Lower GI Problems

megacolon

bad bacteria start producing a lot of gas - gas gets stuck inside - blows up your intestines

ileus

gut stops with peristalsis

c. diff

whats the #1 HAI

• overuse of antibiotics

• feces contaminated surfaces

how to get c. diff

72 days

how long will feces stay on surfaces for

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

chronic abdominal pain/discomfort with alterations of bowel patterns between constipation and diarrhea

abdominal pain at least 1 day/wk x 3 mo with 2+ changes in stool frequency or form (from C to D)

diagnosis for IBS

low FODMAP

diet for IBS

lubiprostone

drug for IBS-C

linaclotide

drug for IBS-D

inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) - crohn’s or ulcerative cholitis

autoimmune, genetic disease that has chronic inflammation of the GI tract with periods of remissions and exacerbations

diffuse across your S. and L. intestines

where is chron’s disease mainly seen

descending colon

where is ulcerative cholitis mainly seen

anastomosis

remove damaged portion of colon and sew healthy sides back together

appendicitis

inflammation of the appendix caused by obstruction of the lumen

McBurney’s point (RLQ)

where is pain felt with appendicitis and what part of the stomach is it

no - we are sitting on them to see if pain stops (if it does, that means the appendix ruptured)

pain meds for appendix pts? why/why not

q2h and prn

how often to get vitals for appendicitis pts

10 lbs

after appendectomy, no lifting over how much weight?

peritonitis

inflammation of the peritoneum - infection

q2h and prn

how often to get vitals on peritonitis pts

knees flexed

position of comfort for peritonitis pts

intestinal obstruction (BO)

when intestinal contents cannot pass through the GI tract

volvulus

twisting of bowel

diverticular disease

where small, bulging pouches form in the wall of the large intestine and cause symptoms like cramping, pain, or changes in bowel habits

q4h

how often to measure abdominal girth for BO

third spacing → concern for lungs

if there is no urine output with BO what does that mean is likely happening and what is that a big concern for

q4h

how often to assess stomas