GI Assessment/Diagnostics
Guaiac based tests/Occult tests are used to examine for this finding in stool samples?
What is blood/bleeding?
*may be ordered in outpatient or acute care settings - education for outpatient should include avoiding NSAIDs, anticoagulants, red meat etc prior to test
Fungal infection often found on tongues of immunocompromised individuals
What is Candida? (AKA Thrush)
*treated with antifungal (Nystatin) - can be scrapped off tongue where oral tumors (pre or malignant) cannot
Pouchlike herniations of the intestinal wall caused by increased intraluminal pressure are known as
What are diverticuli
*These are often found in the sigmoid colon and prone to infection and perforation from becoming clogged with fecal matter, bacteria and foods like nuts/seeds
Organ responsible for storage of bile transported from the liver via the right & left hepatic ducts
What is the Gallbladder?
A common side effect of combination medications containing metals like aluminum?
What is constipation?
*Found in some antacids and Sucralfate (Carafate)
This is the primary pigment of bile; alterations of this in serum results signify impaired excretion & will also be recognized in altered color of urine & stool
What is bilirubin?
This type of ulcer is not contagious and found on the inner lip or cheek most often
What is Aphthous ulcer?
*AKA Canker Sore
This type of hernia is seen more often in male patients
What is inguinal hernia
*following an inguinal hernia repair, scrotal swelling is common and may be treated with ice and/or scrotal slings; some male patients additionally have difficulty with urination following this surgical repair
These serum diagnostic tests are used most commonly in the diagnosis and monitoring of pancreatitis
What are serum amylase and serum lipase
This class of medication often used to manage patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease require serial lab screenings to assess for adverse complications
What are Biologics?
*Recall - these meds require pre screening for TB and Hep B & serial lab draws while receiving treatment as they suppress the immune system and can cause hepatotoxicity
(Two part) A glycoprotein produced in the stomach (1) that is responsible for the absorption of this vitamin (2)
What are (1): intrinsic factor and (2) B12
*A deficiency of Vit B12 is known as Pernicious anemia
Metaplasia of the distal esophagus, more resistant to gastric acid is known as
What is Barret's Esophagus
*only identifiable precursor of esophageal cancer
Individuals with intestinal (blank) often have altered fluid and electrolyte levels as a result
What are obstructions?
*most often occur in the small bowel but may occur in the large intestine as well - those symptoms would be more gradual in onset as the lumen of the large intestine is larger
*one of the most common causes of small bowel obstructions are a result of surgery/general anesthesia causing a paralytic ileus - this would be a functional obstruction
Obstructions can be further classified as mechanical - ex would be a tumor or adhesions & either complete or partial obstructions
2 Part: The liver is responsible for this fat-soluble vitamin (1). Deficiencies of this vitamin increase the risk of (2) in individuals, commonly seen with liver dysfunction
What are (1) vitamin K and (2) bleeding
The use of antidiarrheals in patients with diagnosed IBD may lead to the development of this potentially life-threatening condition?
What is Toxic Megacolon
Endoscopic procedures are most commonly performed under (blank blank)
What is conscious sedation?
or moderate sedation
*can be outpatient/same day procedures - need informed consent & driver
This type of oral cancer, often found on the lip, has a characteristic pearly border
What is basal cell carcinoma?
Patients with complaints of severe abdominal pain that abruptly transition to mild pain may be an indication of
What is perforation?
*Could be perforation of gallbladder, inflamed diverticula, appendix, etc
"the pressure valve was released" so to speak
Patients with this condition often suffer from severe abdominal pain provoked by eating and may have difficulty reintroducing PO diets
What is acute pancreatitis?
This medication is prescribed for the treatment of cirrhosis to eliminate excess ammonia through the GI tract
What is lactulose
*This is an osmotic laxative but in liver dysfunction is used to eliminate excess ammonia in the feces; it is titrated to a specific desired number of daily bowel movements
A serum diagnostic finding that may be an initial finding associated with a later diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is
What is hyperglycemia
*other initial signs or often vague and may go unrecognized
Increased risk of developing GERD is seen in individuals that have risk factors contributing to increased what?
What is intraabdominal pressure?
ex: pregnancy, hiatal hernias, obesity
other risk factors - OSA, smoking, H pylori
Inflammatory bowel disease often causing micro erosion of the intestinal wall leading to lower GI bleeds
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
*GI bleeds are also possible to Crohn's disease - UC is confined to the sigmoid colon most commonly and has a higher incidence of lower GI bleeds as a result
The underlying mechanism that causes collateral circulation diverting blood flow away from the portal system to areas of lower pressure
What is Portal Hypertension
*Diverting circulation provokes the development of varices & increases risk of bleeding further with platelet destruction from splenomegaly
*It very often leads to varices, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy
(2 part) This class of medication reduces acid secretion in the stomach by blocking pumps responsible for their secretion (1) this medication coats the lining of the stomach (2)
What is (1) PPI and (2) Sucralfate (Carafate)
*Recall Sucralfate (Carafate) protects the stomach lining from continued or new erosive activity - it does not treat the ulcer - needs to be spaced out from other medications so as not to disrupt absorption