Functions and More
What are the absorptive and storage functions of the LARGE INTESTINE?
Mush
Semi mush
Solid
Increased motility causes less absorption and diarrhea of loose feces
hard solid
Illeocecal Valve
Fluid
Semi Fluid
Decreased motility causes greater absorption, and hard feces in transverse colon causes constipation
Diagnostic tests and procedures preformed on the GI?
Radiology
Computed tomography (CT)
Nuclear Medicine scans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Ultrasound studies
Endoscopy (Colonoscopy/ EGD)
Biopsy
Laboratory tests
Test of gastric secreations
Stool and urine studies
What may help stimulate the bowels?
A warm drink or prune juice may help stimulate the bowels. Consistency and patience are VITAL to the success of retraining the bowe.
What are the following:
Food poisoning
stress
inflammation of the bowels
Cause for diarrhea
Which of the following glands are accessory organs of the digestive system?
salivary glands
What are major complications of nausea and vomiting?
Presistent N/V interferes with eating and often drinking
Hinders nutrition (calories and hydration)
What are the nursing Implications of diagnostic tests?
Check the patients ALLERGIES
A pregnancy test might be ordered (Example for a MRI)
Patient teaching (why they are needing the test, what to expect, teach about their diet and what it means and why they are going NPO, educate pt's about dehydration about s/s to report to you as the nurse, assess VS (BP, heart rate, skin turgor)
Diet including NPO (nothing by mouth) status and dehydration
Psychological care
What may cause the accumulation of flatus?
Surgical intervention, mechanical obstruction, accidental injury to the intestinal tract can cause disturbances in the passage of gas/fecal material.
The appropriate collaborative therapy for the patient with acute diarrhea caused by a viral infection is to what?
increase fluid intake
What is the role of gastrin in the digestive system?
to stimulate gastric secretion
Bowel Incontinence
Sever illness, trauma, neurologic demage, or prolonged bed rest (not getting the bowel moving on a normal routine) keep the patient clean and dry.
Tracking the time of incontinent movements off offering toileting after each meal may help eliminate the problem.
If incontinence is persistent, the cause should be identified and then a BOWEL TRAINING PROGRAM is instituted.
What is the nursing management of diarrhea?
Monitor intake and output (I's and O's)
Administer ordered medications
Replace lost fluids, monitor for electrolyte imbalances (watch for signs of dehydration)
C-diff (antibiotics)
Avoid coffee and tea
Through hand hygiene (best way to prevent a spread of any infection and or bacteria)
Standard Precautions (incase the pt is carrying something)
What may you have your pt do if appropriate to help reduce flatus?
Exercise to reduce gas/bloating
GAS IS GOOD!
AMBULATION IS GOOD!
When a 35-year-old female patient is admitted to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain, which possible diagnosis should you consider that may be the cause of her pain (select all that apply)?
Gastroenteritis
Ectopic pregnancy
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Irritable bowel syndrome
e. Inflammatory bowel disease
What feature of the small intestine enhances its ability to absorb digested
food?
its large surface area
The nurse actions for bowel training are?
The nurse/pt performs digital stimulation by gently inserting and rotating a gloved, WELL lubricated finger into the rectal sphincter. This action should be done on a REGULAR basis to help mimic the pt's normal bowel pattern.
The pt is in a PRIVATE environment for 20 to 40 minutes AFTER a meal, assume NORMAL sitting position or slide lying position on the left side if bedridden (left side works best because our large intestine empties to the left side of our stomach). If pts can sit up in a regular position this is best because gravity will help nature takes it course.
What to do for a pt with constipation?
Indentify the cause of constipation
Rectal suppository or enema
Stool softner
Raw fruits and veggies
Acceptable exercise
Encourage and or increase fluids if appropriate for your pt
Assessment findings suggestive of peritonitis include what?
rebound abdominal pain
Which of the following gut structures are listed in the correct order that food
duodenum, ileum, caecum, transverse colon
Nausea and vomiting treatment plan would look like what?
Encourage PO intake of fluids if pt can tolerate
If PO fluids are not tolerated pt will need fluids via IV therapy Dr will determine the best fluid to use for replacement. * food for thought if your pt receives an IV then the nurse needs to assess this IV site as the pt needs it)
Smells may exacerbate nausea
Alternative therapy: Ginger
What are some safety interventions completed by the nurse during bowel training?
In accordance with the National Safety Goals, ENCOURAGE pts' to call for help during bowel training. Reassure the pts that calling for help will ensure safety and provides an opportunity to observe the progress of the training program (often pts may feel a bit embarrassed to call for help during at time such as this, but this is a time to encourage and pt teach).
How to manage diarrhea?
*Frequent passage of liquid or semi-liquid stool*
Antidiarrheal agents
Mild. moderate, and severe diarrhea
Probiotics for infectious diarrhea (bacillus)
One of the following processes is NOT part of mechanical digestion. Which
One?
hydrolysis
Which of the following is an active enzyme?
pepsin