UC, Crohn's, and Pancreatitis Flashcards

Flashcards covering ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and pancreatitis, including definitions, causes, symptoms, and treatments.

What is Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?

An inflammatory bowel disease that primarily affects the large intestine and/or rectum, causing inflammation and ulcers.

What does the colon of a UC patient look like?

Patchy white areas, resembling thrush, are observed during a colonoscopy.

What are the potential causes or triggers of Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?

Genetic factors, immune system dysfunction (possibly autoimmune), environmental factors (stress, infections, medications), and microbiome changes.

What are the key signs and symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?

Blood and pus in the stool, frequent and urgent bowel movements, and a feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation.

What are the common labs to monitor in a UC patient?

White blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and CRP (C-reactive protein).

What medications are commonly used to treat UC?

Aminosalicylates (e.g., mesalamine), corticosteroids, immunomodulators (e.g., methotrexate), biologics, and JAK inhibitors.

What are the main nursing interventions for UC patients?

Symptom management (pain, nutrition, bowel), monitoring for bleeding, and addressing anemia.

What is Crohn's Disease?

A chronic inflammation that can occur in any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus.

What does the intestinal lining of a patient with Crohn's Disease look like?

Patchy areas of inflammation that look red and inflamed, without healthy pink intestinal lining tissue.

What are the potential causes or risk factors for Crohn's Disease?

Genetics, environment, lifestyle, and autoimmune factors.

What are the common signs and symptoms of Crohn's Disease?

Loss of appetite, blood in stool, fatigue, mouth sores, abdominal aches and cramping, weight loss, and diarrhea.

What unique lab tests are often checked for Crohn's?

Fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin levels in stool samples.

What types of medications are used to treat Crohn's Disease?

Anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, biologics (similar to UC), and antibiotics (if infection is present).

What are the primary nursing interventions for Crohn's Disease?

Similar to UC: pain management, controlling inflammation, nutritional support, fluid management, bowel management, medication management, and patient education.

What are the two main functions of the pancreas?

Aids in digestion by producing enzymes and fluids and regulates blood glucose by secreting hormones (insulin and glucagon).

What are the three main digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas?

Lipase, amylase, and trypsin.

How do insulin and glucagon regulate blood sugar?

Insulin lowers blood glucose, while glucagon increases blood glucose.

What is the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis?

Premature activation of pancreatic enzymes that leads to autodigestion and inflammation.

What conditions can chronic pancreatitis lead to?

Diabetes, malabsorption, and pancreatic insufficiency.

What are the common causes of pancreatitis?

Excessive alcohol intake, trauma, medications, infections, tumors, genetic variants, high triglycerides, high calcium levels, and gallstones.

What are the typical signs and symptoms of pancreatitis?

Abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, abdominal tenderness and swelling, rapid pulse, and indigestion.

What are the key lab values used to diagnose pancreatitis?

Amylase and lipase levels.

What is the treatment plan for pancreatitis?

Analgesics (cautiously), antibiotics (if infection is present), and monitoring pancreatic enzymes.

What are the nursing interventions for pancreatitis?

Pain management, hydration, nutritional support (low-fat diet), and monitoring vital signs, fluids, and labs.