Gastrointestinal System
The Gastrointestinal System
Is composed of the:
- Mouth
- Salivary Glands
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Small Intestine
- Large Intestine (Colon)
- Liver
- Gallbladder
- Pancreas
Diagnostic Assessment:
– Barium Swallow (Upper GI)
– Barium Enema (Lower GI )
– Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
- Visualization of the upper GIT by endoscope.
Common Procedures:
– Paracentesis
– Liver biopsy
– Gastroscopy
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Inappropriate relaxation of the LES
- The backflow of GI contents into esophagus
- Gastric acid and pepsin causes tissue injury
- Results in a Barret’s Epithelium
Assessment
- ♣ Dyspepsia (Heart Burn) Pain that up and down the chest region.
- Regurgitation (monitor for crackles in lungs) aspiration risk.
- Hypersalivation
- Dysphagia (due to narrowing of eshpagus/ constriction)
– protrusion of the stomach through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm
- There are two types:
- Sliding Hernia- almost like GERD (Major Concern- reflux and it’s complications)
- Rolling Hernia- the fundus rolls through the esophagial hiatus and into the thorax.
Assessment:
Barium swallow study w/ fluoroscopy
– carcinoma in the stomach
Causes/Factors
- Infection (H. Pylori)
- Pernicious Anmeia
- Barret’s Esophagus
- Salted Food/Meats
– Cancer of the Colon or rectum.
- Causes/Factors
- Diet with high levels of fats, fried foods and refined carbs
Assessment
- Change in stool (consistency, color)
- Rectal Bleeding, anemia
- Mahogany colored or bright colored stools
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases:
The Liver
– Chronic disease that affects the liver.
Gallbladder Disease:
Cholecystitis & Cholelithiasis
The Pancreas
– a progressive and chronic destruction of the pancreas
Types of Pancreatitis
- Alcohol induced pancreatitis
- Chronic obstructive pancreatitis
Assessment:
- Pain in LUQ (Left Upper Quadrant)
- Ascites, jaundice
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