NUR 242 med surg exam 3 Unit 7 Study Guide GI disorders part 1 FALL 2025 Galen college

⭐ **NUR 242 – Unit 7 Study Guide
GI Disorders – Part 1**
(Complete, organized, no topics missing)




2. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Purpose
Visualize esophagus, stomach, duodenum.
Nursing Care After EGD
 Administer prescribed antacids/meds
 Position: reverse Trendelenburg (HOB elevated).
 Assess response to treatment.
 Watch for complications:
o Significant bleeding

o Aspiration

o Incarceration or strangulation of herniated stomach

o Perforation → signs:

 Sudden pain
 ↓ BP
 Rapid pulse
 Shock




4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Definition
Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
Risk Factors
 Diet (acidic, spicy, fatty foods)
 Smoking
 Medications

,  Alcohol
 NG tube
Clinical Manifestations
(Not listed in detail in slides, implied)
Heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort.
Labs/Diagnostics
 Endoscopy
 pH monitoring
 Barium swallow
Medications
 Antacids
 Histamine blockers (H2 blockers)
 PPIs
Nursing Teaching
 Dietary modifications
 Lifestyle changes (weight loss, no smoking)
 Proper positioning
 Take meds as prescribed
Complications
 Precancerous cellular changes
 Regeneration of damaged cells incorrectly


5. Hiatal Hernia
Definition
Protrusion of stomach through diaphragm opening.
Types
Sliding Hernia
 Most common
 Stomach slides in/out of thoracic cavity
 Causes reflux

,Rolling (Paraesophageal) Hernia
 Stomach rolls up next to esophagus
 Does not slide back
 Can become blocked
 Higher risk complication
Risk Factors
 Male sex
 Advanced age
 Pregnancy
 Obesity
 Genetics
 Straining
 Activities increasing abdominal pressure
Assessment
(Not detailed in slides) – Look for symptoms of reflux or obstruction.
Therapeutic Management
(Not detailed) – Typically PPIs, lifestyle changes, surgery if severe.
Postoperative Teaching
 Soft diet for 1 week
 Anti-reflux medications for life
 Walk daily
 Clean incisions
 Continue lifestyle modifications


6. Gastritis & Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
Gastritis
Inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
Types:
 Acute vs Chronic
 Erosive vs Non-erosive

, Peptic Ulcer Disease
Break in mucosal lining → acid causes damage.
Types:
 Gastric ulcers
 Duodenal ulcers
 Stress ulcers
Shared Risk Factors
 H. pylori (most common)
 NSAIDs
 Corticosteroids
 Stress
 Alcohol
 Caffeine
 Contaminated food/water


Pathophysiology
Gastritis
 Damage to protective mucosal barrier
 Acid injures small vessels
 Leads to edema and inflammation
Ulcers
 H. pylori toxins damage mucosa
 Acid injures epithelium
 Delayed gastric emptying worsens injury


Clinical Manifestations
Gastritis Symptoms
 Upper abdominal pain/burning
 Indigestion
 Nausea, vomiting, hiccups