Nclex-Gastrointestinal Disorders Of The Adult Client Key Terms

Front 1

ASCITES

Back 1

The accumulation of fluid w/in the peritoneal cavity that results from venous congestion of the hepatic capillaries, which leads to plasma leaking directly from the liver surface and portal vein

Front 2

ASTERIXIS

Back 2

A coarse tremor characterized by rapid, nonrhythmic extensions and flexions in the wrist and fingers; also termed "liver flap"

Front 3

Billroth I

Back 3

Partial gastrectomy with the remaining segment being anastomosed to the duodenum; also termed :gastroduodenostomy

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Billroth II

Back 4

Partial gastrectomy with the remaining segment being anastomosed to the jejunum; also termed "gastrojejunostomy

Front 5

Cholecysetectomy

Back 5

Removal of the gallbladder

Front 6

Cholecystitis

Back 6

An inflammation of the gallbladder that may occur as an acute or chronic process.

Acute inflammation is associated with gallstones (cholelithiasis).

Chronic cholecystitis results when inefficient bile emptying and gallbladder muscle wall disease causes a fibrotic and contracted gallbladder.

Front 7

Choledocholithotomy

Back 7

Incision into the common bile duct to remove a gallstone

Front 8

Cirrhosis

Back 8

A chronic progressive disease of the liver characterized by diffuse degeneration and destruction of hepatocytes. Repeated destruction of hepatic cells causes the formation of scar tissue.

Front 9

Crohn's Disease

Back 9

A inflammatory disease that can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract but most often affects the terminal ileum; leads to thickening and scarring, narrowed lumen, fistulas, ulcerations, and abscesses. The disease is characterized by remissions and exacerbations.

Front 10

Cullen's Sign

Back 10

Bluish discoloration of the abdomen and periumbilical area seen in acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis.

Front 11

Diverticulitis

Back 11

Inflammation of one or more diverticula from penetration of fecal matter through the thin-walled diverticula, resulting in local abscess formation. A perforated diverticulum can progress to intraabdominal perforation with generalized peritonitis.

Front 12

Diverticulosis

Back 12

Outpouching or herniations of the intestinal mucosa that can occur in any part of the intestine but is most common in the sigmoid colon

Front 13

Dumping Syndrome

Back 13

Rapid emptying of the gastric contents into the small intestine, which occurs following gastric resection

Front 14

Esophageal varices

Back 14

Dilated and tortuous veins in the submucosa of the esophagus caused by portal hypertension, often associated with liver cirrhosis; at high risk for rupture if portal circulation pressure rises.

Front 15

Fetor Hepaticus

Back 15

The fruity, musty breath odor associated with severe chronic liver disease.

Front 16

Gastrectomy

Back 16

Removal of the stomach with attachment of the esophagus to the jejunum or duodenum; also termed "esophagojejunostomy" or esophagoduodenostomy.

Front 17

Gastric resection

Back 17

Removal of the lower half of the stomach, usually including vagotomy; also termed "antrectomy"

Front 18

Hepatitis

Back 18

Inflammation of the liver caused by a virus, bacteria, or exposure to medications or hepatotoxins

Front 19

Hiatal hernia

Back 19

A portion of the stomach that herniates through the diaphragm and into the thorax. Herniation results fro weakening of the muscles of the diaphragm and is aggravated by factors that increase abdominal pressure, such as pregnancy, ascites, obesity, tumors, and heavy lifting; also termed "esophageal or diaphragmatic hernia

Front 20

Melena

Back 20

Black, tarry stools as a result of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract

Front 21

Murphy's Sign

Back 21

A sign of gallbladder disease consisting of pain on taking a deep breath when the examiner's fingers are on the approximate location of the gallbladder

Front 22

Pancreatitis

Back 22

An acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas, with associated escape of pancreatic enzymes into surrounding tissue.

Acute pancreatitis can occur suddenly as one attack or can be recurrent with resolution.

Chronic pancreatitis is a continual inflammation and destruction of the pancreas, with scar tissue replacing pancreatic tissue.

Front 23

Peristalsis

Back 23

Wavelike rhythmic contractions that propel material through the gastrointestinal tract

Front 24

Portal Hypertension

Back 24

A persistent increase in pressure within the portal vein that develops as a result of obstruction to flow

Front 25

Pyloroplasty

Back 25

Enlarging the pylorus to prevent or decrease pyloric obstruction, thereby enhancing gastric emptying

Front 26

Turner's Sign

Back 26

A gray-blue discoloration of the flanks seen in acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis

Front 27

Ulcerative Colitis

Back 27

Ulcerative and inflammatory disease of the bowel that results in poor absorption of nutrients. Acute ulcerative colitis results in vascular congestion, hemorrhage, edema, and ulceration of the bowel mucosa. Chronic ulcerative colitis causes muscular hypertrophy, fat deposits, and fibrous tissue with bowel thickening, shortening, and narrowing.

Front 28

Vagotomy

Back 28

Surgical division of the vagus nerve to eliminate the vagal impulses that stimulate hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach

Front 29

Dumping Syndrome

Back 29