Gastrointestinal Lab Values and Disorders Flashcards

This flashcard set covers critical GI lab values, diagnostic preparations, common gastrointestinal disorders like appendicitis and bowel obstructions, and pharmacological interventions.

Lipase

An enzyme used to indicate pancreatitis with an expected range of $< 200$; it is a better indicator than amylase because it remains elevated for a longer period of time.

Bilirubin

A marker for liver dysfunction with an expected range of $0.2 - 1.2$; levels greater than $2$ indicate Jaundice, a yellow discoloration of the skin.

Albumin

A protein with an expected range of $3.5 - 5.5$ that helps keep fluid in the bloodstream; decreased levels may indicate dehydration.

Prealbumin

A marker used for assessing nutrition status with an expected range of $15 - 36$; decreased levels indicate malnutrition.

AST

Aspartate aminotransferase, a liver function marker with a range of $0 - 35$; it is less specific to the liver than the enzyme ALT.

ALT

Alanine aminotransferase, a liver dysfunction marker with an expected range of $0 - 48$, which is more specific to liver function than AST.

Ammonia ($NH_3$)

A toxic substance produced by cells throughout the body and used by the liver to make urea; the expected range is $10 - 80$, and high levels are especially toxic to the brain.

Parotitis

Inflammation or infection of the parotid salivary glands.

Sialadenitis

Inflammation of the salivary glands.

Sialolithiasis

The presence of salivary stones within the salivary glands.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix, typically located in the Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ) of the abdomen.

Rebound Tenderness

A clinical sign of appendicitis characterized by pain felt upon the release of pressure between the right hip area and the belly button.

Peritonitis

A medical emergency involving inflammation of the peritoneum; signs include a rigid "board-like" abdomen, high fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, and cloudy drainage.

Mechanical Bowel Obstruction

A physical blockage in the bowel preventing movement, caused by factors such as a hernia, volvulus, intussusception, or adhesions.

Functional Bowel Obstruction

Also known as Paralytic Ileus, this occurs when muscles and nerves do not work properly to maintain peristalsis, often due to surgery, sepsis, or medications like opioids.

Intussusception

A condition where part of the bowel telescopes into an adjacent segment.

Volvulus

A type of mechanical obstruction where the intestine twists around itself.

Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO) Symptoms

Clinical manifestations including rapid onset of colicky abdominal pain, frequent nausea and vomiting, severe electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic alkalosis.

Large Bowel Obstruction (LBO) Symptoms

Clinical manifestations including lower abdominal cramping, abdominal distention, constipation, and vomiting of fecal matter as a late sign.

Diverticulosis

The presence of small pouches in the colon wall without the presence of inflammation.

Diverticulitis

Infection and inflammation of the pouches (diverticula) in the colon.

Crohn's Disease

An inflammatory bowel disease characterized by "skip lesions" and mouth sores that can occur anywhere throughout the GI tract.

Ulcerative Colitis

An inflammatory bowel disease that only affects the colon and the inner layer of the bowel.

Celiac Disease

A lifelong condition requiring a gluten-free diet, confirmed by an intestinal biopsy; symptoms include fatty, foamy stools and abdominal cramping.

Dumping Syndrome

A condition occurring $1 - 3$ hours after eating, commonly caused by excessive insulin release leading to hypoglycemia; management involves eating six small meals and lying down after meals.

Hiatal Hernia

A weakening of the diaphragm muscles where the stomach slides in and out of the chest cavity, often provoked by abdominal pressure.

PPIs (-prazole)

Proton Pump Inhibitors used to prevent ulcers; they should be taken on an empty stomach $1 - 2$ hours before or after other medications and increase the risk of osteoporosis.

H2 Blockers (-tidine)

Medications used for GI issues that should be taken at bedtime and never taken with other medications.