Colitis & GI Disorders | Complete Solutions PDF
NR507 Week 5 Edapt Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Introduction to Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine and is located immediately after the
stomach. The jejunum is the second part of the small intestine. The ileum is the final
section of the small intestine, connecting to the cecum, which is the beginning of the
large intestine (colon).
The cecum is the first part of the large intestine, situated at the junction of the ileum and
the ascending colon. The colon, also known as the large intestine, is divided into several
segments: 1) the ascending colon begins at the cecum and travels upward on the right
side; 2) the transverse colon extends horizontally across the abdomen; 3) the
descending colon travels downward on the left side; and 4) the sigmoid colon forms an S -
shaped curve leading to the rectum.
The rectum is the final part of the large intestine before the anus. It serves as a
temporary storage site for feces. The anus is the opening at the end of the digestive tract
through which feces are expelled from the body.
, Crohn's disease is characterized by transmural (or continuous mucosal) inflammation
that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to skip lesions and patchy
involvement.
It is not limited to the colon, can involve all layers of the bowel wall, and may affect areas
beyond the rectum. Understanding these key features helps in differentiating Crohn's
disease from other gastrointestinal conditions.
The nurse practitioner (NP) anticipates the rectum and sigmoid colon to be affected
for a client with ulcerative colitis because the typical pattern of involvement is
continuous and typically starts in the rectum and extends proximally.
Distinguishing between ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases, such as
Crohn's disease, is crucial for appropriate management. Crohn's disease can affect any
part of the gastrointestinal tract, has a more heterogeneous pattern, and is more likely to
involve the ascending or transverse part of the colon.
Normal Physiology of the Intestines
The function of the intestines is to break down and absorb water and nutrients from food.
Review the components and functions of the small intestine and the large intestine
below.
Small Intestine