NUR 315: Exam 3 Study Guide
Gastrointestinal System
Stomach pain, cramps and spasms are some of the
most frequent complaints of patients in the
emergency room departments
The prevalence of GI problems increases with age
Acute Diarrhea
Frequent passage of loose or watery stools
persisting 3-5 days that are not bloody, purulent
(puss= infection), or greasy (patient not
absorbing fat= problem with absorption)
Acute is <2 weeks duration
Most cases are self-limited and brief, and require
only symptomatic management
Large volume
o Viral or bacterial infection of large or distal small intestine
o Can alter volume and electrolyte balance
o Always worry about fluid and electrolyte imbalances
o Usually a viral or bacterial infection
o Fever is not associated with GI symptoms; self-limiting, goes away on its
own
Small volume
o Frequent loss of small amounts of stools
o Characteristic of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
o Characteristics with problems with absorption of fluids in colon and/or
small bowel
o Indicative of an inflammatory disorder
Other symptoms
o Fever
o Headache
o Vomiting
o Abdominal pain/discomfort
o Malaise
Constipation
Changes in the frequency, size, and consistency, and ease of stool passage
One or more common and persistent presenting complaints
Among the most frequent reasons for self medication, especially in the elderly
There is no test for or standard definition of constipation
o Very subjective
Passing the stool or GI discomfort w/ stool passage?
Pt’s might overuse laxatives (become habit forming in peristalsis of bowels) in
order to self medicate
Stools less than once every 3 days
Gastrointestinal System
Stomach pain, cramps and spasms are some of the
most frequent complaints of patients in the
emergency room departments
The prevalence of GI problems increases with age
Acute Diarrhea
Frequent passage of loose or watery stools
persisting 3-5 days that are not bloody, purulent
(puss= infection), or greasy (patient not
absorbing fat= problem with absorption)
Acute is <2 weeks duration
Most cases are self-limited and brief, and require
only symptomatic management
Large volume
o Viral or bacterial infection of large or distal small intestine
o Can alter volume and electrolyte balance
o Always worry about fluid and electrolyte imbalances
o Usually a viral or bacterial infection
o Fever is not associated with GI symptoms; self-limiting, goes away on its
own
Small volume
o Frequent loss of small amounts of stools
o Characteristic of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
o Characteristics with problems with absorption of fluids in colon and/or
small bowel
o Indicative of an inflammatory disorder
Other symptoms
o Fever
o Headache
o Vomiting
o Abdominal pain/discomfort
o Malaise
Constipation
Changes in the frequency, size, and consistency, and ease of stool passage
One or more common and persistent presenting complaints
Among the most frequent reasons for self medication, especially in the elderly
There is no test for or standard definition of constipation
o Very subjective
Passing the stool or GI discomfort w/ stool passage?
Pt’s might overuse laxatives (become habit forming in peristalsis of bowels) in
order to self medicate
Stools less than once every 3 days
