Assessment of Digestive & Gastrointestinal Function

A set of flashcards based on the lecture notes about the assessment of digestive and gastrointestinal function, covering key concepts, definitions, and processes related to the topic.

Gastrointestinal Tract

The organ system that extends from the mouth to the anus, responsible for digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Mechanical Digestion

The physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces, such as chewing and churning.

Chemical Digestion

The process by which enzymes break down food into smaller molecules.

Peristalsis

The wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

Nutrient Absorption

The process of taking in nutrients and water from food into the blood vessels and lymph vessels.

Dyspepsia

Indigestion characterized by discomfort or pain in the stomach.

Endoscopic Procedures

Minimally invasive techniques used to evaluate and treat conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, such as colonoscopy.

Serum Laboratory Tests

Blood tests that assess various functions and structures related to the gastrointestinal system.

Diagnostics and Nursing Role

The responsibilities of nurses in interpreting diagnostic tests and their implications for patient care.

Reflux

The backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus, often causing heartburn.

Mouth

The first part of the gastrointestinal tract where mechanical and chemical digestion (carbohydrates) begin.

Salivary Glands

Glands in the mouth that produce saliva, containing enzymes like amylase.

Salivary Amylase

An enzyme in saliva that begins the chemical digestion of carbohydrates.

Pharynx

The throat, which serves as a passageway for food and air during swallowing.

Esophagus

A muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach, facilitating food movement via peristalsis.

Stomach

A muscular, J-shaped organ that stores food, mixes it with gastric juices, and begins protein digestion.

Gastric Juice

A highly acidic fluid secreted by the stomach, containing hydrochloric acid and pepsin.

Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

Produced in the stomach, it denatures proteins, activates pepsin, and kills most ingested bacteria.

Pepsin

An enzyme in gastric juice that begins the chemical digestion of proteins.

Chyme

The semi-fluid mixture of partially digested food and gastric juices that leaves the stomach.

Small Intestine

The primary site for chemical digestion and nutrient absorption, consisting of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

Duodenum

The first section of the small intestine, where most chemical digestion occurs, receiving chyme, bile, and pancreatic enzymes.

Jejunum

The middle section of the small intestine, primarily responsible for absorbing nutrients.

Ileum

The final section of the small intestine, primarily responsible for absorbing vitamin B12 and bile salts.

Villi and Microvilli

Finger-like projections and microscopic folds in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption.

Liver

An accessory organ that produces bile, metabolizes nutrients, and detoxifies substances.

Gallbladder

An accessory organ that stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver, stored in the gallbladder, that emulsifies fats in the small intestine.

Pancreas

An accessory organ that produces digestive enzymes (e.g., amylase, lipase, proteases) and bicarbonate.

Pancreatic Amylase

An enzyme from the pancreas that breaks down carbohydrates in the small intestine.

Pancreatic Lipase

An enzyme from the pancreas that breaks down fats in the small intestine.

Proteases (Trypsin, Chymotrypsin)

Enzymes from the pancreas that break down proteins in the small intestine.

Large Intestine

The final section of the gastrointestinal tract, primarily involved in water absorption and waste formation.

Colon

The main part of the large intestine, where water and electrolytes are absorbed from undigested food.

Feces

Undigested food residue, bacteria, and dead cells expelled from the body through the anus.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

A chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A common disorder that affects the large intestine, causing cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation.

Crohn's Disease

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus.

Ulcerative Colitis

A chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the large intestine and rectum, characterized by inflammation and ulcers.

Celiac Disease

An autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.

Colonoscopy

An endoscopic procedure used to examine the entire colon and rectum for abnormalities.

Endoscopy (Upper GI)

An endoscopic procedure to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Barium Swallow

A diagnostic imaging test that uses X-rays to visualize the upper GI tract after the patient drinks a barium solution.

Stool Analysis

Laboratory test of a stool sample to detect various GI conditions, including infections or blood.