N162B Week 1 GI

What is the treatment for gingivitis?

Brush your teeth twice/day, floss, Regular dentist visits for routine cleanings

What are the interventions and rationales for gastroesophageal disease?

• Teach importance of eating 4 to 6 small meals daily; eliminate foods that decrease LES (spicy foods, foods that are tomato based, citric juices such as orange juices, coffee…)

• Explain conversion of epithelial cells and how could lead to cancer

  • Barrett’s Esophagus>increased esophageal cancer risk

• Instruct patient not to lie down after eating

• Educate patient to avoid drinking and eating

• Educate patient about medication regimen and possible side effects

What are the risk factors for peptic ulcers?

• Family history, type O blood

Modifiable: Must educate patient:

• Tobacco use and caffeine

• Glucocorticoids and NSAIDs

• Psychological stress

• Helicobacter pylori

  • Primary cause of peptic ulcers

  • Gram-negative bacterium

What is the pathophysiology for appendicitis?

Right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting; rebound tenderness, guarding

How do you diagnose inestinal obstruction?

Diagnosis: X-rays, CT scan, complete blood count with differential WBC, Barium swallow or barium edema, Careful history and physical examination

What are common conditions that cause constipation?

• Lack of exercise

• Insufficient dietary fiber/ stool stays in the intestine too long/too much water reabsorbed causing hard stools

• Diminished fluid intake

• Slow motility of waste material through large intestine

• Certain foods, medications, diseases

What should a patient that complains of constipation be assessed for?

dietary and fluid intake

Before considering pharmacotherapy, a nurse should educate patient to ____

increase fluid and dietary fiber in their diet

What is a common pharmaotherapy for constipation?

Laxatives such as metamucil

What is pharmacotherapy for diarrhea?

antidiarrheal drugs like lomotil/loperamide