Class 15: Digestion & Elimination (Chapters 38-39)

A comprehensive vocabulary review of Chapters 38 and 39 (Taylor's Fundamentals of Nursing), detailing core terminology, anatomy, medication effects, clinical assessments, and pathologies related to urinary and bowel elimination.

Nephrons

Microscopic functional units in the kidneys that maintain and regulate fluid balance through selective reabsorption and secretion of water, electrolytes, and other substances.

Detrusor Muscle

The smooth muscle tissue of the bladder wall composed of three layers: the inner longitudinal layer, the middle circular layer, and the outer longitudinal layer.

Micturition

The process of emptying the bladder, also referred to as voiding or urination.

Nocturia

Waking during the night to urinate, commonly noted as an effect of aging on the urinary system.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

An inherited disorder that causes fluid-filled kidney cysts to enlarge and interfere with normal renal function, commonly presenting with hypertension and declining renal function.

Urinary Calculi

Hard deposits formed from substances in the urine (kidney stones) that can obstruct urine flow and cause severe pain or hematuria.

Pyelonephritis

An upper urinary tract infection of the kidney that occurs when bacteria travel upward from the bladder, potentially causing renal tissue damage.

Diuretics

Medications such as furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide that increase urine output by helping the kidneys remove sodium and water from the body.

Desmopressin (DDAVP)

A medication that decreases urine output by promoting water retention or mimicking the action of antidiuretic hormone.

Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)

A medication that alters the appearance of urine, turning it an orange or orange-to-reddish-orange color.

Transient Incontinence

A type of urinary incontinence that appears suddenly and lasts for $6\text{ months}$ or less.

Stress Incontinence

Involuntary loss of urine related to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, such as from coughing, sneezing, or laughing.

Overflow Incontinence

Involuntary loss of urine associated with overdistention and overflow of the bladder.

Functional Incontinence

Inability to reach the toilet in time to avoid urine loss due to factors outside the urinary tract, such as physical limitations or environmental barriers.

Reflex Incontinence

Emptying of the bladder occurring automatically without any prior sensation of the need to void.

Total Incontinence

A continuous and unpredictable loss of urine resulting from complete lack of urinary control.

Mixed Incontinence

Urine loss presenting with clinical features characteristic of two or more distinct types of urinary incontinence.

Small Intestine

The organ of the gastrointestinal tract that secretes enzymes to digest proteins and carbohydrates and is responsible for the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.

Large Intestine

The primary organ of bowel elimination extending from the ileocecal valve to the anus; functions in the absorption of water, formation of feces, and expulsion of feces.

Abdominal Assessment Sequence

The specific sequence for performing a physical examination of the abdomen: inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation.

Anal Fissure

A linear break or tear in the mucous membrane on the margin of the anus.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

A direct endoscopic visualization examination of the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Carminative Enema

A type of retention enema administered primarily to help expel flatus and relieve abdominal distention.

Safe Internal Hot Food Temperature

The minimum safe holding temperature of $140^\circ\text{F}$ or above required after cooking to prevent food poisoning microorganisms from multiplying.