Gero study guide exam 3 pt3

What is diverticulitis?

Inflammation and infection of diverticula due to trapped food residue, fecal matter, and/or bacteria.

What causes diverticulitis?

Excess fecal volume in the colon from constipation leads to increased intraluminal pressure, weakening of the colonic muscle wall, and the development of herniations or outpouchings.

What complications can arise from diverticulitis?

Scarring, further muscle wall weakening, abscess formation, perforation, hemorrhage, and peritonitis.

What are common signs and symptoms of diverticulitis?

Cramps, narrow stools, increased constipation, occult bleeding, weakness, fatigue, anorexia, tenderness, a palpable mass, increased WBC, and signs of abscess development.

What are diverticula?

Multiple sac-like outpouches or herniations of the muscle layer of the intestinal mucosa.

How does increased intraluminal pressure contribute to diverticulitis?

It leads to the weakening of the colonic muscle wall and the formation of diverticula.

What is the role of fecal matter in diverticulitis?

Entrapment of fecal matter, undigested food, and/or bacteria can lead to infection and inflammation.

What laboratory finding may indicate diverticulitis?

Increased white blood cell (WBC) count.

What is GERD?

GERD is a common GI syndrome where there is backward flow of gastric contents into the esophagus due to inappropriate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

What are some risk factors for GERD in older adults?

In older adults, GERD is associated with weakening of the diaphragm, obesity, and kyphosis.

What lifestyle factors can increase the risk of GERD?

Alcohol, smoking, obesity, and high levels of progesterone and estrogen.

What are the potential consequences of untreated GERD?

Incompetent LES can lead to regurgitation, inflammation, esophageal erosion, ulcerations, bleeding, scar tissue, decreased ability to accommodate, metaplasia, Barrett's esophagus, and respiratory distress.

What are some common medical treatments for GERD?

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), Antacids, Acid Protectives, H2 blockers, Prokinetics, and Cholinergics.

Which medications are classified as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)?

Protonix, Nexium, and Prilosec.

What are some examples of antacids used for GERD?

Mylanta, Maalox, and Gaviscon.

What dietary modifications can help manage GERD?

Avoid foods that affect LES pressure, very hot, cold, spicy & fatty foods, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, acidic foods/drinks, nocturnal meals, and lying down immediately after eating.

What is a recommended eating pattern for individuals with GERD?

Eat 4-6 small meals per day, drink adequate fluids with meals, and eat slowly & chew food thoroughly.

What are some surgical options for treating GERD?

Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication, Toupet fundoplication, Endo Cinch endoluminal gastroplication, Hill's operation, and Stretta procedure.

What is the PillCam ESO capsule endoscopy?

It is a diagnostic procedure where you swallow a small pill containing a video camera that transmits images of your small intestine to a recording device.

What are some diagnostic tests for GERD?

Barium swallow, traditional endoscopy, ambulatory acid (pH monitoring) probe tests, and EGD.

What does EGD stand for and what does it examine?

EGD stands for Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which examines the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum with a small camera inserted down the throat.

What is peritonitis?

A complication of diverticulosis.

What is diverticulosis?

Structural weakening of colonic muscle, especially in the left descending sigmoid colon, that contributes to diverticula formation.

What are the symptoms of peritonitis?

Abdominal pain, a rigid board-like abdomen, loss of bowel sounds, and signs and symptoms of shock.

What can happen if peritonitis is left untreated?

Septicemia.

What is a clinical sign of malnutrition related to serum albumin levels?

A serum albumin level lower than 3.5/100 ml

Where is albumin synthesized?

In the liver

What is the primary function of albumin in the body?

It is a protein that circulates throughout the body in the bloodstream