Digestive and Urinary Systems - Elimination and Ostomy

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the digestive and urinary systems, including anatomy, physiology, normal findings, common pathologies, diagnostic tests, and ostomy care.

Esophagus

A smooth muscle tube that contracts in waves to push swallowed food (bolus) from mouth to stomach.

Cardiac sphincter (lower esophageal sphincter)

Muscular ring at the esophagogastric junction that relaxes to let food into the stomach and then constricts to prevent backflow.

Stomach

Sac where mechanical churning and chemical digestion (via hydrochloric acid) break down food.

Chyme

The semi-liquid, partially digested food that leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine; forms after gastric processing.

Large intestine (colon)

Section that absorbs water and vitamins and secretes mucus; forms stool.

Rectum

Final section of the large intestine; stretch receptors trigger defecation and the internal anal sphincter relaxes.

Internal anal sphincter

Involuntary muscle that relaxes to allow the urge to defecate to be felt.

Urinary system

Organs (kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra) that filter waste, regulate fluids/electrolytes, and remove urine.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney where filtration, reabsorption, and urine formation occur.

Ureter

Tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Bladder

Organ that stores urine until elimination.

Urethra

Channel that transports urine from the bladder to the exterior; lined with mucous membrane continuous with the bladder.

Urinalysis (UA)

A rapid lab test checking urine color, appearance, odor, bacteria, RBCs, WBCs, protein, glucose, and ketones.

Specific gravity

Measure of urine concentration; a high value indicates more solutes and less water (dehydration).

24-hour urine collection

A timed urine sample to evaluate kidney function and excretion of substances like protein, creatinine, glucose.

Occult blood test (FOBT)

Test for hidden (occult) blood in stool; a positive result is often shown by a blue color change.

BUN (blood urea nitrogen)

Blood test that assesses kidney function by measuring urea nitrogen in the blood.

Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)

Imaging test using IV contrast to visualize the urinary tract and identify stones or obstructions.

Cystoscopy

Direct visualization of the urinary tract through the urethra with a thin camera; may obtain tissue samples.

Ultrasound (renal/bladder)

Imaging modality to visualize the size, location, and shape of kidneys and bladder.

Colonoscopy

Endoscopic exam of the colon to visualize mucosa, obtain biopsies, and remove polyps.

Upper GI / Barium swallow

Radiographic test where the patient drinks barium to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Barium enema

Lower GI radiographic exam using barium after bowel prep and cleansing.

GoLYTELY

Bowel prep solution used before colonoscopy to cleanse the bowels.

Nasogastric (NG) tube

Tube passed through the nose into the stomach for decompression/suction.

C. difficile (C. diff)

Infection with Clostridioides difficile; distinctive odor and diarrhea associated with antibiotic use.

Ostomy

Surgically created opening (stoma) on the abdominal wall to divert waste; can be temporary or permanent.

Stoma

The protruding end of the redirected bowel that drains waste into a pouch.

Loop ostomy

Temporary ostomy that brings a loop of bowel to the surface, creating a loop/bridging stoma.

End ostomy

Permanent ostomy formed by bringing the proximal end of the bowel to the abdominal surface.

Colostomy vs ileostomy

Colostomy: stoma from colon with stool consistency depending on location (ascending liquid, descending solid). Ileostomy: stoma from ileum with liquid stool.

Urostomy

Ostomy that diverts urine through the abdominal wall (urinary diversion).

Peristomal skin

Skin around the stoma; needs regular care to prevent irritation and infection (irritant dermatitis, candidiasis).

Stoma color and viability

Normal stoma is reddish-pink and moist; protrudes 1–3 cm. Dark red/purple/black, dry, or bleeding may indicate ischemia or necrosis.

Ostomy pouch

The collection bag attached to the stoma; must fit well to prevent leakage and protect peristomal skin.

Bristol Stool Chart

Chart used to classify stool form; soft and formed is within normal range.

Oliguria

Low urine output (commonly <30 mL/hour or <100 mL/24 hours); concerning for kidney perfusion issues.

Anuria

Complete absence of urine production; dangerous and may indicate kidney failure.

Hydronephrosis

Swelling of a kidney due to obstruction that impedes urine drainage, often from a kidney stone.