Unit VIII: Gastrointestinal
1. For a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease, you would encourage the patient to
change their lifestyle and then provide them with medications if needed. Data collection for a
patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease includes evaluation of heartburn episodes. The
onset, duration, characteristics and precipitating or reliving factors are noted.
2. Many changes occur in the aging Gi system. The sense of taste is less acute. If teeth have ben
lost, chewing may be difficult. Periodontal disease and oral cancer increase. Secretions
throughout the GI tract are reduced. Effective peristalsis diminishes because of loss of muscle
elasticity and slowed motility. Indigestion episodes may increase, especially with loss of tine of
the LES. Peptic ulcers are more common. In colon, diverticula may form. Hemorrhoids and
constipation may be problems. Colon cancer risk also increases with age.
3. The most common causes of the GI system are smoking or tobacco use, excessive alcohol
consumption and Helicobacter pylori. The most common signs and symptoms are feeling full,
abdominal pain and cramping, heartburn, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. The most common
treatments given are antacids, antiemetics, NPO, and PPI’s.
4. Some diagnostic examinations used with the upper GI system are biopsies which are taken to
identify the presence of cancer. Barium swallowing studies which is an x-ray of esophagus,
stomach, duodenum, and jejunum using oral barium. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) –
endoscopy allowing visualization of esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum.
5. The most common causes of the lower GI system is bacterial and viral infections, low intake
of fiber and fluids, chronic constipation, smoking, obesity, and medications. The most common
signs and symptoms are diarrhea, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, fever, weight loss, abdominal
cramping, fecal vomiting, and blood or mucous in stools. The most common treatments given
are a high fiber diet, stool softeners, strengthen the abdominal muscles, replacing fluid and
electrolytes, medications for pain.
6. A barium enema- colon filled with barium. X-rays visualize position, movement, and filling of
colon. CT-examination of interior of colon using a CT scan. Colonoscopy- Visualization of lining of
the lower colon through a flexible endoscope. Prosigmoidoscopy- examination of distal sigmoid
colon, rectum, and anal canal using a rigid or flexible endoscope. Occult blood for stool samples
to be tested.
7. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver resulting from viral or bacterial infection. Acute liver
failure is a rare but serious condition that can develop rapidly, sometimes in just two days.
Cirrhosis is the progressive replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue. Pancreatitis-
inflammation of the pancreas can be acute or chronic. Cholecystitis- inflammation of the
1. For a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease, you would encourage the patient to
change their lifestyle and then provide them with medications if needed. Data collection for a
patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease includes evaluation of heartburn episodes. The
onset, duration, characteristics and precipitating or reliving factors are noted.
2. Many changes occur in the aging Gi system. The sense of taste is less acute. If teeth have ben
lost, chewing may be difficult. Periodontal disease and oral cancer increase. Secretions
throughout the GI tract are reduced. Effective peristalsis diminishes because of loss of muscle
elasticity and slowed motility. Indigestion episodes may increase, especially with loss of tine of
the LES. Peptic ulcers are more common. In colon, diverticula may form. Hemorrhoids and
constipation may be problems. Colon cancer risk also increases with age.
3. The most common causes of the GI system are smoking or tobacco use, excessive alcohol
consumption and Helicobacter pylori. The most common signs and symptoms are feeling full,
abdominal pain and cramping, heartburn, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. The most common
treatments given are antacids, antiemetics, NPO, and PPI’s.
4. Some diagnostic examinations used with the upper GI system are biopsies which are taken to
identify the presence of cancer. Barium swallowing studies which is an x-ray of esophagus,
stomach, duodenum, and jejunum using oral barium. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) –
endoscopy allowing visualization of esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum.
5. The most common causes of the lower GI system is bacterial and viral infections, low intake
of fiber and fluids, chronic constipation, smoking, obesity, and medications. The most common
signs and symptoms are diarrhea, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, fever, weight loss, abdominal
cramping, fecal vomiting, and blood or mucous in stools. The most common treatments given
are a high fiber diet, stool softeners, strengthen the abdominal muscles, replacing fluid and
electrolytes, medications for pain.
6. A barium enema- colon filled with barium. X-rays visualize position, movement, and filling of
colon. CT-examination of interior of colon using a CT scan. Colonoscopy- Visualization of lining of
the lower colon through a flexible endoscope. Prosigmoidoscopy- examination of distal sigmoid
colon, rectum, and anal canal using a rigid or flexible endoscope. Occult blood for stool samples
to be tested.
7. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver resulting from viral or bacterial infection. Acute liver
failure is a rare but serious condition that can develop rapidly, sometimes in just two days.
Cirrhosis is the progressive replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue. Pancreatitis-
inflammation of the pancreas can be acute or chronic. Cholecystitis- inflammation of the
