Digestive Function

Question 1

What is vomiting

Answer 1

Forceful emptying of contents of stomach and intestine through the mouth

Question 2

What are the causes of vomiting

Answer 2

ipecac in duodenum, severe pain, distention of stomach, trauma of ovaries, testes, uterus, bladder or kidney and activation of chemoreceptors

Question 3

What is the vomiting center of the brain

Answer 3

medulla

Question 4

what usually precedes vomiting

Answer 4

nausea

Question 5

What is Retching

Answer 5

begins with deep inspiration usually followed by vomiting

Question 6

What is projectile emesis

Answer 6

Similar to retching
not proceded by either nausea or retching

Question 7

medications for nausea and vomiting

Answer 7

Antihistamine- dimenhydrinate (gravol), Diphenhydramine (benadryl
Neuroleptic- prochlorperazine (stemetil)
Pro-kinetic agents- metoclorpramide (maxeran)
Serotonin blockers- ondasteron (zofran) (best one to use, less side effects)
Anticolinergics- scopolamine (transdermal patch)
Tetrahydro cannabinoid- POT (dronabinol) (cant use too much it will cause nausea)

Question 8

Nursing implications of nausea and vomiting

Answer 8

Assess complete nausea and vomiting history, assess medications, warn patient about severe drowsiness, do not use alcohol with it will cause CNS depression

Question 9

What is constipation

Answer 9

Difficult or infrequent defecation

Question 10

Potential causes for constipation

Answer 10

neurogenic disorders of large intestine, functional or mechanical disorders affected by weakness or pain (surgery), highly refined foods, lack of regular exercise, depression and anticholinergics

Question 11

What are the 5 kinds of laxatives

Answer 11

Bulk forming (acute and chronic), emollient (acute and chronic), hyperosmotic (chronic), saline (removal of helmiths), stimulant 9acute)

Question 12

What are the metabolic consequences

Answer 12

Fluid, electrolyte and acid base disturbances

Question 13

Which 2 laxatives do not enter your body and go into your blood system

Answer 13

emolient and bulk forming

Question 14

How do bulk forming laxatives work

Answer 14

absorbs water to increase bulk, distends bowel to initiate reflex bowel activity EX. Psyllium (will not work if fully blocked

Question 15

How does emollient laxatives work

Answer 15

Stool softeners and lubricants, promote more water and fat in the stools

Question 16

How does hyperosmotic laxatives work

Answer 16

increase fecal water content and distends the bowels (cleans you out)

Question 17

How does saline laxatives work

Answer 17

Increase osmotic pressure within the intestinal tract making more water enter the intestines

Question 18

How do stimulant laxatives work

Answer 18

increase peristalsis via intestinal nerve stimulation (will cause pain and cramping)

Question 19

What is the side effects of bulk forming laxatives

Answer 19

Impaction, fluid overload

Question 20

What are the side effects of emollient laxatives

Answer 20

Skin rashes, decreased absorption of vitamins

Question 21

What are the side effects of hyperosmotic laxatives

Answer 21

abdominal bloating, rectal irritation

Question 22

What are the side effects of saline laxatives

Answer 22

magnesium toxicity, cramping, diarrhea, increased thirst

Question 23

what are the side effects of stimulant laxatives

Answer 23

Nutrient malabsorption, skin rashes, gastric irritation

Question 24

When does stool get hard when using laxatives

Answer 24

In the colon

Question 25

Nursing implications of laxatives

Answer 25

electrolyte imbalances, obtain history of symptoms, elimination patterns and allergies, no laxatives if nauseous, vomiting or abdominal pain

Question 26

What is diarrhea

Answer 26

increase in frequency of defecation and the fluidity and volume of feces

Question 27

What is the systemic effects of diarrhea

Answer 27

dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, metabolic acidosis and weight loss

Question 28

if diarrhea is accompanied by fever, cramping pain and bloody stools indicate

Answer 28

IBS

Question 29

What is Steatorrhea

Answer 29

fat in stools

Question 30

What are the 4 antidiarrheal drugs

Answer 30

absorbents and bulk forming, antispasmodics, opiates, intestinal flora modifiers

Question 31

What do absorbant and bulk forming antidiarrheals do

Answer 31

Coat the walls of the GI tract

Question 32

What do intestinal flora modifier antidiarrheals do

Answer 32

creates unfavourable environment for overgrowth of fungi and bacteria

Question 33

What do opiate antidiarrheals do

Answer 33

decrease bowel motility and relieve rectal spasms, decreases transit time through the bowel so that more water and electrolytes can be absorbed

Question 34

What are the interactions with antidiarrheals

Answer 34

decrease the absorption of digoxin, clindamycin, quinidine and hypoglycaemia agents

Question 35

What are the 3 types of causes for abdominal pain

Answer 35

mechanical, inflammatory or ischemic