Digestive System Disorders Study Notes

Digestive System Overview

  • Components: Mouth, Esophagus, Liver, Stomach, Gallbladder, Pancreas, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Anus.

Upper Gastrointestinal Problems

  • Nausea: Discomfort in the epigastric area; induces vomiting (emesis).

  • Pathophysiology: Stimuli from GI tract trigger vomiting via the medulla; CTZ responds to drugs, toxins, and motion.

  • Clinical Manifestations of Anorexia: May lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic disturbances.

  • Goals: Identify and treat underlying cause; symptomatic relief.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

  • Definition: Chronic reflux of stomach acid causing esophagitis; chief symptom is heartburn.

  • Pathogenesis Factors: Incompetent LES, motility dysfunction, acidic gastric content.

  • Symptoms: Heartburn, dyspepsia, regurgitation; evaluate severity based on frequency.

  • Complications: Esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, ulcers.

  • Diagnostics: Endoscopy, esophagram, pH monitoring.

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

  • Definition: Erosion of GI mucosa from acid and pepsin; classified by location and duration.

  • Types: Gastric and duodenal ulcers; risk factors include H. pylori, NSAIDs.

  • Clinical Presentation: Discomfort after meals; potential for serious complications like bleeding.

  • Diagnostics: Endoscopy, stool tests for H. pylori, CBC.

Gastritis

  • Definition: Inflammation of gastric mucosa; can be acute or chronic.

  • Etiology: Breakdown of mucosal barrier causing tissue edema and bleeding.

  • Clinical Manifestations: Nausea, vomiting, epigastric tenderness.

  • Diagnostics: Endoscopy, H. pylori testing, CBC.

Diarrhea

  • Definition: Passage of 3 or more loose stools/day; primarily infectious causes.

  • Clinical Manifestations: Varies by GI tract involvement; can lead to dehydration.

  • Diagnostics: Stool cultures, blood tests for pathogens, electrolyte levels.

Nursing Management

  • Goals: Assess, analyze, plan, implement, and evaluate care for various GI disorders.

  • Considerations for Older Adults: Monitoring fluid loss, preventing complications, careful medication use.