Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Systems Exam Review

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering gastrointestinal disorders, hepatic conditions, and related nursing care based on the provided lecture notes.

Liver

Organ that detoxifies drugs/ETOH, produces bile for fat digestion and absorption of vitamins $A, D, E, K$, recycles RBCs, and regulates blood composition.

Pancreas

Organ that secretes digestive enzymes ($amylase, lipase, trypsin$) and bicarbonate juice to break down food.

Enteral Nutrition

Nutrition provided via an NG, OG, or PEG tube that goes directly into the stomach; requires elevating HOB $30 \text{-} 45$ degrees to prevent aspiration.

Parenteral Nutrition

Nutrition therapy administered through a central vein.

Hiatal Hernia

A condition common in smokers, obesity, and adults over $50$ where the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm; often treated with fundoplication.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

A condition where gastric secretions reflux into the esophagus because the lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly.

Barrett's Esophagus

Precancerous changes in the epithelial lining of the esophagus caused by chronic GERD.

Mallory-Weiss Tear

A mucosal tear near the gastroesophageal junction caused by excessive vomiting, alcoholism, or bulimia, often leading to hematemesis.

Gastric Ulcer

A peptic ulcer characterized by burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen that increases $1 \text{-} 2$ hours after eating or during meals.

Duodenal Ulcer

A peptic ulcer characterized by burning or cramping pain in the mid-epigastric region that increases $2 \text{-} 5$ hours after a meal and is relieved by antacids.

McBurney's Point

A specific location in the RLQ associated with rebound tenderness indicative of appendicitis.

Diverticulosis

The presence of diverticula (pouches) in the colon that are typically asymptomatic without active infection.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation or infection of the diverticula, resulting in abdominal pain, fever, and N/V.

Crohn's Disease

An incurable autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease characterized by skip lesions (patchy areas of inflammation) along the GI tract.

Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease affecting the large intestine and rectum, characterized by rectal bleeding and curable via total colectomy.

IBS-D

Irritable Bowel Syndrome where diarrhea is the predominant symptom.

IBS-C

Irritable Bowel Syndrome where constipation is the predominant symptom.

Hepatitis Icteric Stage

The phase of liver inflammation characterized by jaundice and worsening symptoms.

Lactulose

Medication used in acute liver failure and cirrhosis to decrease ammonia levels.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Also known as wet brain, it is caused by Vitamin $B$ deficiency and presents with vision changes, AMS, and loss of muscle coordination.

Portal Hypertension

High blood pressure in the portal system due to cirrhosis, which can lead to varices, ascites, and splenomegaly.

Ascites

Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen often seen in liver disease; treated with diuretics, fluid restriction, or paracentesis.

Esophageal Varices

Swollen, varicose veins in the esophagus that pose a life-threatening emergency risk if they bleed.

Steatorrhea

Vomit or stools containing undigested fat, frequently associated with fatty food intolerance in chronic pancreatitis.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder.

Cholelithiasis

The presence of stones within the gallbladder.

Choledocholithiasis

The presence of stones in the common bile duct.

Murphy's Sign

A clinical indicator of gallbladder disease identified by pain during palpation of the RUQ.