Module 5: Managing Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering oral, esophageal, and gastric disorders, along with nursing management and enteral nutrition from Module 5.

achalasia

Absent or ineffective peristalsis of the distal esophagus accompanied by failure of the esophageal sphincter to relax in response to swallowing.

aspiration

Inhalation of fluids or foods into the trachea and bronchial tree.

dumping syndrome

A physiologic response to rapid emptying of gastric contents into the small intestine; manifested by nausea, weakness, sweating, palpitations, syncope, and possibly diarrhea (also known as vagotomy syndrome).

dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing.

dysplasia

Bizarre cell growth resulting in cells that differ in size, shape, or arrangement from other cells of the same tissue type.

enteral nutrition

Nutritional formula feedings infused through a tube directly into the gastrointestinal tract.

gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Disorder marked by backflow of gastric or duodenal contents into the esophagus causing symptoms and mucosal injury.

gastrostomy

Surgical creation of an opening into the stomach for administering fluids, nutrition, medications, or for decompression.

gingivitis

Reversible inflammation of the gums characterized by a change in color from pink to red, swelling, bleeding, and sensitivity.

halitosis

Foul odor from the oral cavity, commonly known as "bad breath."

jejunostomy

Surgical creation of an opening into the jejunum for administering fluids, nutrition formulas, and medications.

lithotripsy

The use of shock waves to break up or disintegrate stones.

odynophagia

Pain on swallowing.

parotitis

Inflammation of the parotid gland.

percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)

A feeding tube inserted endoscopically into the stomach.

periapical abscess

An abscessed tooth involving collection of pus in the dental periosteum and surrounding tissue.

pyrosis

A burning sensation in the stomach and esophagus that moves up to the mouth, commonly called heartburn.

sialadenitis

Inflammation of the salivary glands, often caused by dehydration, radiation, or S. Aureus infection.

stomatitis

Inflammation of the oral mucosa.

xerostomia

Dry mouth.

periodontitis

Inflammation of the gum and the tooth’s supporting soft tissue and bone structures; affects 42% of the U.S. population.

Actinic cheilitis

Irritation of the lips associated with scaling, crusting, and white hyperkeratosis; considered a premalignant squamous cell skin cancer.

Candidiasis (thrush)

Cheesy white plaque like milk curds caused by Candida albicans that leaves a bleeding base when rubbed off.

Erythroplakia

A red, velvety, asymptomatic patch on the oral mucous membrane with a high risk of malignant transformation.

Leukoplakia

Painless white patches on the buccal mucosa; they are typically premalignant and may progress to cancer.

Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG)

Also known as trench mouth; a painful bacterial infection with foul breath, metallic taste, and pseudomembrane formation.

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

A group of conditions causing debilitating jaw pain, clicking sounds, and restricted jaw motion affecting ~11-12 million Americans.

Sialolithiasis

Salivary calculi or stones, most commonly (80-90%) found in the submandibular gland's Wharton duct.

Meal-Time Syndrome

Classic symptom of sialolithiasis characterized by pain and swelling in the salivary gland while eating.

MASHH Protocol

Treatment for acute sialadenitis: Massage, Antibiotics, Sialagogues, Heat, and Hydration.

Frey Syndrome

Facial sweating and flushing following parotidectomy, treated with botulinum toxin A.

oral mucositis

Painful inflammation and ulceration of the lining of the mouth, often a side effect of chemotherapy and radiation.

Radical Neck Dissection

Removal of all cervical lymph nodes, the sternocleidomastoid muscle, internal jugular vein (IJV), and spinal accessory nerve.

Chyle leak

A potential complication of neck dissection caused by thoracic duct injury, requiring a low-triglyceride or MCT diet.

bolus feeding

Delivery of $200-400\,cm^3$ of formula over 15-60 minutes, 4-6 times daily via gravity.

Zenker Diverticulum

The most common esophageal diverticulum; characterized by dysphagia, regurgitation of undigested food, and halitosis.

Boerhaave syndrome

Esophageal perforation caused by forceful vomiting; carries a 30-50% mortality rate.

Barrett esophagus

A condition where esophageal squamous mucosa is replaced by columnar epithelium; it is the only known precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Rare condition involving tumors in the pancreas or duodenum that secrete excessive gastrin, causing extreme gastric hyperacidity.

pernicious anemia

A vitamin B12 deficiency resulting from the destruction of parietal cells in autoimmune gastritis.