Gastrointestinal A&P, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Procedures

Vocabulary-style practice flashcards covering gastrointestinal anatomy, physiology, diagnostic labs, procedural nursing care, and major GI disorders like IBD, IBS, hernias, and cholecystitis based on lecture materials.

Upper GI Tract

The portion of the digestive system that includes the mouth, salivary glands, esophagus, and stomach.

Lower GI Tract

The portion of the digestive system consisting of the small intestine, large intestine, and rectum.

Epiglottis

A leaf-like structure that protects the larynx from food going down "the wrong pipe" during swallowing.

Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) Relaxation

The process managed by the afferent sensory branch of the vagus nerve that allows food to transfer into the stomach; it is closed at rest.

Brush Border

The plasma-rich lining found in the small intestine that facilitates nutrient absorption.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Laboratory tests including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and albumin.

Normal ranges are typically:

-AST: 10-40 U/L,

-ALT: 7-56 U/L,

-ALP: 44-147 U/L,

-Bilirubin: 0.1-1.2 mg/dL,

-Albumin: 3.5-5.0 g/dL.

Amylase and Lipase

Laboratory tests used specifically to evaluate the function and health of the pancreas. Normal ranges are typically: Amylase: 30-110 U/L, Lipase: 10-140 U/L.

Fecal Occult Blood Test

A test for blood in the stool indicated for anemia or unexplained diarrhea; $3$ positive results usually indicate GI bleeding.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

A scope procedure used to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Colonoscopy

A procedure that visualizes the sigmoid, descending, transverse, and ascending colon.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

An endoscopic procedure performed through the mouth to visualize the biliary tree, including biliary ducts, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.

Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy (M2A)

A capsule with a camera that takes thousands of pictures of the small bowel over an $8$ hour period and is excreted in the stool.

Sigmoidoscopy

A shorter version of a colonoscope used to visualize the anus, rectum, and sigmoid colon, often to rule in or out colon cancer.

EGD Post-procedure Nursing Action

Withhold fluids until the return of the gag reflex and monitor for bleeding, abdominal/chest pain, or infection.

GI Procedure Complication: Perforation Symptoms

Signs including distention, nausea and vomiting (N&V), chest or abdominal pain, and fever.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

Complete nutrition with a high concentration of dextrose administered via a Central Line when the GI tract is not functioning properly.

Partial Parenteral Nutrition (PPN)

Short-term nutrition administered via large vein peripheral access that is less hypertonic and contains less dextrose than TPN.

TPN Nursing Guidelines

Maintain a sterile procedure, change tubing and solution every $24$ hours, do not add anything to the solution, and check capillary glucose as ordered.

Paralytic Ileus Presentation

A condition characterized by absent bowel sounds, hiccups, vomiting (including fecal material in severe cases), and abdominal distention.

Ileostomy

An abdominal ostomy involving the ileum that produces liquid stool; used for Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, or full colon removal.

Colostomy

An abdominal ostomy involving the colon where stool consistency advances from liquid in the ascending colon to formed in the sigmoid colon.

Salivary Amylase

An enzyme that begins the digestion of starch into polysaccharides in the mouth.

Pepsin

An enzyme formed in the stomach when pepsinogen reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to break proteins into polypeptides.

Bile

A digestive juice manufactured by the liver and stored in the gallbladder that emulsifies fats.

Villi and Microvilli

Finger-like structures in the small intestine that increase surface area to maximize the absorption of nutrients.

Hernia

A condition where part of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal muscle.

Strangulated Hernia

A complication of a hernia where blood supply is compromised, leading to ischemia and necrosis.

Herniorrhaphy

The definitive surgical treatment or repair for a hernia.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Triggers

Factors including high stress levels, large fatty meals, high caffeine intake, and high alcohol intake.

Loperamide

A medication for IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant) that decreases peristalsis and increases bulk.

Obstipation

The inability to pass stool for greater than ($>$) $8$ hours, often seen in intestinal obstruction.

Small Bowel Obstruction S&S

Metabolic alkalosis, fluid imbalance, visible peristalsis, and sudden projectile vomiting with a fecal odor.

Large Bowel Obstruction S&S

Metabolic acidosis, lower abdominal distention, and diarrhea or ribbon-like stools around the impaction.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

An inflammatory bowel disease characterized by continuous inflammation and ulceration starting in the rectum and spreading up the colon.

Crohn's Disease

An inflammatory bowel disease that can occur anywhere from "mouth to anus" (patchy) and involves ulcers penetrating all layers of the abdominal lining.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation caused by bacteria, food, or fecal matter trapped in diverticula, typically presenting with acute LLQ pain.

Peritonitis

An emergency complication of IBD or rupture characterized by a rigid, board-like abdomen, tachycardia, and fever.

Toxic Megacolon

Massive dilation of the colon due to inactivity, leading to a high risk of perforation.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, most likely due to gallstones (cholelithiasis) blocking the common bile ducts.

Murphy's Sign

Pain with deep inspiration during palpation of the upper right quadrant, indicative of cholecystitis.

Blumberg's Sign

Rebound tenderness tested by a provider, often present in gallbladder inflammation or peritonitis.

Steatorrhea

The presence of excess fat in the stool, a clinical sign of gallbladder or pancreatic dysfunction.

HIDA Scan

A hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan used to show the patency of the biliary ducts.