Gastrointestinal Disorders Lecture Flashcards PART ONE

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering gastrointestinal disorders, anatomy, clinical manifestations, and diagnostics based on NURS3140 lecture notes.

Visceral pain

Pain experienced when organs and tissues are stretched, or due to inflammation and spasms of the visceral organs; often a cue or sign of a GI disorder.

Chief cells

Cells in the gastric glands that produce pepsinogen, which is converted to pepsin, a proteolytic enzyme.

Parietal cells

Cells in the gastric glands that secrete hydrochloric acid ($HCl$) and intrinsic factor.

G cells

Cells in the gastric glands that produce gastrin.

Splanchnic Circulation

The blood supply to the major gastrointestinal organs, measured in approximate flow values of $\text{ml/min}$ for an $80-kg$ resting adult.

Anorexia

The loss of appetite.

Nausea

A subjective, nonspecific sensation resulting from stimulation of the vomiting center; often precedes vomiting or anorexia.

Vomiting

The sudden and forceful oral expulsion of the contents of the stomach.

Hematemesis

Bloody emesis that may appear as "coffee grounds" due to the mixing of stomach contents and blood.

Melena

The presence of blood in the stool.

Steatorrhea

Fatty, greasy stool resulting from fat malabsorption.

KUB X-ray

A diagnostic imaging tool used for the GI system to visualize the kidney, ureter, and bladder.

Achalasia

Dysfunction in the lower esophagus characterized by decreased peristalsis or the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, which carries a risk of aspiration.

Gastroesophageal Reflex Disorder (GERD)

Abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, oral cavity, larynx, or lung, affecting $10-20\%$ of the US population.

Barrett esophagitis

A condition involving metaplasia of epithelial cells at the gastroesophageal junction due to repeated injury from GERD; it is considered precancerous.

Manometry

A diagnostic test used to measure the pressure and motor function of the esophagus, often used for GERD and Hiatal hernias.

Hiatal hernia

Protrusion or "diaphragmatic herniation" of the stomach through the diaphragm into the thorax.

Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Bleed

Bleeding originating in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum; occurs $4 \times$ more frequently than lower GI tract bleeds.

Fecal Occult Blood test (FOBT)

Also known as a Stool Guaiac test, it is used to detect hidden blood in the stool over 3 different days.

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

A break or ulceration in the protective mucosal lining, most commonly located in the stomach or the proximal duodenum.

H. pylori

A bacterial infection that is a primary cause of Peptic Ulcer Disease by overcoming mucosal protective factors.

Curling ulcers

A type of stress ulcer that develops following ischemia to the gastric mucosa, typically after a major illness or burn.

Zollinger Ellison Syndrome

A condition characterized by the hypersecretion of $HCl$ and the formation of peptic ulcers.

Celiac Disease

A T-cell mediated autoimmune inflammatory process triggered by gluten ingestion that destroys intestinal villi and reduces nutrient absorption surface area.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A functional disorder of brain-gut interaction characterized by recurring abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits like diarrhea or constipation.

Crohn's disease

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) featuring "skip lesions" and a "cobblestone" appearance, most often affecting the small intestine and proximal colon.

Ulcerative Colitis

A chronic IBD that primarily affects the colon and rectum, where lesions form in the base of the mucosal layer and can become necrotic.

Infectious Enterocolitis

Common GI tract infection transmitted via the oral-fecal route; symptoms include fever, frequent watery stool, and vomiting.

Diverticulosis

The presence of outpouchings (diverticula) of the colonic mucosa through the muscle layers, most common in the sigmoid colon.

Diverticulitis

The inflammation of the diverticula, which can lead to complications like abscesses, fistula, or perforation.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix characterized by abrupt onset pain that migrates to the Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ) and rebound tenderness.

Fecal Impaction

The retention of hardened stool in the rectum or colon, often seen in incapacitated older adults or those on prolonged bedrest.

Peritonitis

An inflammatory response of the peritoneum (the abdominal cavity membrane) that can lead to a rigid, boardlike abdomen, toxemia, and shock.