ch 15 PCT

absorption

the transfer of nutrients from the intestines to the cells. anatomy: the study of body structure.

bowel elimination

the physical process of releasing or emptying the colon or large intestine of solid waste, called stool or feces.

chyme

semi-liquid substance made as a result of the chemical breakdown of food in the stomach.

colon

the large intestine.

Colostomy

surgically-created opening through the abdominal wall into the large intestine to allow feces to be expelled.

Crohn's disease

a disease that causes the lining of the digestive tract to become inflamed (red, sore, and swollen).

defecation

the process of eliminating feces from the rectum through the anus.

diverticulitis

inflammation of sacs that develop in the wall of the large intestine due to diverticulosis.

diverticulosis

a disorder in which sac-like pouchings develop in weakened areas of the wall of the large intestine (colon).

duodenum

the first part of the small intestine, where the common bile duct enters the small intestine.

electrolytes

chemical substances that are essential to maintaining fluid balance and homeo- stasis in the body.

elimination

the process of expelling wastes.

enema

a specific amount of water, with or without an additive, introduced into the colon to stimulate the elimination of stool.

fecal impaction

a mass of dry, hard stool that remains packed in the rectum and cannot be expelled.

fecal incontinence

an inability to control the muscles of the bowels, which leads to an invol- untary passage of stool or gas.

flatulence

air in the intestine that is passed through the rectum; also called gas or flatus.

fracture pan

a bedpan that is flatter than a regular bedpan; used for small or thin people or those who cannot lift their buttocks onto a standard bedpan.

gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

a chronic condition in which the liquid contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus.

gastrointestinal tract

a continuous tube from the opening of the mouth all the way to the anus, where solid wastes are eliminated from the body.

heartburn

a condition that results from a weakening of the sphincter muscle that joins the esophagus and the stomach; also known as acid reflux.

hemorrhoids

enlarged veins in the rectum that can cause itching, burning, pain, and bleeding.

homeostasis

the condition in which all of the body's systems are balanced and are working at their best.

ileostomy

surgically-created opening into the end of the small intestine, the ileum, to allow feces to be expelled.

Ingestion

the process of taking food or fluids into the body.

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

a chronic con- dition of the large intestine that is worsened by stress.

Malabsorption

a condition in which the body cannot absorb or digest a particular nutrient properly.

occult

hidden. organ: a structural unit in the human body that performs a specific function.

Ostomy

surgical creation of an opening from an area inside the body to the outside.

portable commode

a chair with a toilet seat and a removable container underneath that is used for elimination; also called bedside commode.

specimen

a sample, such as tissue, blood, urine, stool, or sputum, used for analysis and diagnosis.

stoma

an artificial opening in the body.

suppository

a medication given rectally to cause a bowel movement. tissues: a group of cells that performs similar tasks.

ulcerative colitis

a chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine.

ureterostomy

a type of urostomy in which a surgical creation of an opening from the ureter through the abdomen is made for urine to be eliminated.

urostomy

any surgical procedure that diverts the passage of urine by redirecting the ureters.

What does saliva do in the mouth?

Lubricates and begins breaking down food.

What is the purpose of the epiglottis during swallowing?

Covers the larynx to prevent food from entering the trachea.

How does food move from the esophagus to the stomach?

Muscular contractions called peristalsis.

What does the stomach convert food into?

A semi-liquid substance called chyme.

Which part of the small intestine receives bile and pancreatic enzymes?

The duodenum.

What are villi, and what do they do?

Small projections that increase surface area for nutrient absorption.

What are the four main functions of the gastrointestinal system?

Ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination.

What changes may occur in the GI system as people age?

Decreased taste, slower digestion, less saliva, and decreased absorption.

How often is normal for bowel movements?

From 1-3 times per day to several times per week.

Name one factor that affects bowel elimination.

Growth and development, psychological factors, diet, fluid intake, physical activity, personal habits, or medications.

What types of food can cause constipation?

High-fat foods, such as dairy and red meat.

What is the purpose of a fracture pan?

A flatter bedpan for residents with limited mobility or hip fractures.

What causes GERD?

Stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation.

List three possible treatments for constipation.

Increasing fiber intake, increasing fluid intake, and exercising regularly.

What should be avoided when providing perineal care for a resident who has hemorrhoids?

Avoid using scented products or harsh soaps.

What position must the resident be in for an enema?

The left side-lying (Sims') position.

If a resident feels pain while receiving an enema, what should the nursing assistant do?

Stop the enema and inform the nurse.

Why does a stool specimen need to be delivered to the lab immediately when testing for ova and parasites?

To ensure accurate results, as ova and parasites may deteriorate quickly.

What items should not be included in a stool specimen?

Urine, toilet paper, and other contaminants.

How is occult blood found in stool?

Through a chemical test or microscope.

When may an ostomy be necessary?

When the intestines need an alternative way to eliminate waste, often due to disease or injury.

How do colostomies and ileostomies differ?

A colostomy connects the large intestine to the abdominal wall; an ileostomy connects the small

_____ is the condition in which all of the body's systems are balanced and are working at their best.

Homeostasis

How should a resident who has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) be positioned after eating?

Sitting upright