when pressure is released after palpation, in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen can indicate appendicitis 9.​ What are the risk factors for acute diverticulitis? ​ Age: People older than 60 are most commonly affected by diverticulitis. The incidence of diverticular disease increases with age. ​ Diet: A diet low in fiber and high in fats and red meat may increase the risk of diverticulitis. Although a low-fiber diet is thought to play a part in the development of diverticulosis, which can progress to diverticulitis, this is not confirmed by research. ​ Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for diverticulitis.  ​ Sedentary lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle may increase the risk for diverticulitis. ​ Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for diverticulitis. ​ Medications: Certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and steroids can increase the risk of diverticulitis. ​ Chronic constipation: Chronic constipation may lead to increased pressure within the bowel, which may contribute to the development of diverticula. 10.​Biggest nursing concern for pt with large blood loss due to GI bleed. 1. Hypovolemic Shock:​ ○​ Significant blood loss (more than 1 liter in 24 hours) can lead to hypovolemic shock. ○​ Signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock include: ​ Hypotension (low blood pressure) ​ Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) ​ Tachypnea (rapid breathing) ​ Weak, thready pulse ​ Chills ​ Palpitations ​ Dizziness and confusion ​ Cold, clammy extremities ​ Changes in level of consciousness ○​ Nursing actions for hypovolemic shock: ​ Maintain NPO (nothing by mouth) status ​ Administer intravenous fluids and blood products as prescribed ​ Administer oxygen therapy ​ Monitor vital signs closely ​ Monitor input and output, including gastric secretions, stool, and urine ​ Avoid NG tube insertion ​ Position patient on their side and elevate head of bed to prevent aspiration ​ 2. Dehydration: ​ Blood loss can lead to dehydration. Monitor for signs of dehydration, such as dry mucous membranes, fatigue, and thirst. 3. Electrolyte Imbalance: ​ GI bleeding can cause electrolyte imbalances. ​ Monitor laboratory values and report abnormal findings. 4. Anemia: ​ Blood loss leads to decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. ​ Monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit. ○​ Ongoing Bleeding: Monitor the patient for continued bleeding. ​ Observe stools for occult blood, melena (black, tarry stools), or hematochezia (bright red blood). ​ Observe vomitus for hematemesis (vomiting blood), or coffee-ground emesis. 5. Aspiration: ​ Patients with GI bleeding are at risk for aspiration if they vomit. ​ Position the patient on their side to prevent aspiration. 5. Pain: ​ Patients may experience abdominal pain related to the underlying cause of the GI bleed. ​ Monitor and manage pain as needed. 6. Complications: ​ GI bleeding can lead to complications such as peritonitis or perforation. ​ Monitor for signs of these complications. Patient Education:​ ​ Teach the patient about medications and the importance of avoiding alcohol.  ​ Instruct the patient about symptoms to watch for and to report to the healthcare provider, such as new bleeding or a change in vital signs. 11.​Severe GI bleeding will cause a decrease in blood pressure 12.​Teaching (care) points for someone with a UTI and antibiotic use (important to teach what when prescribing any antibiotic) ​ Complete the full course of antibiotics, even if the patient starts feeling better. Stopping antibiotics early can lead to the infection not being fully treated, which can cause the infection to recur and may lead to antibiotic resistance. ​ Take the antibiotics as prescribed, with the correct dosage and frequency. ​ Be aware of potential side effects of the specific antibiotic. ​ Report any adverse reactions or unusual symptoms to the healthcare provider. ​ Do not share antibiotics with others, or take antibiotics that were prescribed for someone else. ​ Antibiotics may cause diarrhea as they can disrupt the normal flora of the bowel. A probiotic supplement may help restore the normal flora. 13.​What are the nursing interventions for someone with appendicitis Preoperative Interventions: ​ NPO Status: The patient should be kept NPO (nothing by mouth) in preparation for surgery. ​ Avoidance of Heat, Laxatives, or Enemas: Heating pads, laxatives, and enemas should be avoided, as they can complicate or cause a rupture of the appendix. ​ Pain Management: Monitor the patient's pain level using a rating scale and administer analgesics as ordered. ​ IV fluids are administered in order to prepare for surgery Postoperative Interventions: ​ Monitor for signs of infection: After surgery, monitor the patient's vital signs, especially temperature, and the surgical site for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or purulent drainage. ​ Pain Management: Continue to assess and manage the patient's pain using a rating scale and administer analgesics as needed. ​ Monitor Fluid Balance: Closely monitor the patient's intake and output, and administer intravenous fluids as prescribed to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. ​ Monitor for Complications: Observe signs of complications such as peritonitis, which may include increased abdominal pain, abdominal rigidity, fever, increased WBCs, and dehydration. ​ Wound Care: If a drain is inserted, provide wound care and monitor the drainage. ​ Respiratory Care: Encourage coughing and deep breathing to prevent atelectasis and respiratory tract infections. Assist the patient with splinting the abdomen when coughing to make coughing less painful. ​ Early Ambulation: Encourage early ambulation to promote recovery 14.​Lab tests that are specific to renal function ​ Kidneys-ureter-bladder x-ray (KUB) to detect tumors, swollen kidneys, and kidney stones. ​ A pyelogram can provide imaging of the renal pelvis, calyces, and ureter, using IV contrast, retrograde contrast, or antegrade contrast. ​ Urine culture to identifies organisms present. ​ Urine tests 15.​What is stress incontinence Stress incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine due to an increase in abdominal pressure1. This can be associated with activities such as coughing, laughing, or sneezing. 16.​What is a fecal impaction and what are s/s of fecal impaction ​ Fecal impaction results when a dry fecal mass is so dry that it cannot be passed. It is a complication that can result from constipation ​ Signs and symptoms of fecal impaction ​ Pressure on the colon mucosa from a mass of stool may cause ulcers to develop1.  ​ Small amounts of liquid stool can ooze around the fecal mass, causing incontinence of liquid stools. ​ Abdominal pain and distention3.... ​ Indigestion ​ Intestinal rumbling. ​ Rectal pressure. ​ A sensation of incomplete emptying. ​ Straining. ​ Elimination of hard, dry stool. ​ Headache. ​ Fatigue. ​ Decreased appetite. 17.​ A urinalysis of someone with a urinary tract infection will show what Organisms or bacteria Present: 18.​What are stress ulcers? Stress ulcers, also known as stress-induced gastritis, are a specific type of gastrointestinal mucosal damage that occurs in critically ill patients. 19.​What is a EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) used for An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic endoscopic procedure that allows visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum to detect various abnormalities and conditions. 20.​A semi-conscious or unconscious person should be in what position during oral care to prevent aspiration A semi-conscious or unconscious person should be placed on their side. This position allows any fluids or secretions to drain out of the mouth rather than pooling at the back of the throat, which could then be aspirated into the lungs. 21.​Define diverticulitis and what pt ed would you give someone with diverticulitis? Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of a diverticulum, which is a small outpouching of the bowel mucous membrane through weak areas in the colon wall. Patient education ​ During the initial phase of diverticulitis treatment, a liquid diet is typically recommended. ​ After the acute phase, a progressive diet is started, gradually reintroducing solid foods as tolerated. ​ A high-fiber diet can help prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements, which reduces pressure within the colon. However, fiber intake may need to be limited during an acute diverticulitis flare-up. ​ Patients should avoid alcohol and irritating foods (acidic, greasy, spicy). ​ Patients should increase fluid intake to 2 to 3 liters per day, unless contraindicated, to prevent hard stools. ​ Avoiding nuts and seeds. ​ Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the risk of diverticulitis. ​ Regular physical activity to improve bowel function and overall health. A sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for diverticulitis. ​ Quitting smoking can improve overall health and reduce the risk, since smoking is a risk factor for diverticulitis 22.​What lab findings would you have of a pt. with anemia related to peptic ulcer disease ​ Decreased Hemoglobin and Hematocrit: ○​ Bleeding from peptic ulcers often results in lower-than-normal hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. ○​ Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. ○​ Expect to see decreased levels of both in lab results. ​ Fecal Occult Blood: ○​ Stool may test positive for occult blood, indicating slow, chronic bleeding within the GI tract. ○​ This test detects blood that isn't visibly apparent in the stool. ​ Red Blood Cell Count: ○​ The red blood cell (RBC) count may be lower than normal, reflecting the loss of red blood cells due to bleeding. ​ Iron Studies: ○​ Chronic blood loss can lead to iron deficiency. Iron studies might reveal low serum iron, low ferritin (a measure of iron stores), and increased total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). ​ Vitamin B12 Deficiency: ○​ Chronic gastritis, particularly autoimmune gastritis, can lead to a deficiency in intrinsic factor, hindering vitamin B12 absorption and resulting in pernicious anemia.