Foundations of Nursing Practice: Gastrointestinal System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the gastrointestinal system in nursing practice.

Gastrointestinal System

The organ system that includes the stomach and intestines and is responsible for digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Malnutrition

A condition resulting from insufficient or excessive nutrient intake.

Celiac Disease

An autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, leading to malabsorption in the small intestine.

GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; a chronic digestive condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

A condition characterized by sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum.

Sphincter

A ring of muscle that constricts a passage or closes a natural opening in the body.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

A procedure that allows direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Nasogastric Tube

A tube inserted through the nose into the stomach for feeding, medication, or decompression.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Medications that reduce gastric acid secretion in the stomach.

Antacids

Substances that neutralize stomach acidity, used to relieve heartburn and indigestion.

Antiemetics

Medications that help control nausea and vomiting.

7-HT3 (Serotonin) Antagonists

A class of drugs used to prevent nausea and vomiting by blocking serotonin receptors.

Cholinergic Agents

Drugs that mimic the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, often used to stimulate gastric motility.

Antidiarrheal Agents

Medications used to treat diarrhea by slowing down gut movement.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

A procedure used to examine the bile ducts and pancreas using an endoscope.

Diverticulitis

An inflammation or infection of diverticula in the gastrointestinal tract.

Laparoscopy

A minimally invasive surgical procedure using small incisions and a camera.

Upper GI Series

A radiological examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract after ingestion of a contrast medium.

Lower GI Series

A procedure used to visualize the colon and rectum using barium.

Sigmoidoscopy

An examination of the sigmoid colon using a flexible tube.

Bowel Prep

The process of cleansing the bowel prior to a diagnostic procedure.

Gallbladder

An organ that stores bile produced by the liver.

Peritoneal Cavity

The space within the abdomen that houses the intestines, liver, and other organs.

H. Pylori

A type of bacteria that can cause infections in the stomach, often linked to ulcers.

Auscultation

The act of listening to sounds within the body, typically using a stethoscope.

Malabsorption

A condition where the body cannot adequately absorb nutrients from food.

Albumin Level

A blood test used to assess protein levels, important for evaluating malnutrition.

Esophagus

The muscular tube that connects the throat (pharynx) with the stomach.

Intestinal Obstruction

A blockage in the intestines that prevents the normal passage of contents.

Gastritis

Inflammation of the stomach lining, often causing pain and nausea.

Nutritional Support

Intervention methods to ensure adequate nutrition intake, particularly in those unable to eat normally.

Transient Lower Esophageal Sphincter Relaxation

A temporary decrease in pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, which can lead to acid reflux.

Ileostomy

An opening created surgically to allow waste to exit the body from the ileum.

Stoma

An opening made during surgery that allows bodily waste to exit into a bag.

Nutritional Guidelines

Recommendations for dietary intake to maintain optimal health and manage conditions.

Nulliparous

Referring to a woman who has never given birth.

Polyethylene Glycol

A common laxative used for bowel preparation before colonoscopy.

Enteral Nutrition

Nutrition provided to patients through a feeding tube placed in the gastrointestinal tract.

Celecoxib

A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation.

Bismuth Subsalicylate

An antidiarrheal medication that absorbs excess fluid in the intestines.

Swallowing Assessment

Evaluation of a patient's ability to swallow safely and effectively.

Colonoscopy

A procedure that examines the colon for abnormalities.

Fistula

An abnormal connection between two organs or vessels.

Thoracic Duct

The largest lymphatic vessel in the body, draining lymph into the bloodstream.

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Blood loss originating from the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.

Malodorous Breath

Foul-smelling breath often indicative of an underlying gastrointestinal issue.

Hypotension

Abnormally low blood pressure, which can occur due to significant blood loss.