GI: Pathologies Flashcards

Question

# Stomach pathologies What can be done for treatment for Peptic Ulcer Disease?

Answer 1

Treatment is primarily through pharm intervention, however, in more severe cases, surgical intervention may be required

Answer 2

- Asymptomatic patients with history of ulcer should be monitored for signs of bleeding - Fatigue level, pallor, and exercise tolerance must be monitored for signs of bleeding - Recognize that heart rate increase or blood pressure decrease may be signs of bleeding - Recognize that back pain is a sign of a perforated ulcer located on the posterior wall of the stomach and duodenum - Recognize that pain radiates from the midthoracic area to the right upper quadrant and shoulder may signify blood and acid within the peritoneal cavity secondary to a perforated and bleeding ulcer

Answer 3

This is a condition characterized by a group of pathologies where there is reduced intestinal absorption and inadequate nutrition - Celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic carcinoma, [pernicious anemia](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22377-pernicious-anemia), AIDS, Crohn's disease, and Addison's disease are a few pathologies that may present with malabsorption syndrome

Answer 4

This occurs secondary to defects in digestion and/or the inability of the interstinal mucosa to absorb the nutrients from digested food

Answer 5

*This is based on root pathology and co-morbidities* The primary Sx's are weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and anemia. - Other Sx's can include fatigue, abdominal bloating, steatorrhea (oil covered stools), abdominal cramps, indigestion, bone pain, and excessive gas

Answer 6

Once diagnosed, treatment includes avoidance of the underlying cause for the malabsorption, probiotics, anti-biotics, dietary modifications, and nutritional support including vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes

Answer 7

- Recognize increased risk for osteoporosis and pathologic fractures - Monitor fatigue level, pallor, bone pain, and exercise tolerance - Recognize weight loss and abdominal bloating - Recognize increased risk for muscle spasms secondary to electrolyte imbalance - Recognize increased risk for generalized swelling secondary to protein depletion

Answer 8

This consist of recurrent symptoms of the upper and lower GI system that interfere with the normal functioning of the colon

Answer 9

Unknown, but one theory believes that the colon or large intestine may be sensitive to certain foods or stress - Other theories hypothesize that the immune system, serotonin, and bacterial infections may all be causitive factors - Females have a slightly higher rate of incidence which may be triggered by food sensitivities, stress, anxiety, caffeine, smoking, alcohol, or high fat intake

Answer 10

Sx's can include abdominal pain, bloating or distention of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, changes in form and frequency of stool, and passing of mucus in the stool

Answer 11

IBS is normally a diagnoses of exclusion from other GI diagnoses and treatment is usually mulifactorial - Change in lifestyle and nutrition, decrease in stress, pharm intervention, adequate sleep, exercise, and psychotherapy may all assist in alleviating Sx's - Pts with IBS should avoid large meals, milk, wheat, rye, barley, alcohol, and caffeine - Although the sx's can be severe, it does not lead to serious disease. - Sx's can typically be controlled by diet, pharm, and stress management

Answer 12

- Emphasize physical activity to assist with bowel function and relieve stress - Emphasize breathing techniques to assist in stress reduction and with breath-holding patterns - Recognize that biofeedback training may be beneficial

Answer 13

This is a condition of having inflamed or infected diverticula - This occurs in roughly a quarter of the population that have diverticulosis. - Diverticulosis is the condition of having diverticula. These are pouch-ike protrusions occurring in the colon - The large majority of the individuals with diverticulitis are asymptomatic, however, those with Sx's may experience bloating, mild cramping, and both diarrhea and constipation - treatment includes an increased amout of dietary fiber (20-35g per day recommended) to avoid diverticulitis

Answer 14

The exact is etiology is unknown; however, a dominant theory is that the disease results from a low fiber diet

Answer 15

Abdominal pain is the primary symptom of diverticulitis - Tenderness over the left side of the lower abdomen, cramping, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, fever, chills, and vomiting can also occur

Answer 16

Treatment includes diet modification, controlling the underlying infection, and lowering internal colonic pressure through increased fiber intake - In more severe cases, a nasogastric tube may be required to give the intestines a rest - Surgical intervention is indicated for severe obstruction, perforation or necrosis. - Complications can include bleeding infections, intestinal blockage, abscess, perforations or tears in the colon, fistulas or peritonitis

Answer 17

- Physical activity assists the bowel function and is extremely important during periods of remission - Breathing techniques will assist in stress reduction and with breath-holding patterns - Avoid any increase in intra-abdominal pressure with exercise or activity - Back pain and/or referred hip pain must be examined for possible medical disease

Answer 18

This is an inflammatory process within the liver. - Viral hepatitis is most common and is classified as Hepatitis A-G - Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common

Answer 19

Many instances of hepatitis are viral in nature. Other etiologies include a chemical reaction, drug reaction or alcohol abuse. - Other viruses that can causes hepatitis include [Epstein-Barr virus](https://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/about/index.html), herpes virus I and II, Varicella-zoster virus, and measles

Answer 20

Sx's include of hepatitis include fever, flu sx's, abrupt onset of fatigue, anorexia, headache, jaundice, darkened urine, lighter stool, enlarged spleen, and liver, and [intermittent pruritus](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/itchy-skin/symptoms-causes/syc-20355006)

Answer 21

Acute viral hepatitis usually resolves with medical treatment, but can become chronic in some cases. - Chronic hepatitis may result in the need for liver transplant

Answer 22

*This affects the liver and its functions* - **Transmission occurs by close personal contact with someone that has the infection or through the fecal-oral route** (i.e., contaminated water and food sources) - The flu like Sx's represent an acute infection; **this form does not progress to chronic disease or cirrosis of the liver** - Patients usually recover in 6-10 weeks - Treatment is supportive and the virus is self-limiting

Answer 23

*This affects the liver and its functions* - Transmission of this virus occurs through the sharing of needles, intercourse with an infected person, exposure to an infected person's blood, semen or maternal-fetal exposure - A small portion of cases progress to chronic hepatitis since the body cannot always rid itself of HBV - Treatment includes Hep. B immunogobulin (HBIG) for the unvaccinated patient within 24 hours of exposure. The patient should then receive the vaccination series at 1 and 6 months. - If the patient is already vaccinated, they may require another dose of the HBV vaccine. - Chronic hepatits is now being treated with interferon alfa-2b, providing remission for some patients

Answer 24

*This affects the liver and its functions* - This is one of the primary etiologies for chronic liver disease and eventual liver failure. Transmission of this virus occurs through the sharing of needles, intercourse with an infected person, exposure to an infected person's blood, semen, body fluids, or maternal-fetal exposure - The virus accounts for the large majority of post transfusion hepatitis cases - Like hepatitis B, this virus is often asymptomatic and the acute infection can be mild. - Patients with Hep. C have an increased frequency of manifesting conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, diabetes, and corneal ulceration - Treatment may include the use of interferon alfa-2b to reduce the inflammation and liver damage but only a small percentage of patients with Hep. C benefit from meds. - There is no vaccine to prevent this virus and no immunogloblin fully effective in treating the infection. Chronic Hepatitis occurs in about half of the cases, with some of those cases progressing to cirrhosis of the liver

Answer 25

- Health care workers that are at risk for contact with hepatitis should receive all immunizations for HBV, and if exposed to blood or body fluids of an infected person must reveive immunogloblin therapy. - Standard precautions should be followed at all times for protection - Enteric precautions are required for patients with Hep. A and E - Recognizethat arthralgias may be noted, especially in older patients, and will not typically respond to traditional therapeutic intervention - Energy conservation techniques and pacing skills should be incorporated into therapy - Balance activities along with periods of rest, avoid prolonged bed rest, and provide patient education regarding signs of relapse or chronic hepatitis

Answer 26

This is a condition where the healthy tissue of the liver is replaced with scar tissue that blocks the flow of blood through the organ and prevents the liver from properly functioning

Answer 27

The etiology is usually alcoholism or hepatitis C. - Alcohol tends to block the normal metabolism of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. This condition will normally occurs after a patient has been heavily drinking for more than a decade - Inflammation of the liver secondary to HeP. C is also a large causative factor for cirrhosis - Persistent inflammation and slow damage to the liver will result in cirrhosis of the liver after several decades of infection. - Other causes include Hep B and D, certain drugs, infections, and toxins, specific hereditary diseases, [nonalcoholic steatophatatis](https://liverfoundation.org/liver-diseases/fatty-liver-disease/nonalcoholic-steatohepatitis-nash/), and blocked bile ducts

Answer 28

Fatigue, decrease appetite, nausea, weakness, abdominal pain, spinder angiomas, and weight loss - Common complications from cirrhosis include ascites (water accumulation in the abdomen secondary to decreased production of albumin by the liver), edema in the lower extremities, jaundice, gallstones, increased itching, ecchymosis, bleeding, an increase in sensitivity to medications, accumulation of toxins in the brain, portal vein hypertension, development of varices (enlarged blood vessels inn the stomach and esophagus), immune system dysfunction, encephalopathy, and liver cancer

Answer 29

Treatment cannot reverse the process or damage, but can slow the process - Treatment is based on the causitive factors and is implemented until symptoms cannot be controlled - A liver transplant may be necessary to sustain life

Answer 30

- Recognize that ascites may develop as well as fluid accumulation in the ankles and feet - Report any blood loss through nose bleeds, gum bleeds, tarry stools or excessive bruising - Avoid all activities that produce the Valsalva Maneuver (increase of intra-abdominal pressure) - Adequate rest is required to lower the demands on the liver and improve circulation; avoid unnecessary fatigue with therapeutic or daily activities

Answer 31

This refers to inflammation of the gallbladder that may be acute or chronic

Answer 32

The most common etiology is Gallstones (cholelithiasis) that have become impacted within the cystic duct. - Gallstones develop from hypomobility of the gallbladder, supersaturtion of the bile with cholesterol or crystal formation from bilirubin salts. These stones can also cause infection which exacerbate the condition

Answer 33

Many time Gallstones are Asymptomatic, however, the most common symptom is right upper quadrant pain - If the gallstones becomes lodged within the cystic duct, then the patient can experience many problems including severe right upper quadrant pain with muscle guarding, tenderness, and rebound pain. - Other Sx's include jaundice, fever, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and abdomial rigidity

Answer 34

Treatment is not recommended for the patient with asymptomatic gallstones, but a low fat diet can decrease gallbladder stimulation if mild symptoms are present - If patients are symptomatic, a lithotripsy procedure can be used in an attempt to break up and dissolve the stones. - Primary treatment is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to remove the gallbladder and the lodged stones from the ducts - Acute cholecystitis should resolve itself within a week with analgesics, antibiotics, and intravenous alimentary feedings

Answer 35

- Must be familiar with all S/S of cholecystitis in order to refer patients to a physician if a change in their status occurs - Post-surgical exercise and ambulation are appropriate post laparoscopic cholecystectomy such as breathing exercises, splinting while coughing, and mobility training

GI: Pathologies Flashcards

(59 cards)