GI Elimination – Class 8 (Constipation, Diarrhea, Crohn’s, UC)

Vocabulary flashcards covering anatomy, physiology, disorders, medications, and nursing interventions related to GI elimination, constipation, diarrhea, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Elimination

Process of excreting waste from the body through the intestines as stool.

Bowel Elimination

Voluntary and involuntary expulsion of feces from the rectum via the anal canal.

Peristalsis

Rhythmic smooth-muscle contractions that propel food and fecal matter through the GI tract.

Upper GI Tract

Mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine—primarily responsible for digestion and nutrient absorption.

Lower GI Tract

Colon (large intestine); main role is formation, storage, and elimination of stool.

Mucosa

Innermost epithelial layer of the GI wall involved in secretion, absorption, and protection.

Submucosa

Connective-tissue layer beneath mucosa containing blood vessels, nerves, and glands.

Muscularis Externa

Two smooth-muscle layers (circular & longitudinal) that generate peristalsis.

Voluntary Defecation

Relaxation of the external anal sphincter under conscious control allowing stool passage.

Involuntary Defecation

Reflexive rectal contraction and internal sphincter relaxation triggered by pressure on sacral nerves.

Bristol Stool Chart

Clinical tool categorizing stool into seven types from hard lumps (Type 1) to liquid (Type 7).

Severe Constipation (Type 1/2)

Hard, lumpy stools indicating slow transit and lack of fluid/fiber.

Normal Stool (Type 3/4)

Smooth or sausage-shaped stool suggesting healthy transit time and hydration.

Severe Diarrhea (Type 6/7)

Mushy or liquid stool reflecting rapid transit and potential fluid loss.

Constipation

Difficult or infrequent passage of hard, dry stool; often due to low fiber, dehydration, opioids, inactivity.

Diarrhea

Frequent passage of loose/watery stool (>3/day or >200 g); risk of dehydration & electrolyte loss.

Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalance

Dangerous loss of body water, sodium, potassium, etc.—commonly occurs with acute diarrhea.

Crohn’s Disease

Transmural inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any GI segment, producing abdominal pain & non-bloody diarrhea.

Transmural Inflammation

Inflammation involving the entire bowel wall thickness—hallmark of Crohn’s disease.

Skip Lesions

Patchy distribution of diseased bowel separated by healthy tissue in Crohn’s disease.

Cobblestone Appearance

Radiologic/endoscopic look of swollen mucosa in Crohn’s, resembling uneven paving stones.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Chronic IBD limited to colon & rectum, causing continuous mucosal inflammation and bloody diarrhea.

Continuous Involvement

Uninterrupted inflamed segment seen in UC (no skip lesions).

Bloody Diarrhea

Key symptom of UC due to superficial ulceration of colonic mucosa.

Aminosalicylates

Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., mesalamine) first-line for mild-moderate IBD.

Corticosteroids

Prednisone/budesonide used short-term to manage IBD flares; not for long-term maintenance.

Immunosuppressants

Azathioprine, methotrexate, 6-MP; used when aminosalicylates fail to control IBD.

Biologics (Anti-TNF)

Monoclonal antibodies like infliximab, adalimumab that target tumor necrosis factor to treat moderate-severe IBD.

Enema

Instillation of fluid into rectum to stimulate stool evacuation, e.g., Fleet saline enema.

Nasogastric Tube Decompression

Insertion of tube to relieve gastric distention or obstruction; part of GI elimination management.

Ostomy

Surgical opening that diverts intestinal contents to the abdominal surface (colostomy/ileostomy).

Colectomy

Surgical resection of part or all of the colon, often for cancer or severe IBD.

Colostomy

Stoma formed from colon to divert feces; may be temporary or permanent.

Ileostomy

Stoma created from ileum; output is more liquid and frequent than colostomy.

Hemorrhoidectomy

Surgical removal of thrombosed or severe hemorrhoids causing pain/bleeding.

Senna

Stimulant laxative causing colonic contractions; side effects: cramping, diarrhea.

Polyethylene Glycol (MiraLAX)

Osmotic laxative powder that draws water into bowel; SE: bloating, gas, diarrhea.

Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)

Stimulant laxative in tablets/suppositories; risk of cramping, dehydration with overuse.

Docusate (Colace)

Stool-softener (emollient) that allows water/fat to penetrate stool; mild cramping possible.

Lactulose

Osmotic laxative syrup also used to lower ammonia; causes gas, bloating, diarrhea.

Magnesium Citrate

Strong osmotic laxative; may cause diarrhea and electrolyte disturbances if overused.

Psyllium (Metamucil)

Bulk-forming fiber supplement that increases stool mass and stimulates peristalsis.

Glycerin Suppository

Hyperosmotic rectal agent that lubricates and stimulates BM within 15–60 min.

Fleet Enema

Pre-packaged sodium-phosphate enema producing rapid evacuation; monitor for rectal irritation/electrolyte shifts.

Bulk-Forming Laxative

Class (e.g., psyllium) that swells with water to form soft, bulky stool and promote peristalsis.

Osmotic Laxative

Agent (e.g., PEG, lactulose) that retains water in the bowel to soften stool and increase motility.

Stimulant Laxative

Drug (e.g., senna, bisacodyl) that directly stimulates colonic nerves for rapid evacuation.

Stool Softener

Medication (e.g., docusate) that lowers surface tension of stool, easing passage.

Hyperosmotic Agent

Rectal or oral formulation (glycerin, lactulose) drawing water into colon for quick stool passage.