GI Family Drama: Nursing Clinical Judgment Guide

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering GI anatomy, diagnostic cues, PUD, IBD, and nursing interventions based on the CJMM model.

CJMM

The Clinical Judgment Measurement Model used by nurses to solve clinical scenarios and make clinical judgments.

Upper GI

The portion of the gastrointestinal tract that ends at the Stomach.

Lower GI

The portion of the gastrointestinal tract consisting of the Intestines.

Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

A procedure where a camera is used to visualize the upper GI tract; requires the patient to remain NPO post-op until the gag reflex returns.

GERD & Hiatal Hernia Management

Dietary and lifestyle interventions including eating smaller, frequent meals, remaining upright after eating, and elevating the Head of Bed (HOB).

Lower Esophageal Sphincter

The weak 'door' or valve between the esophagus and stomach that allows acid to splash upward in GERD.

Gastritis

An angry or inflamed stomach state caused by NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or coffee; treated with gut rest (NPO).

Hemorrhagic Gastritis Cues

Hematemesis (blood-streaked fluid), tachycardia (HR: $120$), and hypotension (BP: $80/50$), indicating a risk of shock.

H. Pylori

The main villain bacteria often responsible for Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD).

Gastric Ulcer

A type of Peptic Ulcer where pain occurs $30-60$ mins after meals and is made worse by food.

Duodenal Ulcer

A type of Peptic Ulcer where pain occurs $2-3$ hours after meals, often at night, and is made better by food.

PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor)

Pharmacology like Omeprazole (Prilosec) that stops the acid pump completely to treat PUD.

Sucralfate

A medication that acts as a 'bandage' to coat an ulcer and help it heal; must be given $1$ hour before meals.

Perforated Peptic Ulcer

A surgical emergency characterized by sudden, severe abdominal pain, BP drop, tachycardia, and a rigid abdomen/peritonitis.

Rigid Abdomen

A major 'Danger Alert' cue indicating peritonitis or a perforated organ.

Dumping Syndrome

A complication of gastric resection where food move too fast, causing dizziness, diarrhea, and tachycardia after eating.

Dumping Syndrome Interventions

Sipping fluids between meals (not with them) and lying flat after eating to slow gravity.

Enteral Feeding Safety

Standard safety checks including flushing the tube with water before and after feedings and always verifying tube placement before feeding.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

Highly concentrated, nutrient-dense IV solution used via a central line when the GI highway is shut down.

TPN Priority Risk

Severe Hyperglycemia due to high glucose content; requires monitoring blood sugar.

Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO)

A blockage indicated by vomiting (possibly fecal odor), severe abdominal distention, and absence of bowel movements.

Nasogastric (NG) Tube

A tube inserted to decompress the bowel, reduce vomiting, and relieve pressure in cases of SBO.

Appendicitis Cues

Pain at McBurney's Point (Right Lower Quadrant), rebound tenderness, and fever.

Appendiceal Rupture Cue

Sudden relief of pain followed by severe, widespread pain and a hard/rigid belly.

Crohn's Disease

An IBD known as 'The Wanderer' with a 'cobblestone' appearance and patchy inflammation (skip lesions) that can occur anywhere in the GI tract.

Ulcerative Colitis

An IBD known as 'The Local' with continuous inflammation limited to the colon only, often causing severe, bloody diarrhea.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation or infection of pouch-like 'pothole' herniations in the intestinal wall.

Diverticulitis Teaching

Reduce fat and avoid seeds/nuts during acute flares; increase fiber for long-term prevention.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

Smoking, heavy alcohol use, older age, history of IBD (Crohn's/UC), and family history.

Normal Stoma Appearance

A stoma that is shiny, moist, and red or pink.

Abnormal Stoma Appearance

A stoma that is black, pale, or dry; indicates ischemia (lack of blood flow) and is a priority emergency.