Gastrointestinal Flashcards
(130 cards)
What are the hallmark signs of GERD
Heartburn and regurgitation.
What is the most important assessment
Patient history and symptom evaluation.
What is the gold standard lab
GERD
Esophageal pH monitoring.
What is the resting pressure of the LES
Typically between 10-45 mmHg.
Diet of a patient with GERD
Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and fatty foods.
After eating, the patient should remain upright for how many minutes
At least 30 minutes.
What is the DOC
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
What drugs are taken after meals (2)
Antacids and prokinetics.
What drugs are taken before meals (3/4)
Proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, and sucralfate.
Give an example of an antacid
- Tums (Calcium carbonate)
- Milk of Magnesia
What is the side effect of prokinetics
Diarrhea.
What drug classification causes hypomagnesemia
Proton pump inhibitors.
What are the side effects of antacids
Constipation or diarrhea, depending on the type.
What is the side effect of sucralfate
Constipation.
Surgical intervention that widens the esophagus
Esophageal dilation.
What is your nursing responsibility after esophageal dilation
Monitor for signs of perforation and bleeding.
Medication for esophagitis (3)
- Proton pump inhibitors
- H2 blockers
- Sucralfate.
What specific medications cause GERD (2)
NSAIDs and certain antihypertensives.
What is the difference between primary and secondary GERD
- Primary GERD is idiopathic
- secondary GERD is due to other conditions.
What cranial nerve is involved in GERD because it stimulates LES relaxation
Vagus nerve (Cranial Nerve X).
What viral infections are causes of achalasia?
Viral infections such as herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus can cause achalasia.
What is the term for unintentional weight loss due to difficulty eating and inadequate nutrition caused by swallowing difficulties?
The term is ‘cachexia’.
First complication of achalasia?
The first complication of achalasia is esophageal dilation.
Gold standard lab for achalasia?
The gold standard lab test for achalasia is esophageal manometry.