Adult Health MedSurg Exam Review

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions from the Adult Health MedSurg course, focusing on chronic reproductive, urinary, renal, gastrointestinal, and endocrine disorders.

Dumping Syndrome

Rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine after gastric surgery, causing dizziness, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and diarrhea.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease; reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus causing heartburn and regurgitation.

Hiatal Hernia

Protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

Erosion in the GI mucosa, commonly caused by H. pylori and NSAIDs.

Melena

Black, tarry stool indicating an upper GI bleed.

Hematemesis

Vomiting blood, either bright red (active) or 'coffee-ground' (older bleed).

IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome; functional bowel disorder characterized by cramping, bloating, and altered bowel habits.

IBD

Inflammatory Bowel Disease; includes Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

C. difficile

Clostridioides difficile; causes antibiotic-associated colitis, presenting as watery, foul-smelling diarrhea.

Diverticulosis

Presence of pouches in the colon wall, typically asymptomatic.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation/infection of diverticula, presenting with LLQ pain and fever.

Ascites

Fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity, often seen in cirrhosis.

Asterixis

Flapping tremor of the hands, indicative of hepatic encephalopathy.

Jaundice

Yellowing of skin and sclera due to bilirubin buildup.

Cholelithiasis

Gallstones.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder.

Steatorrhea

Fatty, foul-smelling stools, indicating pancreatic insufficiency.

CKD

Chronic Kidney Disease; progressive, irreversible kidney function loss.

ESRD

End-Stage Renal Disease; stage 5 CKD, with GFR < 15.

GFR

Glomerular Filtration Rate; the best measure of kidney function.

Azotemia

Elevated BUN and creatinine in the blood.

Uremia

Symptomatic azotemia, exhibiting symptoms like nausea and confusion.

AV Fistula

Surgically created vascular access for hemodialysis.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Dialysis that uses the peritoneum as a filter, involving instillation of dialysate.

UTI

Urinary tract infection; characterized by dysuria and urgency.

Pyelonephritis

Kidney infection, presenting with flank pain and fever.

Nephrolithiasis

Kidney stones; severe flank pain and hematuria are common.

DKA

Diabetic Ketoacidosis; a Type 1 diabetes emergency marked by hyperglycemia and ketones.

HHS

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State; a Type 2 diabetes emergency without ketones.

HgbA1C

Average blood glucose over the last 2–3 months; goal for diabetics is <7%.

SIADH

Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH; excessive ADH causes water retention and dilutional hyponatremia.

DI

Diabetes Insipidus; insufficient ADH resulting in dilute urine output.

Cushing's Syndrome

Excess cortisol, leading to symptoms like moon face and buffalo hump.

Addison's Disease

Cortisol deficiency presenting with fatigue and low blood pressure.

Myxedema Coma

Severe hypothyroid emergency characterized by hypothermia and decreased LOC.

Thyroid Storm

Severe hyperthyroid emergency with fever and tachycardia.

Osteoporosis

Low bone mass and fragility leading to fractures.

Osteomyelitis

Bone infection, often treated with long-term antibiotics.

Dislocation

When a joint moves out of socket, often presenting with leg shortening and severe pain.

RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Autoimmune joint inflammation that is symmetrical with prolonged morning stiffness.

OA (Osteoarthritis)

Degenerative joint disease that is asymmetric, affecting weight-bearing joints.

Gout

Uric acid crystal deposition in joints, leading to sudden, severe pain.

Sjögren's Syndrome

Autoimmune condition causing dry eyes and mouth.

BPH

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; causes urinary hesitancy and weak stream.

PSA

Prostate-Specific Antigen; used as a marker for prostate issues.

TURP

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate; a surgical procedure for BPH.

CBI

Continuous Bladder Irrigation; used after TURP to prevent clots.

CAUTION for Cancer

Signs including changes in bowel/bladder habits, sores that don’t heal, unusual bleeding.

Diet for CKD

Low protein, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid restriction.

Post-Op Bariatric Care

Includes small meals and lifelong vitamin supplementation after gastric bypass.

Platelet Dysfunction in CKD

Contributes to bleeding risks due to impaired production of clotting factors.

Hepatitis A Transmission

Fecal-oral transmission; preventable by vaccination.

Cirrhosis

Irreversible scarring of the liver with complications like portal hypertension.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, often causing severe epigastric pain.

Colostomy Care

Monitor stoma appearance and output, provide skincare, and change wafers appropriately.

C. difficile Precautions

Contact precautions include soap and water hand hygiene.

Bariatric Surgery Risks

Monitor for complications like dumping syndrome and nutritional deficiencies.

Cholecystectomy Post-Op Care

Includes managing a T-tube and diet modifications.