GI Problems and Disorders

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering GI problems and disorders, including definitions and treatment methods.

Dental Plaque

A soft mass of proliferating bacteria that adheres to the teeth.

Dental Caries

Erosive process that causes progressive demineralization and destruction of the outer enamel of the tooth.

Pulpectomy

A root canal treatment to save and repair an infected or decayed tooth by removing the nerve and pulp.

Periodontal Diseases

Diseases affecting the supporting structures of the teeth.

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums characterized by gum bleeding, reddening, swelling, and ulceration.

Periodontitis/Pyorrhea

Inflammation that extends from the gums into the alveolar bone and periodontal attachment.

Malocclusion

Malalignment of teeth requiring orthodontic treatment.

Impacted Molar

A molar that cannot properly emerge due to lack of space.

Stomatitis

Inflammation of the mouth due to mechanical or chemical causes.

Aphthous Stomatitis

Recurrent small ulcerated lesions of the soft tissues of the mouth.

Herpes Simplex

Viral infection causing cold sores or fever blisters.

Vincent’s Angina

Acute bacterial infection of the gingival tissues.

Oral Candidiasis

Fungal infection caused by Candida albicans, appearing as cheesy white patches.

Parotitis

Inflammation of the parotid gland.

Sialolithiasis

Formation of stones or calculi in the salivary glands.

Actinic Cheilitis

Irritation of lips associated with scaling and fissuring, often leading to cancer.

Contact Dermatitis

Allergic reaction to substances in contact with the mouth causing itching and erythema.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing.

Odynophagia

Painful swallowing, often severe.

Regurgitation

Ejection of chyme or gastric juice from the mouth.

Heartburn

Painful burning sensation in the lower retrosternal area due to gastroesophageal reflux.

Achalasia

Impaired motility of the lower two-thirds of the esophagus.

Esophagitis

Inflammation of the esophagus caused by bacteria, trauma, or irritation.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, characterized by backflow of gastric contents.

Hematemeis

Vomiting of blood.

Selective serotonin receptor antagonists

Medications that block serotonin to manage nausea and vomiting.

Hiatal Hernia

Protrusion of a portion of the stomach through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.

Gastritis

Inflammation of the stomach lining.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Impairment of the mucosa and deeper structures of the GI tract.

Abdominal Hernia

Protrusion of an organ through a weakened abdominal wall.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation and infection of diverticula in the colon.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A functional GI disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.

Colorectal Cancer

Malignancy in the large intestine or rectum, associated with several risk factors.

Hemorrhoids

Dilated blood vessels in the rectal area, which may lead to pain and bleeding.

Intussusception

Telescoping of one portion of the bowel into another, causing obstruction.

Volvulus

Twisting of the intestines, leading to obstruction.

Fistula

An abnormal connection between two body cavities.

Pilonidal Cyst

Cyst at the base of the sacrum, often containing hair, which can become infected.

Anal Fissure

Ulceration or tear in the anal canal lining.

Encopresis

Involuntary defecation, especially common in children.

Ulcerative Colitis

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease causing ulcers in the colon.

Crohn’s Disease

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect the entire GI tract.

Fecalith

A hardened mass of feces that can cause obstruction.

Hydrostatic Reduction

A procedure using fluid pressure to treat intestinal obstruction.

NPO

Nothing by mouth; a medical instruction to withhold food and liquids.

Antibiotic Therapy

Treatment using antibiotics to control bacterial infections.

Antacids

Medications used to neutralize stomach acid.

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that may cause gastric irritation.

H. Pylori

Bacterium often responsible for chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers.

Intravenous Therapy

Infusion of fluids directly into a vein.

Corticosteroids

Medications used to reduce inflammation.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Drugs that significantly reduce stomach acid production.

Cholecystectomy

Surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Gastrojejunostomy

Surgical procedure connecting the stomach to the jejunum.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Endoscopic procedure to examine the upper GI tract.

Neomycin

An antibiotic used in bowel preparation before surgery.

Doppler Ultrasound

Imaging method to evaluate blood flow.

Malnutrition

Deficiency in nutrient intake leading to health issues.

Clear Liquid Diet

Diet consisting of clear fluids to prepare for medical procedures.

Anorexia

Lack of appetite or desire to eat.

Rebound Tenderness

Pain felt upon removal of pressure rather than when pressure is applied.

Bowel Sounds

Noises made by the intestines during digestion.

Ascites

Abnormal fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.

Morphine

Opioid pain medication often used for severe pain.

Chlorhexidine

Antiseptic used to reduce bacteria on the skin.

Dexpanthenol

A topical agent used to promote healing.

Stool Softeners

Medications that soften stools to ease bowel movements.

Peritoneal Lavage

Medical procedure to wash out the peritoneal cavity.

Fecaloma

A large fecal mass that can cause bowel obstruction.

Nutritional Support

Assistance in providing adequate nutrition through various means.

Serological Tests

Blood tests used to detect antibodies or antigens.

Radiographic Studies

Imaging tests used to view internal structures of the body.

Hypersalivation

Excessive production of saliva.

Saline Solution

A mixture of salt and water used for medical purposes.

Cholelithiasis

Formation of gallstones in the gallbladder.

Tracheostomy

Surgical procedure to create an opening in the trachea.

Pneumonia

Lung infection that may occur due to aspiration.

Immune Response

The reaction of the immune system to foreign substances.

Infiltration

Incorrect placement of IV fluid into surrounding tissue.

Patient Education

Providing information to patients about their health and treatment.

Chronic Pain Syndrome

Long-term pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period.

Nutrient Deficiency

Lack of essential nutrients in the diet.

Clinical Manifestations

Signs and symptoms observed during an illness.

Tachycardia

Increased heart rate.

Hematuria

Blood in urine.

Skilled Nursing Care

Professional nursing care that requires specific skills.

Fall Risk Assessment

Evaluation to determine a patient's risk of falling.

Fluid Restriction

Limiting fluid intake for medical reasons.