Etiology
What are some of the causes of hiatal hernia?
Chronic coughing, obesity, pregnancy, vomiting, straining during bowel movements, heavy lifting.
What are the most common manifestations of GI disease?
Nausea and vomiting.
What outcomes do you wish to evaluate in a patient being treated for nausea and vomiting?
Patient:
is comfortable with decreased or no nausea and vomiting
has normal electrolyte levels
maintains adequate intake of fluids and nutrients.
What is an esophagoenterostomy?
A surgical procedure connecting the esophagus to the small intestine.
True or False: Being nutritionally compromised is a clinical problem associated with oral cancer
True
What is oral cancer's most common cause or risk factor?
75%-90% of persons diagnosed report a history of tobacco or alcohol usage. The exact cause is not known.
How soon after meals do symptoms associated with gastric ulcers occur?
Typically, 1 to 2 hours after meals, patients may describe a "burning" or "gaseous" sensation high in the epigastrium.
What are the most important goals for a patient with cancer in the oral cavity?
Having a patent airway
The ability to communicate
Adequate intake to maintain nutrition
Relief of pain and discomfort
What is the action of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) used to treat GERD?
PPIs block the hydrogen-potassium ATPase pump, reducing stomach acid production and decreasing irritation to the esophagus and stomach lining.
What clinical problems can you expect for a patient with esophageal cancer?
Pain
Nutritional Comprise
Impaired GI Function
Diffuclty Coping
What is the most common cause of acute gastritis?
An infection with H. pylori. Other causes include alcohol usage, bile reflux, stress-related mucosal damage, and the regular use of NSAIDs.
True or False: Anemia is a common symptom associated with stomach cancer.
True: It is caused by chronic blood loss as the lesion erodes through the mucosa or from pernicious anemia.
How can you, as a nurse, practice health promotion with patients at risk for esophageal cancer?
Counsel the patient with GERD, BE, or hiatal hernia about the importance of regular follow-up evaluation
Education on smoking and reducing risk factors
Education on oral hygiene and proper diet habits
Encourage patients to seek medical attention for any esophageal problems
True or False: Radiation therapy is always coupled with chemotherapy when treating esophageal cancer.
False: Depending on the type and stage of esophageal cancer, the patient may receive chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy.
What are the three major complications of chronic PUD?
GI Bleeding
Perforation
Gastric Outlet Obstruction
What is the leading cause of peptic ulcer disease?
BONUS: What kind of environment do these ulcers develop in?
A H. pylori infection
BONUS: Acidic environments.
What is the precancerous white patch seen in the mouths of patients suspected to have oral cancer called?
Leukoplakia also known as "smoker's patch"
During an assessment, you find that a patient has a history of chronic gastritis, cirrhosis or PUD. This would lead you to consider the patient to be at high risk for?
An upper gastrointestinal bleed.
Why raise the head of the bed of a patient with a hiatal hernia?
To prevent acid reflux.
What is a common complication of esophageal cancer resulting from the narrowing of the esophagus, making it difficult or painful to swallow?
Dysphagia
What are the most common risk factors associated with esophageal cancer?
Barrett's esophagus, smoking, excessive alcohol usage and obesity, chronic irritation or damage to the esophagus.
What is pyrosis?
Pyrosis is the medical term for heartburn. The most common symptom of GERD.
When conducting a nutrition assessment for a patient with suspected stomach cancer, how many months of appetite and diet changes should be of concern?
Six months
What is a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy?
A feeding tube used for patients with severe dysphagia due to an upper GI disorder. (PEG tube)
What clinical problems may a patient with nausea and vomiting have?
Wheezing
Coughing
Dyspnea