GI Flashcards
Liver
- Medication used Hepatic Encephalopathy to decrease ammonia levels.
- Several stools/day are expected. This is how it gets rid of ammonia.
- Do not stop if diarrhea develops.
- Fluid in the abdomen
- Low salt diet (use herbs and spices instead of salt) to prevent fluid retention
- Measure abdominal girth
- Ascites occurs due to low albumin and portal hypertension. The portal vein takes blood to the liver.
- Priority: Ineffective breathing pattern related to pressure on diaphragm and reduced lung volume. Big belly pressing on lungs.
- Remember that liver makes clotting factors
- Use smallest gauge needles when drawing blood
- Avoid IM injections if possible
- Soft-bristle toothbrush
- No flossing
- Avoid straining with bowel movements
- Avoid forceful blowing of the nose
- Avoid NSAIDs
- Liver flap
- Asterixis is tested by extending the arms, dorsiflexing the wrists, and spreading the fingers to observe for the “flap” at the wrist.
- Low protein diet. Protein metabolizes into ammonia.
Important facts about some GI meds
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GI stimulant and antiemetic given for emesis after surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
GI obstructions, hemorrhage, or perforation.
Uncontrolled rhythmic movements of the face and limbs= tardive dyskinesia/dystonia/extrapyramidal symptoms.
Stop it!
Stool softener that promotes absorption of water into stool for an expected outcome of Regular bowel movements
Laxative that has usual side effects of nausea, vomiting, and Abdominal cramps
For faster effect, take it on an empty stomach. If taken at bedtime, bowel movement will occur the next morning.
Imodium: given for an episode of diarrhea.
an antiemetic
Treats post operative nausea and chemotherapy nausea.
Pancreatic enzyme that reduces fatty stools or steatorrhea and improves nutritional status since fats are now metabolized. Who is on Pancrelipase: Clients with cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis.
Take with meals
Never take with milk, milk products (yogurt,cheese), and vitamin D supplements to prevent milk-alkali syndrome (headache, urinary frequency, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue).
- Preventing dumping syndrome after a gastrectomy- chew food slowly/well
- Eat reclined- slows down food movement.
- Lie down x 30 minutes after eating: slows down
- ⇓ carbs and fiber and ⇑ protein and fat. Protein and fat moves slower down digestive system
- Eat 6 small meals
- Semi-fowlers