WEEK 5: Gastrointestinal System Q's

Question 1

Melena

Answer 1

Black, tarry stools that typically indicate bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach or duodenum

Question 2

Colostomy

Answer 2

A surgical procedure where a part of the colon is diverted to an abdominal wall opening, allowing waste to be expelled into a bag.

Question 3

Stoma

Answer 3

An opening was created surgically on the abdominal wall to eliminate waste after a procedure like a colostomy or ileostomy.

Question 4

Parenteral Nutrition

Answer 4

A method of providing nutrition intravenously, bypassing the digestive system, is often used when a person cannot eat or absorb nutrients through the gastrointestinal tract.

Question 5

Ileostomy

Answer 5

A surgical procedure in which the ileum (the last portion of the small intestine) is diverted to an opening in the abdomen, bypassing the colon.

Question 6

H. pylori

Answer 6

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium associated with developing peptic ulcers, gastritis, and some forms of stomach cancer.

Question 7

Hematemesis

Answer 7

The vomiting of blood often indicates a severe upper gastrointestinal bleed, such as from ulcers or varices.

Question 8

Gastritis

Answer 8

Inflammation of the stomach lining, which can be caused by infections (like H. pylori), alcohol use, or certain medications.

Question 9

Gastric lavage

Answer 9

A medical procedure in which the stomach is irrigated with fluids, typically used to clear out toxins or substances ingested in overdose.

Question 10

Dysphagia

Answer 10

Difficulty swallowing, which can result from various conditions affecting the mouth, throat, or esophagus.

Question 11

Gastroenteritis

Answer 11

Inflammation of the stomach and intestines is typically caused by viral or bacterial infections, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Question 12

Stomatitis

Answer 12

Inflammation within the mouth often leads to sores, pain, or swelling, and can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or irritants.

Question 13

Cholecystitis

Answer 13

Inflammation of the gallbladder, usually due to gallstones obstructing the bile ducts, causes pain and digestive issues.

Question 14

Cholelithiasis

Answer 14

The formation of gallstones in the gallbladder may block bile flow and lead to cholecystitis.

Question 15

Cholecystectomy

Answer 15

Surgical removal of the gallbladder is often performed when a patient has gallstones or cholecystitis.

Question 16

Colic

Answer 16

Severe abdominal pain caused by the intestines or other parts of the gastrointestinal tract cramping.

Question 17

Jaundice

Answer 17

Yellowing of the skin and eyes, often resulting from liver or gallbladder disease, such as hepatitis or gallstones.

Question 18

Laparoscopy

Answer 18

A minimally invasive surgical technique in which small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a camera is used to view internal structures, often for diagnostic or treatment purposes.

Question 19

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL).

Answer 19

A non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves to break up kidney stones or gallstones so they can be passed more easily.

Question 20

Bile

Answer 20

A digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fats in the small intestine.

Question 21

Peritonitis

Answer 21

Inflammation of the peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdominal cavity) is usually caused by infection, often due to a ruptured organ or perforation.

Question 22

McBurney’s point

Answer 22

A location on the abdomen that is typically associated with acute appendicitis is located one-third of the way from the anterior superior iliac spine to the navel.

Question 23

Appendectomy

Answer 23

The surgical removal of the appendix is often performed in cases of appendicitis.

Question 24

Describe the pathophysiology of a hiatal hernia

Answer 24

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, which can lead to acid reflux and esophageal irritation.

Question 25

What is meant by a “sliding hernia”?

Answer 25

A sliding hiatal hernia is when the stomach and the lower esophagus move upward through the diaphragm. It is the most common type of hiatal hernia.

Question 26

Describe the treatment for hiatal hernia.

Answer 26

Treatment includes lifestyle changes, medications like proton pump inhibitors to reduce acid reflux, and surgery (Nissen fundoplication) if conservative measures fail.

Question 27

Describe the pathophysiology of an inguinal hernia.

Answer 27

An inguinal hernia happens when part of the intestine or abdominal tissue bulges through the inguinal canal in the lower abdomen. It’s more common in men.

Question 28

Describe the treatment for inguinal hernia.

Answer 28

Treatment often includes surgery to repair the hernia and prevent complications such as strangulation.

Question 29

Describe the appearance of a peptic ulcer.

Answer 29

Peptic ulcers appear as open sores in the stomach lining or duodenum, often presenting with raised edges and a base that can be red or inflamed.

Question 30

Outline the pathophysiology and manifestations of peptic ulcer disease (PUD).

Answer 30

PUD is caused by an imbalance between stomach acid and the mucosal lining, leading to ulcers. Symptoms include burning stomach pain, nausea, and bloating.

Question 31

List the complications that may occur with PUD.

Answer 31

Complications can include bleeding, perforation, and gastric obstruction.

Question 32

List the diagnostic tests used for PUD.

Answer 32

Tests include endoscopy, H. pylori testing, and barium swallow.

Question 33

Describe the treatment modalities used for PUD.

Answer 33

Treatments include antibiotics (for H. pylori), proton pump inhibitors, and antacids.

Question 34

Outline the nursing care plan for a client with PUD.

Answer 34

The nursing care includes pain management, promoting adequate nutrition, monitoring for complications, and educating the patient about medication adherence.

Question 35

Outline the pathophysiology of cholecystitis.

Answer 35

Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones blocking the bile ducts.

Question 36

Describe the manifestations of cholecystitis and list its incidence.

Answer 36

Symptoms include pain in the upper right abdomen, fever, and nausea. Incidence is higher in those with obesity, pregnancy, or high cholesterol.

Question 37

List the diagnostic tests used for cholecystitis.

Answer 37

Tests include ultrasound, liver function tests, and HIDA scans.

Question 38

Describe the treatment modalities used for cholecystitis, including drug therapy.

Answer 38

Treatment typically includes pain management, antibiotics, and cholecystectomy.

Question 39

Outline diet modifications for the client with gallbladder disease.

Answer 39

To reduce gallbladder strain, patients are advised to eat low-fat meals and avoid greasy or fried foods.

Question 40

Outline the pathophysiology of appendicitis

Answer 40

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed, often due to obstruction or infection.

Question 41

Describe manifestations of appendicitis

Answer 41

Common symptoms include sharp abdominal pain (especially around McBurney's point), nausea, and fever.

Question 42

Outline treatment for appendicitis.

Answer 42

The primary treatment is appendectomy (surgical removal of the appendix).

Question 43

Describe any complications that may occur from appendicitis.

Answer 43

Complications include rupture of the appendix, leading to peritonitis.

Question 44

List the two conditions categorized as inflammatory bowel diseases.

Answer 44

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Question 45

Describe how these conditions are alike and how they differ.

Answer 45

Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, while ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum.

Question 46

Outline the pathophysiology of IBD.

Answer 46

IBD is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, with immune system dysregulation playing a role in its development.

Question 47

Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease

Answer 47

Both conditions are treated with anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, biologics, and sometimes surgery. The difference lies in the specifics of surgery (e.g., colectomy for ulcerative colitis).

Question 48

Outline the pathophysiology of diverticulitis and diverticulosis.

Answer 48

Diverticulosis is the formation of pouches (diverticula) in the colon, while diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of these pouches.

Question 49

Describe manifestations of diverticulitis and diverticulosis.

Answer 49

Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits.

Question 50

Outline treatment for diverticulitis and diverticulosis.

Answer 50

Treatment includes antibiotics for infection, dietary changes, and sometimes surgery.

Question 51

Describe any complications that may occur from diverticulitis and diverticulosis

Answer 51

Complications include perforation, abscess, and peritonitis.

Question 52

Outline the pathophysiology of liver failure

Answer 52

Liver failure occurs when the liver cannot perform its essential functions, often due to chronic liver disease, viral hepatitis, or alcohol abuse.

Question 53

Describe manifestations of liver failure

Answer 53

Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, confusion, and bleeding.

Question 54

Outline treatment for liver failure

Answer 54

Treatment involves managing the underlying cause, supportive care, and liver transplantation in severe cases.

Question 55

Describe any complications that may occur from liver failure

Answer 55

Complications include hepatic encephalopathy, bleeding, and kidney failure.

Question 56

Outline the pathophysiology of pancreatitis

Answer 56

Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, often due to gallstones, alcohol abuse, or high triglycerides.

Question 57

Describe manifestations of pancreatitis

Answer 57

Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Question 58

Outline treatment for pancreatitis

Answer 58

Treatment includes fasting the patient, pain management, and addressing the underlying cause (e.g., gallstones).

Question 59

Describe any complications that may occur from pancreatitis

Answer 59

Complications can include infection, pseudocysts, and organ failure.