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334 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
Steatorrhea
excess fat in stool
Hematochezia
Blood in stool: bright red blood
Melena
black tarry stools
Upper GI Bleed
coffee-grounds vomitus and pink or red if esophageal varicies exist
Lower GI Bleed
black tarry stools (and could even be bright red if the bleed is low/ hemorrhoid)
Anticholinergics
scopolamine transdermal
(Tramsderm-Scop)
Antihistamines
dimenhydrinate
(Dramamine)
– promethazine
(Phenergan)
– meclizine (Antivert)
– hydroxyzine (Vistaril
Phenothiazines
prochlorperazine
(Compazine)
– chlorpromazine
(Thorazine)
Butyrophenones
– droperidol (Inapsine)
Drug therapy – Common side effects include
• Dry mouth
• Hypotension
• Sedative effects
• Rashes
• GI disturbances
Nondrug therapy
Acupuncture
– Acupressure
– Botanicals
• Ginger
• Peppermint oil
– Breathing exercises
Drug therapy – Other drugs with antiemetic properties
Benzamides
– metoclopramide (Reglan)
» Prokinetic drug—increases gastric emptying
• Serotonin antagonists
– ondansetron (Zofran)
• Dexamethasone (Decadron)
– Management for chemotherapy-induced emesis
Nutritional Therapy
–IV fluids to replace fluid and
electrolytes, glucose
–NG tube suction to decompress
stomach
–Clear liquids started first
• 5 to 15 ml fluid every 15 to 20 minutes
• No extremely hot/cold liquids
Room-temp carbonated beverages
without carbonation okay
•Warm tea
•May advance to dry toast, crackers
Gerontologic Considerations- N/V
More likely to have cardiac or renal insufficiency
– Increased risk for life-threatening fluid/electrolyte
imbalances
• Increased susceptibility to CNS side effects of
antiemetic drugs
• Caution with fluid replacement in patients with
HF
• Alteration in LOC—greater risk for aspiration
Ulcerative Colitis:
*S/S include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and distention, weight loss, anorexia, nausea, vomiting. Different because continuous inflammation, bloody stools, hemorrhage, surgery curative.
*Treatment includes a curative surgery that bypasses the bowels and leads to a permanent ostomy
Chohn’s Disease:
*S/S include nonbloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, distention, weight loss, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, no surgical cure. Different because only segments of bowels are inflamed, fatty stools, fistulas, fissures, may recur after surgery.
*Treatment includes management with medications, controlling symptoms, as well as surgery but surgery is not always effective.
Oral Feeding
High-calorie supplements
• Used when nutritional intake is deficient
• Examples include
– Milkshakes
– Puddings
– Ensure, Sustacal
• Used as snacks
Tube Feeding
Also known as enteral nutrition
• Administration of nutritionally balanced liquefied food or
formula through tube inserted into
– Stomach, Duodenum, Jejunum
• Provide nutrients to GI tract alone or supplemental to oral or
parenteral nutrition
• Easily administered
• Safer than parenteral
• More physiologically efficient than parenteral
• Less expensive than parenteral
Tube Feeding
• Indications include those with
Anorexia
– Orofacial fractures
– Head/neck cancer
– Burns
– Nutritional deficiencies
– Neurologic conditions
– Psychiatric conditions
– Chemotherapy
– Radiation therapy
Tube feeding
Delivery options include
Continuous infusion by pump
– Intermittent by gravity
– Intermittent bolus by syringe
– Cyclic feedings by infusion pump
Tube feeding
Nasogastric and nasointestinal tubes
Inserted through the nasal cavity
– Radiopaque: Allowing visualization from X-ray
– ↓ Likelihood of regurgitation and aspiration when
placed in intestine
Nasogastric, Gastrostomy, Jejunostomy tubes...
Nasogastric and nasointestinal tubes
– Can be dislodged by vomiting or coughing
– Can be knotted/kinked in GI tract
• Gastrostomy and jejunostomy tubes
– May be used in those needing tube feedings for
extended period
• Patient must have intact, unobstructed
GI tract
– Can be placed surgically, radiologically, or endoscopically
TPN Administration
Via central line and infusion pump
• Refrigerated until 30 min. before use
• Solution good for 24 hours
• Check label with order for each new bag
• Filtered
– Use correct filter
– Change filter and tubing every 24h
– Monitor blood sugar
• Monitor for complications
Common Indications for PN
Chronic diarrhea and vomiting
• Complicated surgery or trauma
• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• Gastrointestinal tract anomalies and fistulae
• Intractable diarrhea
• Malnutrition
Parenteral Nutrition
Composition
– Base solutions contain dextrose and amino acids
– Pharmacy adds prescribed electrolytes, vitamins,
and trace elements
– Three-in-one contains fat emulsion, dextrose, and
amino acids
• Nausea, vomiting, and elevated temperature
may occur if lipids infused too rapidly
TPN Composition
Amino acids
• CHO 20-50-70% glucose
– (1000-2000 calories)
• Vitamins, minerals, and trace elements
• Electrolytes
• Water
• May also contain lipids
• Can be customized for the patient
– Insulin
– Tagamet
Parenteral Nutrition
Exact amount of electrolytes needed is
determined by blood testing
• Vitamin K may be ordered separately as it is not
included in the preparation
Parenteral Nutrition
Methods of administration
– Central or peripheral use
– Central parenteral nutrition through catheter whose
tip lies in superior vena cava
• Subclavian or jugular vein
• Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs)
• Long-term parenteral support
Parenteral Nutrition
• Central and peripheral nutrition differ in tonicity
Central solutions are hypertonic
• Large central vein can handle high glucose content ranging
from 20% to 50%
– Peripheral solutions are hypertonic
• Peripheral vein can handle glucose up to 20%
Parenteral Nutrition
• PN solutions prepared by pharmacist or
trained technician under strict aseptic
techniques
Nothing is added to solution after it is prepared
– Solutions good for 24 hours
– Must be refrigerated until 30 minutes before
use
– Must be labeled with nutrient content, all
additives, time mixed, date and time of
expiration
Parenteral Nutrition
• Catheter placement under sterile conditions by
physician or advanced practice nurse
Isotonic IV solution infused until x-ray confirms
correct placement
– Site covered with sterile dressing
– Date marked on dressing
Complications of
Catheter Placement
Hemorrhage
• Hydrothorax
• Pneumothorax
• Hemothorax
• Air embolus
• Venous thrombosis
Parenteral Nutrition
• Complications of PN
Infection
• Must have filter
• With lipids: Tubing, filter change every 24 hours
• With amino acids, dextrose: Filter, tubing change every 72
hours
• Fungus, gram +/- bacteria
Mechanical problems
• Insertion problems
• Dislodgement, thrombosis of great vein, phlebitis
– Metabolic problems
• Hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, prerenal azotemia, fatty
acid deficiency, electrolyte disturbances, hyperlipidemia,
mineral deficiencies
Parenteral Nutrition
Nursing Management
VS q 4–8 h
• Daily weights
• Blood glucose
– Check initially every 4 to 6
hours
– May vary based on
institution
• Electrolytes
• BUN
• CBC
Hepatic enzymes
• Dressing changes
– Site observation key
• Infusion pump must be
used
– Need to periodically check
volume infused
Parenteral Nutrition
Nursing Management
Before administering, check label and
ingredients against order
• Examine bag for signs of contamination
• Blood and catheter cultures if infection
suspected
• X-ray: To check changes to pulmonary status
• Daily dressing changes when discontinued until
heals
Parenteral Nutrition
Nursing Management
Watch for infection and septicemia
– Local manifestations
• Erythema
• Tenderness
• Exudate at catheter insertion site
– Systemic
• Fever, chills
• Nausea/vomiting
• Malaise
Acute Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix
• Occurs in 7-12% of the
population
• Peak incidence 11-19 years
• > in males
• Rupture-serious complication
• Most common indication for
emergent abdominal surgery
Acute Appendicitis Manifestations
Abdominal pain (Typical)
– Periumbilical, epigastric
– Later shifts to RLQ, McBurney’s point
(midway between right iliac crest
and umbilicus)
– Constipation, unable to pass
flatus
– May vomit
• Low grade fever
• Can become gangrenous or
perforate
Acute Appendicitis
Lab and Diagnostic Tests
Elevated WBC with elevated immature WBCs
– (shift to the left)
• Abdominal ultrasound
• R/O other causes
– UA, Rapid Strep
• Rebound tenderness at McBurney’s point
– Relief of pain with direct palpation followed by tenderness on
release of pressure
• Extension or internal rotation of right hip increases pain
– Iliopsoas muscle test
– Obturator test
• Rovsing’s sign (palpate LLQ – pain felt in RLQ)
Acute Appendicitis
Pre-op Preparation
Teaching
– NPO
– No laxatives or enemas
– Ice bag
– Pain management
• Used to be held until diagnosis
• Studies have found increased compliance if medicate patient so
no impediment with diagnosis
– Ambulation, C & DB, IS, Splinting incision
• Consent
Acute Appendicitis
Post-op Management
Wound care
– Monitor any drainage
– Assess healing of incision
• Gradually increase activity
– Encourage deep breathing,
use of incentive spirometer
– Ambulate as soon as possible
Hernia
Hernia - protrusion of
tissue and/or part of an
organ through a "weak
spot" in the muscle of
the abdominal wall.
• Most occur in groin
Hernia: protrusion
Reducible
• Truss
– Not reducible/incarcerated
• Surgery (herniorraphy,
hernioplasty)
– Strangulated
• Emergency surgery
Nursing Care: Herniorraphy
If open inguinal hernia
• Pain management
– Pain meds
– Scrotal support with ice
• Discharge instructions
– No heavy lifting 2-6 weeks
– No driving for 2 weeks
– Monitor incision
Nursing Care: Herniorraphy
If laproscopic repair
• Pain management
• Discharge instructions
– No heavy lifting 2 weeks
– No driving 3-5 days
– Monitor stab wounds
Colorectal Cancer
Third most common type of cancer
• Risk factors
– Over age 40
– Male
– Polyps of colon and/or rectum
• familial polyposis (nearly 100%risk)
– IBD, esp. ulcerative colitis
– high fat, high calorie, low fiber (???) diet
Benign Polyps: More likely to become cancerous
if >2cm in size
Colorectal Cancer
Etiology and Pathophysiology
More common in men
• Risk factors
– Family or personal history of colorectal cancer
– Increased age
– Colorectal polyps
– Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
– Lifestyle factors
• Obesity, Smoking, Alcohol, Large amounts of red meat
Cancer elsewhere in the body
– Family history
– Radiation exposure
– Immunodeficiency disease
– Low calcium
Colorectal Cancer
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Adenocarcinoma is most common type
• Most arise from adenomatous polyps
• Tumors spread through the walls
of the intestine into musculature into the
lymphatic and vascular system
• Most common sites of metastasis
– Regional lymph nodes, Liver, Lungs, Peritoneum
Colorectal Cancer
Vague symptoms in early stages
– Rectal bleeding/blood in stool
(hematochezia)
– Change in bowel habits
– Abd fullness, pain
– later, wt. loss, malaise
• Treatment
– Surgery
– Chemotherapy and radiation
Colorectal Cancer
Clinical Manifestations
Symptoms (cont’d)
– Anemia
– Weight loss
– Rectal bleeding
• Most common symptom
• Most often with left-sided lesions
Colorectal Cancer
Clinical Manifestations
Left-sided lesions
– Rectal bleeding
– Alternating constipation and diarrhea
– Narrow, ribbonlike stools
– Sensation of incomplete evacuation
Colorectal Cancer
Clinical Manifestations
Right-sided lesions
– Usually asymptomatic
– Vague abdominal discomfort
– Colicky abdominal pain
– Iron-deficiency anemia
– Occult bleeding
Colorectal Cancer
Diagnostic Studies
Family history
• Physical examination
• Digital rectal examination
• Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy
– Gold standard
– Entire colon is examined
– Biopsies can be obtained
– Polyps can be immediately removed and sent to
laboratory for examination
• Fecal occult blood tests
– Cancerous tumors bleed intermittently into colon
– Used to detect very small quantities of blood
– Does not detect nonbleeding tumors
Fecal occult blood tests (cont’d)
– Guaiac-based tests (FOBT)
• Avoid NSAIDs, vitamin C, citrus juices, red meat for 3 days
before test
• Six samples from three consecutive
bowel movements
– Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
• No special restrictions
• Two stool specimens
Colorectal Cancer
Diagnostic Studies
Stool DNA test
– DNA markers are shed from premalignant adenomas
and cancer cells in stool and not degraded
– Stools collected and analyzed
– Not yet sensitive enough to replace other screening
methods
Colonoscopy and tissue biopsies confirm
diagnosis
• Additional laboratory studies must be done
– CBC
– Coagulation studies
– Liver function tests
• Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
– Complex glycoprotein
– Produced by 90% of colorectal cancers
– Helpful in monitoring disease recurrence
CT scan or MRI
– Helpful in detecting
• Liver metastases
• Retroperitoneal and pelvic disease
• Depth of penetration of tumor in bowel wall
Detection & Diagnosis
Occult blood tests, rectal exam annually after age 40
– Barium enema, double-contrast BE
– CT scan
– Annual guiac tests after age 50
– Primary diagnostic tests: endoscopies ie flexible
sigmoidoscopy q 3-5 yrs after age 50, colonoscopy,
biopsy
– CEA test
• Non-specific for colorectal cancer
• Used to monitor tumor status after surgery
Colorectal Cancer
Collaborative Care
Prognosis and treatment correlate with
pathologic staging of the disease
– Duke’s classification
– TNM system-Preferred classification system
• Surgical therapy
– Polypectomy during colonoscopy used to resect
colorectal cancer in situ
– If cancer is localized, can be resected with healthy
tissue and cancer-free ends sewn together
• Lymph nodes removed
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
– If cancer has spread to lymph nodes or nearby
tissue
• Once cancer has spread to distant sites, surgery
is palliative
• Optimal procedure: Bowel resection with
reanastomosis of remaining segments
• ↓ Colonic bacteria to prevent infection and
breakdown at site
Colorectal Cancer
Collaborative Care
Surgical goals
– Complete resection of tumor
• Site of cancer dictates site of resection
– Thorough exploration of abdomen
– Removal of all lymph nodes that drain the area
– Restoration of bowel continuity
– Prevention of surgical complications
Chemotherapy
– Positive lymph nodes at time of surgery
– Metastatic disease
– Used as an adjuvant following colon resection
– As primary treatment for nonresectable colorectal
cancer
• Preoperative preparation
– Bowel cleansing agent
• Unless patient has bowel obstruction or perforation
– Oral antibiotics
Pre Op Care
Preparation of patient
– General instructions
– Antibiotics
• To clean the bowel and reduce risk of peritoneal
contamination by bowel contents
• Often given Go-Lytely
– NG
• To empty stomach contents and secretions.
• Prepare for colostomy
– Be sure location is marked
– Prepare psychologically
Types of Colon Surgeries
hemicolectomy (rt. or left)
– anterior rectosigmoid
resection
– abdominoperineal resection
(AP resection)
Ostomy surgery
Ileostomy-Opening
between the ileum and
abdominal wall
• Colostomy-Opening
between the colon and
abdominal wall
Postop Care after Bowel Surgery
Monitor bowel sounds!
– What will promote return of peristalsis?
• Monitor stoma and/or incision
– If AP resection, both abdominal and perineal incision, stoma.
• Close monitoring of NG tube for patency
– Facilitates healing of anastomosis.
– Low suction (intermittent or continuous)
• Sitz baths
• Medicate for pain
– Incisional and possibly phantom rectal pain
Assess color, odor, and amt. of drainage from
drains and colostomy; note changes
– Would indicate a complication ie hemorrhage,
obstruction, or infection
• Initial drainage: may be bright red then become dark and
finally clear or greenish yellow over first 2-3 days.
• Avoid rectal temps, suppositories, enemas, etc.
if rectum involved in surgery
– To avoid disruption of anal suture line
Ostomy care
Stoma –beefy red
• Keep stoma site clean & dry
• Skin barrier to protect skin
• Empty pouch frequently
• Well balanced diet with
adequate fluid intake
• Avoid gas producing foods
Colorectal Cancer
Collaborative Care
Biologic and targeted therapy
– Two monoclonal antibodies
• Targets epidermal growth factor receptor
– cetuximab (Erbitux)
• Targets vascular endothelial growth factor
– bevacizumab (Avastin)
• Radiation therapy
– May be used postop as an adjuvant
to surgery and chemotherapy or as palliative for
metastasis
Nursing Management
Nursing Implementation
Health promotion
– American Cancer Society recommends starting
at age 50
• Yearly fecal occult blood test or fecal
immunochemical test
• Double contrast enema every 5 years
• Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
• Colonoscopy every 10 years
Health promotion
– Screening for high-risk patients
should begin before age 50 and at more frequent
intervals
• Health promotion
– Colonoscopy only detects polyps when bowel has
been adequately prepared
– Ingesting clear liquids for 24 hours before
colonoscopy and using an oral preparation required
before colonoscopy
Nursing Management
Nursing Implementation
Acute intervention
– Postoperative care
• Management differs depending on the type of wound
• Type of management is individualized
• If drains present, remain in place until drainage is less
than 50 ml per 24 hours
Drainage must be assessed for amount, color, consistency
• Wound should be examined regularly
– Record bleeding, excessive drainage, and odor
• Monitor suture line for infection
• Pain control
• Sexual dysfunction education
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
Erosion of GI mucosa resulting from digestive
action of HCl acid and pepsin
Ulcer development can occur in
– Lower esophagus
– Stomach
– Duodenum
– Margin of gastrojejunal anastomosis after surgical
procedures
Types of PUD
Acute
– Superficial erosion
–Minimal
inflammation
– Short duration,
resolves quickly
when cause is
identified and
removed
Chronic
– Muscular wall erosion
with formation of fibrous
tissue
– Long duration—present
continuously for many
months or intermittently
– Four times as common as
acute erosion
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Develops only in presence of acid environment
• Excess of gastric acid not necessary for ulcer
development
• Stomach normally protected from autodigestion
by gastric mucosal barrier
• Surface mucosa of stomach is renewed about
every 3 daysMucosa can continually repair itself except in
extreme instances
• Water, electrolytes, and water-soluble
substances can pass through barrier
• Mucosal barrier prevents back-diffusion of acid
and pepsin from gastric lumen through mucosal
layers to underlying tissue
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Destroyers of mucosal barrier
– Helicobacter pylori
• Produces enzyme urease
– Mediates inflammation making mucosa more vulnerable
– Aspirin and NSAIDs
• Inhibit syntheses of prostaglandins
– Cause abnormal permeability
– Corticosteroids
• ↓Rate of mucosal cell renewal
↓Protective effects
Lipid-soluble cytotoxic drugs
• Pass through and destroy it
• Destroyers of mucosal barrier (cont’d)
– ↑Vagal nerve stimulation
• Emotions
• ↑in HCl acid
Gastric Ulcers
Prevalent in women, older adults
• Peak incidence >50 years of age
• Characterized by
– Normal to low secretion of gastric acid
• Some intraluminal acid essential
Causes
– Drugs
• Aspirin, NSAIDs, corticosteroids
– Chronic alcohol abuse
– Chronic gastritis
– Bile reflux
– Nicotine
• 60% to 80% present with H. pylori
• H. pylori—more destructive when drugs or
smoking involved
Duodenal Ulcers
Occur at any age and in anyone
– ↑Between ages of 35 to 45 years
• Account for ~80% of all peptic ulcers
• Familial tendency
– Person with blood group O ↑risk
• Associated with increased HCl acid secretion
• H. pylori is found in 90% to 95% of patients
– Not all individuals with H. pylori develop ulcers
Increased risk of
duodenal ulcers in those
with
– COPD
– Cirrhosis of liver
– Chronic pancreatitis
– Hyperparathyroidism
Chronic renal failure
– Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
– Treatment for these
conditions may promote
ulcer development
– Smoking and alcohol use
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Clinical Manifestations
Common—no pain or
other symptoms
– Due to lack of sensory
pain fibers
• If pain exists
– Gastric ulcer pain
• High in epigastrium
• 1 to 2 hours after meals
• Burning or gaseous
Duodenal ulcer pain
• Midepigastric region
beneath xiphoid process
• Back pain—if located
posterior aspect
• 2 to 4 hours after meals
• Tendency to occur, then
disappear, then occur again
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Hemorrhage
(Complication)
Most common complication of peptic ulcer
disease
• Develops from erosion of
– Granulation tissue found at base of ulcer during
healing
– Ulcer through a major blood vessel
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Perforation
(Complication)
Most lethal complication of peptic ulcer
• Common in large penetrating duodenal ulcers
that have not healed and are located on
posterior mucosal wall
• Bacterial peritonitis may occur within 6 to 12
hours
• Difficult to determine from symptoms alone if
gastric or duodenal ulcer has perforated
When ulcer penetrates serosal surface with
spillage of contents into peritoneal cavity
• Size proportional to length of time ulcer
existed
• Large perforations: Immediate surgical
closure
Clinical manifestations
– Sudden, dramatic onset
– Severe upper abdominal
pain spreads throughout
abdomen
– Possible shoulder pain
– Rigid, boardlike
abdominal muscles
Shallow, rapid respirations
– Bowel sounds absent
– Nausea/vomiting
– History reporting
symptoms of indigestion
or previous ulcer
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Nursing Implementation
• Perforation
Sudden, severe abdominal pain unrelated in
intensity and location to pain that brought patient to
hospital
• Possibility of perforation
– Indicated by a rigid, boardlike abdomen
– Surgical or laparoscopic closure may be necessary if
perforation does not heal spontaneously
Severe generalized abdominal/ shoulder pain
– Shallow, grunting respirations
– Bowel sounds diminished or absent
– Vital signs every 15 to 30 minutes
– Stop all oral, NG feeds/drugs until health care
provider notified
– IV fluids may be increased to replace volume lost
– Ensure any known allergies are reported on chart
• Antibiotic therapy is usually started
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Nursing Implementation
Gastric outlet obstruction
– Can occur at any time
• Likely in patients whose ulcer is located close to pylorus
– Gradual onset
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Therapy Related to Complications
Perforation
– Immediate focus:
• Stop spillage of gastric or duodenal contents into
peritoneal cavity
• Restore blood volume
– NG tube is placed into stomach
• Continuous aspiration
• Placement of tube near to perforation site facilitates
decompression
Circulating blood volume: Replaced with lactated
Ringer’s and albumin solutions
– Blood replacement in form of packed RBCs may be
necessary
– Central venous pressure line inserted and monitored
hourly
– Indwelling urinary catheter inserted and monitored
hourly
– ECG—if history of cardiac disease
Broad-spectrum antibiotics
– Pain medication
– Open or laparoscopic repair
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Gastric Outlet Obstruction
Clinical manifestations
– Usually long history of ulcer
pain
– Pain progresses to generalized
upper abdominal discomfort
– Pain worsens toward end of
day as stomach fills and dilates
– Relief obtained by belching or
vomiting
– Vomiting is common
Constipation is a common
complaint
• Dehydration, lack of roughage
in diet
– Swelling in stomach and upper
abdomen
– Loud peristalsis
– Visible peristaltic waves
– If stomach grossly dilated, may
be palpable
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Therapy Related to Complications
• Gastric outlet obstruction
Decompress stomach
– Correct any existing fluid and electrolyte imbalances
– Improve patient’s general state of health
– NG tube inserted in stomach, attached to
continuous suction
Continuous decompression allows
• Stomach to regain its normal muscle tone
• Ulcer to begin to heal
• Inflammation and edema to subside
– After several days, NG clamped and residual
volumes checked
– Common to clamp tube overnight for
8 to 12 hours and measure residual in morning
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Therapy Related to Complications
• Gastric outlet obstruction (cont’d)
When aspirate below 200 ml
• Within normal range
• Oral intake of clear liquids can begin
– Watch patient carefully for signs of distress or
vomiting
– As residual ↓solid foods added and tube removed
IV fluids and electrolytes
• Administered according to degree of dehydration,
vomiting, electrolyte imbalance
– Pyloric obstruction: Endoscopically treated with
balloon dilations
– Surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Diagnostic Studies
To determine presence and location of ulcer
• Endoscopy with biopsy
– Most often used
• Allows for direct viewing of mucosa
– Determines degree of ulcer healing after treatment
– During procedure, tissue specimens can be obtained
to identify H. pylori and rule out gastric cancer
Tests for H. pylori
Noninvasive tests
• Serum or whole blood
antibody tests
• Urea breath test
– Urea is by product of
metabolism of H. pylori
– Can determine active
infection
• Stool antigen test
– Not as accurate as breath
test
Invasive tests
• Endoscopic procedure
• Biopsy of stomach
– Rapid urease test
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Diagnostic Studies
Barium contrast studies
– Widely used
– Not accurate for shallow, superficial ulcers
– Used in diagnosis of gastric outlet obstruction
X-ray studies
– Ineffective in distinguishing a peptic ulcer from a
malignant tumor
– Do not show degree of healing like that of
endoscope
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Diagnostic Studies
Gastric analysis
– Analyze gastric contents for acidity and volume
– NG tube is inserted, and gastric contents are
aspirated
– Contents analyzed for HCl acid
Laboratory analysis
– CBC
• Anemia
– Urinalysis
– Liver enzyme studies
– Serum amylase determination
• Pancreatic function
– Stool examination
• Blood presence
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Collaborative Care
Medical regimen consists of
– Adequate rest
– Dietary modification
– Drug therapy
– Elimination of smoking and alcohol
– Long-term follow-up care
– Stress management
Aim of treatment program
– Reduce degree of gastric acidity
– Enhance mucosal defense mechanisms
– Minimize harmful effects on mucosa
Complete healing may 3 to 9 weeks
– Should be assessed by means of x-rays or
endoscopic examination
• Aspirin and nonselective NSAIDs may be
stopped
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Drug Therapy
Use of
– H2R blockers
– PPIs
– Antibiotics
– Antacids
– Anticholinergics
– Cytoproctective therapy
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Nutritional Therapy
Dietary modifications: Food and beverages
irritating to patient are avoided/eliminated:
Hot, spicy foods and pepper, alcohol,
carbonated beverages, tea, coffee, broth
• Foods high in roughage may irritate mucosa
• Bland diet
• Six small meals a day during symptomatic phase
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Surgical Therapy
Vagotomy
• Severing of vagus nerve
• Done in conjunction with gastrectomy
– Pyloroplasty
• Surgical enlargement of pyloric sphincter
• Commonly done after vagotomy
• ↓Gastric motility and gastric emptying
• If accompanying vagotomy, ↑gastric emptying
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Gerontologic Considerations
↑Patients >60 years of age
– ↑Use of NSAIDs
• First manifestation may be frank gastric
bleeding or ↓ hematocrit
• Treatment similar to younger adults
• Emphasis placed on prevention of both
gastritis and peptic ulcers
Diverticular Disease
Diverticula-small out pouchings of
the colon
• Incidence increases with age
• Most patients are asymptomatic
• Low fiber diet may be the cause
• 2 types
– Diverticulosis
– Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis
The presence of
diverticula
• Usually asymptomatic
• About 15% of patient
progress to
diverticulitis
Diverticulitis
Inflammation of diverticular
sac
• Symptoms
– Abdominal pain over
involved area of colon
– Tender left lower quadrant
• Diagnosis
– CT scan with oral contrast
– Barium enema
– Colonoscopy-r/o polyps
Diverticular Disease Tx
Uncomplicated diverticular disease
– High fiber diet
– Bulk laxatives
– Increase po fluids
• Acute diverticulitis
– Bowel rest (NPO with IV fluids or TPN)
– Oral antibiotics (Flagyl, Cipro, Bactrim)
– Pain management
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Motility disorder of lower GI tract-Characterized by intermittent
and recurrent abdominal pain and stool pattern
irregularities
• Abdominal pain
– Relieved by defecation
– Intermittent and colicky, dull and continuous
– Abdominal bloating and flatulence
• Altered bowel elimination
– Constipation
– Diarrhea
– Mucous stools
IBS
Psychosocial Factors in IBS
Common in patients with IBS
– Anxiety, panic disorder
– Depression
– Post-traumatic stress disorder
– Abuse history
• Stress can exacerbate stress symptoms
• May influence health care seeking behavior
IBS
Diagnostic Studies
No specific findings
• Diagnosis made based on symptoms and ruling
out other conditions
• Physical examination
• Past health history
– Psychosocial factors
– Family history
– Drug/diet history
Standardized symptom-based criteria (Rome II
criteria)
– Abdominal discomfort/pain for at least
12 weeks (not necessarily consecutive) within
12 months with at least two of following
characteristics
• Relieved with defecation
• Onset associated with change in stool frequency
• Onset associated with change in stool appearance
IBS
Collaborative Care
Diet modification
• Fiber therapy (20 g/day)
• Antispasmodics
• Antidiarrheals
• Laxatives
• Serotonergic agents
• Antidepressants
IBS
Nutritional Therapy
Eliminate gas-producing foods
– Brown beans
– Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, raw onions
– Grapes, plums, raisins
– Eliminate fructose, sorbitol
• Determine if lactose intolerant
IBS
Drug Therapy: Antispasmodics
Anticholinergics
– Dicyclomine (Bentyl)
– Reduce colonic motility after meals
– Take before meals
– Side effects
• Dry mouth, urinary retention, tachycardia
IBS
Drug Therapy: Antidiarrheals
Drug Therapy: Antidepressants
Loperamide (Imodium)
– Decrease intestinal transit
– Enhances intestinal water absorption and sphincter
tone
Antidepressant:Symptomatic treatment: Pain
– Reserved for patients with severe or refractory pain
IBS
Drug Therapy: Serotonin Agonist
5-HT3 receptor blockers
– ↓ Urgency, pain, and diarrhea in diarrheaprominent
women
– Alosetron (Lotronex)
• FDA approved for women only
• Must be monitored due to potential side effects
Tegaserod (Zelnorm)
– Used in women with constipation- predominant IBS
– Current widespread use suspended by FDA
• March, 2007
– May be released for use again with close monitoring
Similarities in Crohn’s and UC
Cause unknown
• Exacerbation's and
remissions
• Effects young adults
• Stress  symptoms
– Decreased intake or absorption
of nutrients
– Abdominal cramps
– Diarrhea
Ulcerative Colitis
Diffuse inflammation
– Begins in rectum and distal colon and
spreads upward
• Affects mucosal layer
• Symptoms
– Bloody diarrhea
– Abdominal cramping and distention
– Weight loss
– Anorexia, nausea, vomiting
• Surgery is curative
Crohn’s Disease
Inflammation of segments of the
bowel, mainly in the terminal ileum
– “Skip lesions”
• Affects ALL layers of bowel wall
• Symptoms
– Diarrhea (nonbloody)
– Abdominal pain, distention
– Weight loss
– Anorexia, nausea, vomiting
• No surgical cure
Differences Crohn's VS UC
Crohn’s
– Segments of bowel are
inflamed
– Fatty stools
– Fistulas, fissures
– May recur after surgery
Ulcerative colitis
– Continuous inflammation
– Bloody stools
– Hemorrhage
– Surgery curative
Management goals
Decrease inflammation
• Rest the inflammed bowel
• Correct nutritional deficiencies
• Correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances
• Control diarrhea
• Manage abdominal pain and cramping
Management
Medications
– Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine)
– Corticosteroids (Prednisone)
– Immunomodulators (Remicade)
• Surgery
– Proctocolectomy
– Total colectomy
Exacerbations and remissions
Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis
Segments of bowel are inflamed (skip
lesions), affecting all layers of the bowel
Crohns
Continuous colitis affecting mucosal
layer
Ulcerative Colitis
Surgery is curative
Ulcerative colitis
Can have 10-20 liquid, bloody stools
per day
Ulcerative colitis
Diarrhea and abdominal
cramps/pain
Crohns and Ulcerative Colitis
Peritonitis
Inflammation of peritoneum
• Caused by
– Appendicitis with rupture
– Trauma to abdominal organs
– Ruptured diverticuli
– Pancreatitis
– Perforated peptic ulcer
– Peritoneal dialysis
– Postop abdominal surgery
Peritonitis
Inflammation of peritoneum results in:
– Fluid shift ie 3rd spacing
– Increased circulation to inflamed area causing a decreased
circulating blood volume
– Respiratory problems
– Abd pressure and pain, slowed peristalsis
• abdomen tender with guarding
• boardlike, rebound tenderness
• Possible bacteremia and septicemia shock
Manifestations of Peritonitis
Severe abdominal pain
– Generalized or localized
– Worse with movement
– Tenderness with guarding
• Abdominal distension
• N/V, anorexia
• Low-grade fever
• Absent or diminished bowel sounds
Management of Peritonitis
Broad spectrum antibiotics
• Pain meds
• NPO, NG, IV fluids
• May require surgery
• Fluid and GI assessment
• Watch renal function! WHY?
Intestinal Obstructions
Mechanical
– Small bowel obstruction
– Large bowel obstruction
• Nonmechanical
– Paralytic ileus most common
Diagnostic Studies - Intestinal obstruction
CBC
• Electrolytes
• Abdominal x-ray
• Endoscopy
• CT
Tube Feeding
Feedings can be started when bowel
sounds are present, usually 24 hours after
placement
• Immediately after insertion, tube length
from insertion site to distal end should be
measured and recorded
• Tube should be marked at skin insertion
site
• Insertion length should be checked
regularlyTube feeding administration
– Patient position
• Patient should be sitting or lying with HOB at 30 to
45 degrees
• HOB remains elevated for 30 to 60 minutes for
intermittent delivery
– Tube patency
• Irrigated with water before/after each feeding, drug
administration, residual checks
• Continuous feedings administered on feeding pump
with occlusion alarm
Tube Feeding
Tube position
• Placement checked before each feeding/drug administration
or every
8 hours with continuous feeds
• Methods used to check placement
– Aspiration of stomach contents
– pH check
» pH less than 5: Indicative of stomach
– Most accurate assessment: X-ray visualization
• Check gastric residual volumes
– ↑Volume leads to aspiration
Formula
• Before feeding
– Aspirate gastric contents and measure amount
» Volume greater than 150 ml and clinical
signs of intolerance—feeding held for
1 hour and residual rechecked
» Residual should be given back to patient
• Room/body temperature
Tube feeding
General Nursing Considerations
Daily weights
• Assess for bowel sounds before feedings
• Accurate I&O
• Initial glucose checks
• Label with date and time started
• Feedings infusing >8 hours discarded
• Pump tubing changed q24h
Tube Feeding
• Complications
Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Constipation
– Dehydration
• More calorically dense, less water
• Check for high protein content
Gastrostromy or jejunostomy feedings
• Two potential problems
Skin irritation
– Skin assessment
– Skin care
• Pulling out of tube
– Education to patient/family regarding feeding
administration, tube care, and complications
Tube Feeding
• Gerontologic considerations
More vulnerable to complications
• Fluid and electrolyte balances
• Glucose intolerance
• Decreased ability to handle large volumes
• Increased risk of aspiration
Esophageal Varices
Dilated veins in
esophageal wall
• Occur 2o to hepatic
cirrhosis, common in
EtOH abusers
• Obstruction of
hepatic portal blood
flow results in
dilation, thinning of
esophageal veins
Esophageal Varices
• Portal hypertension
Hepatic scarring slows
blood flow
– Blood backs up in portal
circulation
– Pressure rises
– Vessels in portal
circulation become
distended
Esophageal Varices
• Signs and Symptoms
Hematemesis (usually bright red)
– Nausea, vomiting
– Evidence of hypovolemia
– Melena (uncommon)
Diagnostic tests for UGI Bleed
Upper GI Endoscopy
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)-
direct observation
– Pre
• NPO
• Consent
• Preop med if ordered
– Post
• NPO until gag reflex returns
• Warm saline gargles for sore throat
Management of UGI Bleeds
Nasogastric (NG) tube to evacuate contents
• Lavage the stomach
– cold water or not; saline
• Vasopressin (ADH), a vasoconstrictor
• Clotting or sclerosing agent into bleeding vessel
• Laser or electric coagulation
• IV fluids
• Treat underlying cause
Esophageal Cancer
Adenocarcinomas
– Arise from glands lining esophagus
– Resemble cancers of stomach and small intestine
– 30% to 70% of esophageal cancers
– Incidence in distal esophagus currently ↑
• Squamous cell
– Incidence currently ↓in United States
Esophageal Cancer
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Cause is unknown
• Incidence ↑ with age
• ↑Incidence in African Americans and Alaska
Natives
Esophageal Cancer
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Risk factors
– Smoking
– Excessive alcohol intake
– Barrett’s esophagus
– Diets low in fruits and vegetables
– Exposure to lye, asbestos, and metal
Majority of tumors located in middle and lower
portion of esophagus
• Malignant tumor
– Usually appears as ulcerated lesion
– May penetrate muscular layer and outside wall of
esophagus
– Obstruction in later stages
Esophageal Cancer
Clinical Manifestations
Symptom onset is late
• Progressive dysphagia is
most common
– Initially with meat, then
soft foods and liquids
• Pain develops late
– Substernal, epigastric, or
back areas
• Increases with swallowing
• May radiate
Weight loss
• Regurgitation of bloodflecked
esophageal
contents
• If tumor is in upper third
of esophagus
– Sore throat
– Choking
– Hoarseness
Esophageal Cancer
Complications
Hemorrhage
– If erodes into aorta
• Esophageal perforation with fistula formation
• Esophageal obstruction
• Metastasis
– Liver and lung common
Esophageal Cancer
Diagnostic Studies
Endoscopy with biopsy
– Necessary for definitive
diagnosis
• Endoscopic
ultrasonography (EUS)
– Important tool to stage
• Barium swallow with
fluoroscopy
Bronchoscopic
examination
– Detect involvement of
lung
• Computed tomography
(CT)
• Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI)
Esophageal Cancer
Collaborative Care
Treatment depends on location and spread
• Poor prognosis-Usually not diagnosed until advanced
• Best results with combination therapy
• Photodynamic and/or laser therapy
– Used to ablate mucosal adenocarcinoma
• Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
– Removes superficial lesions
– Submucosal neoplasms
Esophageal Cancer
Collaborative Care
Surgical procedures
– Esophagectomy
• Removal of part or all of
the esophagus
• Use of Dacron graft to
replace resected part
– Esophagogastrostomy
• Resection of a portion of
esophagus and
anastomosis of remaining
portion to stomach
• Surgical procedures
– Esophagoenterostomy
• Resection of a portion of
esophagus and
anastomosis of segment of
colon to remaining portion
• May be open or
laparoscopic
Esophageal Cancer
Collaborative Care
Concurrent radiation and chemotherapy
– Slows progression
– Sometimes started before surgery
• Nutritional therapy
– After surgery, parenteral fluids given
– Jejunostomy feeding tube may be used
– Swallowing study may be done before patient can
have oral fluids
Hiatal Hernia
Herniation of portion of the stomach into
esophagus through an opening or hiatus in
diaphragm
• Also referred to as diaphragmatic hernia and
esophageal hernia
• Most common abnormality found of x-ray of
upper GI
• More common in older adults and in women
Hiatal Hernia
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Cause is unknown
• Many factors involved
– Structural changes
• Weakening of muscles in
diaphragm
– Increased intraabdominal
pressure
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Heavy lifting
Many factors involved
– Increasing age
– Trauma
– Poor nutrition
– Forced recumbent
position
– Congenital weakness
Hiatal Hernia
Clinical Manifestations
May be asymptomatic
• Symptoms include
– Heartburn
• After meal or lying supine
– Dysphagia
Hiatal Hernia
Complications
GERD
• Esophagitis
• Hemorrhage from
erosion
• Stenosis
• Ulcerations of herniated
portion
• Strangulation of hernia
Ulcerations of herniated
portion
• Strangulation of hernia
• Regurgitation with
tracheal aspiration
• Increased risk of
respiratory problems
Hiatal Hernia
Diagnostic Studies
• Barium swallow
– May show protrusion of gastric mucosa through
esophageal hiatus
• Endoscopy
– Visualize lower esophagus
– Information on degree of inflammation or other
problems
Hiatal Hernia
Conservative Therapy
Lifestyle modifications
– Eliminate alcohol
– Elevate HOB
– Stop smoking
– Avoiding lifting/straining
– Weight reduction, if appropriate
Hiatal Hernia
Surgical Therapy
Reduction of herniated stomach into abdomen
Example: Herniorrhaphy
• Closure of hiatal defect
• Laparoscopically performed Nissen and Toupet techniques are standard antireflux surgeries
• Goals
– Reduce hernia
– Provide acceptable lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
pressure
– Prevent movement of gastroesophageal junction
Hiatal Hernia
Gerontologic Considerations
↑Incidence with age
• Medications commonly taken by older patients
can ↓ LES pressure
• LES may become less competent with aging
• First indications may be esophageal bleeding or
respiratory complications
GERD
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Obesity is a risk factor
• Pregnant women are at increased risk
• Cigarette and cigar smoking can contribute to
GERD
• Hiatal hernia is a common cause of GERD
GERD
Clinical Manifestations
Symptoms of GERD
– Heartburn (pyrosis)
• Most common clinical manifestation
• Burning, tight sensation felt beneath the lower sternum and
spreads upward to throat or jaw
• Felt intermittently
• Relieved by milk, alkaline substances, or water
– Dyspepsia
• Pain or discomfort centered in upper abdomen
– Noncardiac chest pain
• More common in older adults
Regurgitation
– Effortless return of food or gastric contents from
stomach into esophagus or mouth
– Described as hot, bitter, or sour liquid coming into
the mouth or throat
GERD
Clinical Manifestations
Individual may also
report
– Wheezing
– Coughing
– Dyspnea
– Hoarseness
– Sore throat
– Lump in throat
– Choking
– Regurgitation
• Gastric symptoms such
as
– Early satiety, postmeal
bloating, nausea, and
vomiting
– Related to delayed gastric
emptying
GERD
Complications
Related to direct local effects of gastric acid
on esophageal mucosa
– Esophagitis
• Inflammation of esophagus
• Frequent complication
• Other risk factors include hiatal hernia, chemical
irritation
• Repeated exposure—esophageal stricture
– Resulting in dysphagia
Barrett’s esophagus
• Replacement of normal squamous epithelium with
columnar epithelium
• Precancerous lesion
• Diagnosed in 10% to 15% of patients with chronic reflux
• Signs and symptoms: None to perforation
• Must be monitored every 1 to 3 years by endoscopy
GERD
Complications
Respiratory
– Due to irritation of upper airway by secretions
• Cough, Bronchospasm, Laryngospasm
– Potential for asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia
• Dental erosion
– From acid reflux into mouth
– Especially posterior teeth
GERD
Diagnostic Studies
History and PE
• Barium swallow
– Can detect protrusion of gastric fundus
• Upper GI endoscopy
– Useful in assessing LES competence
– Degree of inflammation, scarring, strictures
Biopsy and cytologic specimens
– Differentiate carcinoma from Barrett’s esophagus
• Esophageal manometric (motility) studies
– Measure pressure in esophagus and LES
• Radionuclide tests
– Detect reflux of gastric contents
– Rate of esophageal clearance
GERD
Diagnostic Studies
Monitoring pH
– Laboratory or 24-hour ambulatory
– Determine esophageal pH using specially designed
probes
• High-dose proton pump inhibitor treatment for
2 weeks can be used as a first step in diagnosis
of GERD
GERD
Collaborative Care
• Drug therapy
Histamine (H2)-receptor blockers
• Decrease secretion of HCl acid
• Reduce symptoms and promote esophageal healing
in 50% of patients
• Side effects uncommon
– Pepcid, Zantac, Tagamet
– Acid protective
• Used for cytoprotective properties
– Sucralfate (Carafate)Proton pump inhibitors (PPI)
• Decrease gastric HCl acid secretion
• Promote esophageal healing in 80% to 90% of patients
• May be beneficial in ↓ esophageal strictures
• Headache: Most common side effect
– Prilosec, Nexium, Aciphex
– Antacids
• Quick but short-lived relief
• Neutralize HCl acid
• Taken 1 to 3 hours after meals/bedtime
– Maalox, Mylanta
GERD
Collaborative Care
• Drug therapy (cont’d)
Cholinergic
• Increase LES pressure
• Improve esophageal emptying
• Increase gastric emptying
• Negative: Stimulate HCl acid secretion
– Bethanechol (Urecholine)
– Prokinetic drugs
• Promote gastric emptying
• Reduce risk of gastric acid reflux
– Metoclopramide (Reglan
GERD
Collaborative Care
• Surgical
Surgical therapy
– Necessary if
• Conservative therapy fails
• Hiatal hernia present
• Esophageal stricture and stenosis
• Chronic esophagitis
• Bleeding
– Reduce reflux of gastric contents by enhancing integrity
of LES
– Most performed laparoscopically
– Nissen fundoplication
GERD
Gerontologic Considerations
↑ Incidence with age
• Medications commonly taken by older patients
can ↓ LES pressure
• LES may become less competent with aging
• First indications may be esophageal bleeding or
respiratory complications
Gastritis
Inflammation of gastric mucosa
• One of most common problems affecting the
stomach
• Result of a breakdown in gastric mucosal barrier
• Stomach tissue unprotected from autodigestion
by HCl acid and pepsinTissue edema results
• Disruption of capillary walls
– With loss of plasma into gastric lumen
– Possible hemorrhage
Gastritis
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Risk factors
– Drugs
• Direct irritating effect on
gastric mucosa
• Aspirin, NSAIDs, and
corticosteroids
– Microorganisms
• Helicobacter pylori
– Important cause of
chronic gastritis
– Promotes breakdown of
gastric mucosal barrier
• Staphylococcus organisms
– Environmental factors
• Radiation, smoking
– Pathophysiologic
conditions
• Burns, renal failure, sepsis
– Other factors
• Psychologic stress, NG tube
– Diet
• Alcohol, spicy food
Gastritis
Clinical Manifestations
Anorexia
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Epigastric tenderness
– Feeling of fullness
– Hemorrhage
• Common with alcohol abuse
• May be only symptom
Liver Review
Largest internal organ
 Located in RUQ
 1500 ml blood flow through Q minute
 Blood supply from hepatic artery and
hepatic portal vein
 Performs 400 functions
 Affects every system in the body
Deoxification (ETOH, opiods, sedatives)
 Forms prothrombin and some clotting
factors
 Bilirubin metabolism
 Converts the bilirubin from destroyed RBCs
to a water soluble form that can be
excreted
Liver Function- 3 Catergories
Storage
Protection
Metabolism
(400 functions in three categories)
Storage- Function
Stores of several minerals and vitamins
 Copper
 Iron
 Magnesium
 Vitamin B 12 and B 6, Folic Acid
 Niacin
 Fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K
Protection- Function
Phagocytic Kupffer’s cells
(specialized liver cells)
 Engulfs harmful bacteria
 Engulfs anemic RBC
Also, detoxifies potentially harmful
compounds (drugs, chemicals, ETOH)
Metabolism- Function
Fat metabolism
 Converts fatty acid into energy & ketones
 Produces bile
 CHO metabolism
 Converts glucose to glycogen for storage
 Protein metabolism
 Amino acids and ammonia
 Ammonia – Urea- Excreted via kidneys
 Synthesizes blood protein (albumin/globulin)
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver
Viral hepatitis (acute or chronic)
Most common cause-
Types of infectious viral hepatitisA, B, C, D, E, F- very uncommon/ Controversial, G- very uncommon
Hepatitis
Etiology
Causes
 A, B, C, D, E, and G virus
 Cytomegalovirus
 Epstein-Barr virus
 Herpes virus
 Coxsackievirus
 Rubella virus
Pathophysiology of Hepatitis
Acute Infection
Liver becomes enlarged and congested
with inflammatory cells, lymphocytes, and
fluid.
 Liver damage mediated by
 Cytotoxic cytokines
 Natural killer cells
 Liver cell damage results in hepatic cell
necrosis
Pathophysiology of Hepatitis
Acute Infection
Liver becomes distorted as result of
widespread inflammation, necrosis, and
heptaocellular regeneration.
 Proliferation and enlargement of Kupffer
cells
 Inflammation of the periportal areas may
interrupt bile flow
 Cholestasis may occur
The increase in pressure with the portal
circulation, interfering with blood flow.
 Liver cells can regenerate with time and
if no complications occur- resume their
normal appearance and function
Hepatitis
Clinical Manifestations
Acute phase
 Lasts from 1 to 4
months
 May be icteric
(symptomatic) or
anicteric
 Physical exam may
reveal
hepatomegaly,
lymphadenopathy
and splenomegaly
During incubation,
symptoms include
 Malaise
 Anorexia
 Fatigue
 Nausea
 Occasional vomiting
 Abdominal discomfort
 Headache
 Low-grade fever
 Arthralgias
 Skin rashes
Hepatitis
Clinical Manifestations
Urine darkens due to excess bilirubin being
excreted
 If bilirubin cannot flow out of liver, stool will
be light or clay-colored
 Jaundice
 Results when bilirubin diffuses into tissues
 Pruritus can accompany jaundice
 Accumulation of bile salts beneath the skin
 When jaundice occurs, fever subsides
 Liver usually enlarged and tender
Convalescent phase
 Begins as jaundice is disappearing
 Lasts weeks to months
 Major complaints
 Malaise
 Easy fatigability
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)
Etiology
Transmitted fecal–oral route, parenteral
(rarely)
 RNA virus
 Frequently occurs in small outbreaks
 61,000 cases occur annually in the
United States
 10 million cases occur worldwide
 Nearly universal during childhood in
developing countries
Hepatitis A virus (HAV)
 Found in feces 2 or more weeks before the
onset of symptoms and up to 1 week after
the onset of jaundice
 Present in blood briefly
 No chronic carrier state
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)
Etiology
Hepatitis A virus (HAV)
 Anti-HAV immunoglobulin M (IgM)
 Appears in the serum as the stool becomes
negative for the virus
 Detection of IgM anti-HAV indicates acute
hepatitis
 Anti-HAV immunoglobulin G (IgG)
 IgG anti-HAV: Indicator of past infection
 Presence of IgG antibody provides lifelong
immunity
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
Etiology
DNA virus
 Transmission of HBV-Transmission occurs when
infected blood/body fluids enter the body
 Sexually transmitted disease
 More infectious than HIV
 Can live on a dry surface for 7 days
 Kissing/sharing food items may spread the
virus via saliva
 Perinatally by mothers infected
 Percutaneously (IV drug use)
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
Etiology
Hepatitis B virus
 Presence of hepatitis B surface antibodies
 Indicates immunity from HBV vaccine
 Past HBV infection
 With chronic infection, liver enzyme values
may be normal or 
 15% to 25% of chronically infected
persons die from chronic liver disease
 30% of patients with HBV are
asymptomatic
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
Etiology
RNA virus
 Transmitted percutaneously
 Risk factors
 IV drug use
 Most common mode of transmission in United States
and Canada
 Blood transfusions
 Transmission <1 per 1 million blood transfusions
 High-risk sexual behavior
 Hemodialysis
 Occupational exposure
 Perinatal transmission
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
Statistics
Approximately 170 million people are infected
with the hepatitis C virus (HCV)
 About 30,000 new cases diagnosed annually
 8000 to 10,000 people in the
United States die each year from
complications of end-stage liver disease 2nd
to HCV
About 30% to 40% of HIV-infected patients
also have HCV
 80% of patients with acute HCV will be
asymptomatic
 Up to 10% of patients with HCV cannot
identify a source
 Additional data needed regarding risk of
body piercings, tattooing, and intranasal
drug use in transmission of HCV
Hepatitis D virus (HDV)
Etiology
Also called delta virus
 Defective single-stranded RNA virus
 Cannot survive on its own
 Requires the helper function of HBV to
replicate
Hepatitis
Complications
Most patients with acute viral hepatitis
recover completely with no
complications
 Overall mortality rate <1%
 Chronic hepatitis
 Cirrhosis
 Hepatocellular carcinoma
Fulminant hepatitis
 Results in severe impairment or necrosis of
liver cells and potential liver failure
 Develops in small percentage of patients
 Occurs because of
 Complications of hepatitis B
 Toxic reactions to drugs and congenital
metabolic disorders
Jaundice
Caused by diseased liver cells
 Obstruction of bile duct
 Bile absorbed into blood
 Skin, mucous membranes and sclera
stained
 Urine becomes orange and foamy
 Stools light colored or clay colored
 Puritis
Jaundice
A deposition of bile pigment due to an
abnormally elevated concentration of bilirubin
Seen when serum bilirubin > 2.5 mg/dL
 Causes
 Excessive destruction of RBCs
 Bilirubin is the final breakdown product of hemeglobin
 Caused By Diseased Liver Cells
 Hepatocellular
 Obstruction Of Bile Duct
 Extrahepatic obstructive
Hepatitis
Diagnostic Studies
History
 Physical assessment findings
 Hepatic tenderness
 Hepatomegaly
 Splenomegaly
 Palpable liver
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
 Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
 g-Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)
 Alkaline phosphatase
 Prothrombin time
 Biopsy
 If diagnosis is in doubt
 Chronic hepatitis
Hepatitis
Diagnostic Studies
Serum proteins
 Serum bilirubin
 Urinary bilirubin
 Urinary urobilinogen
 Sonograms (Fibroscan)
 Determining degree of liver scarring
Hepatitis
Diagnostic Studies Hep C
Hepatitis C
 Several tests available
 Antibodies to HCV are not protective
 May be indicator of chronic disease
 Anti-HCV antibody test by immunoassay
 If positive
 Confirmatory testing must be done
Six genotypes and 50 subtypes of HCV
 Genotyping: Important role in managing
infection
 One of the strongest predictors of response to
therapy and influences duration of treatment
 Should be determined before drug therapy
started
Hepatitis
Collaborative Care
Prevention
 Hepatitis A
 Hepatitis A vaccine
 Preexposure prophylaxis
 IM in deltoid
 Immune globulin (IG)
 Pre/post exposure
 Temporary passive immunity
Hepatitis B
 Immunization
 Most effective method
 Part of routine vaccination schedules for
newborns, adolescents, and adults in major risk
groups
 Recombivax HB, Engerix-B
Hepatitis
Collaborative Care
Hepatitis B
 Immunization (cont’d)
 Recombinant DNA using HBsAg
 Promotes synthesis of specific antibodies against
hepatitis B
 Series of three IM injections given at 0–1–6
month intervals
 More than 95% effective
Hepatitis
Collaborative Care
Prevention
 Hepatitis B
 Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG)
 Used for postexposure with vaccine
 Contain antibodies to HBV
 Should be given within 24 hours of exposure
Hepatitis
Collaborative Care
Prevention
 Hepatitis C
 No vaccine to prevent HCV
 CDC does not recommend IG or antiviral
agents for postexposure prophylaxis
Hepatitis
Collaborative Care
No specific treatment or therapy for
acute viral hepatitis
 Most patients can be managed at home
 Emphasis on resting the body and
receiving adequate nutrients
Hepatitis
Collaborative Care
Drug therapy
 No specific drug therapies
 Support therapy
 Antiemetics
 Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
 Trimethobenzamide (Tigan)
 Phenothiazines should not be used
 If requires sedative or hypnotic, diphenhydramine
(Benadryl) or chloral hydrate may be used
Hepatitis
Collaborative Care
Drug therapy for chronic hepatitis B
 Focused on
  Viral load
  Liver enzyme levels
  Rate of disease progression
  Rate of drug-resistant HBV
 Long-term goals
 Prevention of cirrhosis and liver cancer
 Not all patients respond to current
therapeutic regimensDrug therapy for chronic hepatitis B
 -Interferon
 Multiple effects on viral replication cycle
 Must be administered subcutaneously
 Side effects: Flu like symptoms, depression,
hair thinning, diarrhea, insomnia
 Nucleoside analogs
 When active viral replication exists
 Inhibit viral DNA synthesis
 Lamivudine (Epivir)
 Taken for 1 year
Hepatitis
Collaborative Care
Drug therapy for chronic hepatitis C
 Directed at eradicating virus
 Reducing viral load
 Decreasing progression of disease
 Treatment
 Pegylated -interferon with ribavirin (Rebetol,
Copegus)
 Ribavirin side effects: Anemia, anorexia, cough,
rash, pruritus, dyspnea, insomnia,
teratogenicity
Hepatitis
Collaborative Care
Nutritional therapy
 No special diet
 Vitamins (B-complex and vitamin K)
 Low-fat
 Adequate calories
CIRRHOSIS:
Degeneration of Liver Tissue
A chronic progressive
disease characterized by
destruction of liver cells
and the replacement of
connective tissue by
scar tissue and fibrous
bands
Hepatitis
Clinical Manifestations
Almost all cases of hepatitis A resolve
 Absence of jaundice does not mean
recovery
 General considerations
 Not all patients with hepatitis virus have
jaundice
 Termed anicteric hepatitis
TYPES OF CIRRHOSIS
Alcoholic (Laënnec’s,
portal, fatty)
 Also known as
portal, nutritional or
fatty
 Most common type
 Associated with longterm
alcohol use
 Alcohol has a toxic
effect on the liver 
liver inflammation
Post-necrotic
 Necrosis from
infections
 Often a complication
of acute viral
hepatitis
 May follow exposure
to industrial or
chemical
hepatotoxins
Post-necrotic
 Necrosis from
infections
 Often a complication
of acute viral
hepatitis
 May follow exposure
to industrial or
chemical
hepatotoxins
TYPES OF CIRRHOSIS
Biliary/Obstructive
 A result of chronic
biliary obstruction,
bile stasis,
inflammation or
diffuse hepatic
fibrosis
Cardiac
 Also known as
vascular
 Associated with rsided
heart failure
 Venous congestion
 anoxia  cell
necrosis
Etiology
Exact factors are not clearly defined
 There may be a genetic component
 Cause varies with the type of cirrhosis
 Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus is a
common cause as is long-term alcohol use
Diagnosis of Cirrhosis
Symptoms
 LFTs
 X-ray – hepatomegaly
 UGI – varices
 CT – ascites
 EGD – varices
 Liver scan – masses, hepatic thickening
Manifestations of cirrhosis
Elevated liver
enzymes:
 AST (SGOT)
 ALT (SGPT)
 ALP
 GGT
 Decreased
 Serum protein
 Serum albumin
Other elevated liver
function tests (LFTs):
 LDH
 Bilirubin
 Prothrombin time (PT)
(INR)
 Partial Thromboplastin time
(APTT or PTT)
 Globulins
 Ammonia
Symptoms
Early
 Mild RUQ pain (progressively worsens)
 GI symptoms
 Anorexia
 Indigestion
 Dyspepsia
 Weight loss
 N/V (may be bloody)
 Diarrhea/constipation
 Flatulence
Fatigue even with light exertion
 Generalized weakness
 Fever
 Increased bleeding, petechiae, ecchymosis
 Dry skin
 Palmar erythema
 Spider angiomas
 Nose, cheeks, upper thorax, shoulders
Cirrhosis
Clinical Manifestations
Jaundice
 Decreased ability to conjugate and excrete
bilirubin by liver cells
 Functional derangement of liver cells
 Compression of bile ducts by overgrowth of
connective tissue
Minimal or severe depending on liver
damage
 Late stages of cirrhosis
 Patient will usually be jaundiced
 Pruritus from accumulation of bile salts
Skin lesions
 Due to increase in circulating estrogen from
liver’s inability to metabolize steroid hormones
 Spider angiomas
 Small dilated blood vessels with bright red
center and spiderlike branches
 Nose, cheeks, upper trunk, neck, shoulders
 Palmar erythema
 Red area on palms of bands that blanches with
pressure
Cirrhosis
Clinical Manifestations
Endocrine disorders
 Steroid hormones of the adrenal cortex
(aldosterone), testes, and ovaries are
metabolized and inactivated by the normal
liver
 Damaged liver is unable to metabolize
these hormones and various manifestations
occur
Alteration in hair distribution due to 
estrogen
 Hyperaldosterism
 Sodium retention/potassium loss
Cirrhosis
Clinical Manifestations
Hematologic disorders
 Splenomegaly
 From backup of blood from portal vein
 Bleeding tendencies
 Decreased production of hepatic clotting
factors
 Peripheral neuropathy
 Dietary deficiencies of thiamine, folic acid,
and vitamin B12
Cirrhosis
Complications
Portal hypertension
Characterized by
 Increased venous pressure in portal
circulation
 Splenomegaly
 Ascites
 Large collateral veins
 Esophageal varices
 Systemic hypertensionPrimary mechanism is the increased
resistance to blood flow through the
liver
 Persistent ­ pressure in portal vein
 Causes dilation of veins of portal venous
system
Cirrhosis
Complications
 Esophageal varices
dilated esophageal veins
 Complex of tortuous veins at lower end of
esophagus
 Develop in areas where collateral and systemic
circulations communicate
 Prone to bleeding
 Chemical irritants
 Mechanical trauma
 ­ pressure in esophagusContain little elastic tissue and are fragile
 Bleeding esophageal varices
 Most life-threatening complication of cirrhosis
 80% of variceal hemorrhages
Cirrhosis
Complications
 Gastric varices
Located in upper portion of stomach
 20% of variceal hemorrhages
Cirrhosis
Complications
Peripheral edema and ascites
Edema
  Colloidal oncotic pressure from impaired
liver synthesis of albumin
  Portacaval pressure from portal
hypertension
 Occurs as ankle/presacral edemaAscites
 Accumulation of serous fluid in peritoneal
or abdominal cavity
 Abdominal distention with weight gain
 Common manifestation of cirrhosis
Cirrhosis
Collaborative Care
 Ascites
High-carbohydrate, low-Na+ diet
(2 g/day)
 Diuretics
 Paracentesis
 Removes fluid from abdominal cavity
 Temporary measurePeritoneovenous shunt
 Continuous reinfusion of ascitic fluid from the
abdomen to the vena cava
 Not first-line therapy
 Complications—thrombosis, infection, fluid
overload, DIC
Cirrhosis
Complications
 Encephalopathy (hepatic coma)
Also known as portal system encephalopathy
 Most probable cause is ­ ammonia levels
 Precipitating factors
 High protein diet
 Infections
 Hypovolemia
 Hypokalemia
 Constipation
 Drugs: hypnotics, opioids, sedatives, analgesics, diureticsGoal: Decrease ammonia formation
 Sterilization of GI tract with antibiotics (e.g.,
neomycin)
 Lactulose (Cephulac) traps NH3 in gut
 Cathartics/enemas
Cirrhosis
Complications
Hepatorenal syndrome
 Hepatorenal syndrome
 Progressive oliguric renal
failure
 Left untreated, median survival
of less than 2 weeks
 Treatment aimed at
 Improving liver function
 Maintaining blood volume
 Maintaining cardiac output
 Dialysis
 Medications such as octreotide,
albumin, and dopamine
Cirrhosis Complications
Internal hemorrhoids
 Occur because of the dilation of the
mesenteric veins and rectal veins
 Caput medusae
 Ring of varices around the umbilicusJaundice
 Hepatocellular disease
 Intrahepatic obstruction
 Coagulation defects
 ¯ absorption of vitamin K due to ¯ bile  ¯ clotting
factors
Cirrhosis Nutritional Therapy
Diet for patient without complications
 High in calories (3000 kcal/day)
  CHO
 Moderate to low fat
 Protein restriction rarely justified
 Protein supplements if protein-calorie
malnutrition
 Low-sodium diet for patient with ascites
and edema
Cirrhosis
Collaborative Care
Nonsurgical procedure
 Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic
shunt (TIPS)
 Tract (shunt) between systemic and portal
venous system
 Used to redirect portal blood flow
 Decreases portal venous pressure and
decompresses varices
Cirrhosis
Collaborative Care

Surgical procedures
 Used more in emergency situations
 Portacaval shunt
 Decreases bleeding episodes
 Does not prolong life; patient dies of hepatic
encephalopathy
 Distal splenorenal shunt (Warren shunt)
 Leaves portal venous flow intact
  Incidence of hepatic encephalopathy
 With time blood flow to liver 
Nursing Diagnoses
Alteration in Thought Processes (Liver failure)
Hepatic coma/encephalopathy
 LOC changes
 Later signs:
 Asterixis (liver flap)
 Fetor hepaticus
 Convulsions and coma
Rx for Increased Ammonia
(NH3)
Low protein or no protein diet
 Lactulose (Cephulac)
 Neomycin
 High cleansing enema
 Neuro assessments
 Protect from injury
Nursing Management
Nursing Implementation
Bleeding varices
Bleeding varices
 Close observation for signs of bleeding
 Balloon tamponade care
 Explanation of procedure
 Check for patency
 Position of balloon verified by x-ray
 Deflation of balloon q8–12h
 Lumens labeledBalloon tamponade (cont’d)
 Saline lavage/NG suction to remove blood
 Monitor for complications
 Most common—aspiration pneumonia
 Scissors at bedside
 Semi-Fowler’s position
 Oral/nasal care
Nursing Management
Nursing Implementation
Hepatic encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy
 Maintain safe environment
 Assess carefully
 Level of responsiveness
 Sensory and motor abnormalities
 Fluid/electrolyte imbalances
 Acid–base balance
 Effect treatment measuresNeurologic status q2h
 Prevention of constipation
 Limit physical activity
 Control hypokalemia
 Ensure proper nutrition
Liver Cancer
 Two types
Hepatocellular – primary liver cancer
 Male > female
 30 to 70% also have cirrhosis
 Risk factors
 Trauma
 Nutritional deficiences
 Exposure to carcinogens eg thorium dioxide, Aspergillus
 Metastatic – frequently from esophagus, stomach,
colon, rectum, breast, lung, and malignant melanoma
When caring for a pt. with hepatic
encephalopathy, the nurse may give
enemas, provide a low-protein diet, and
administer Lactulose in order to
b. decrease amount of serum ammonia
Liver cancer
Usually fatal within 6 months
 Symptoms initially
 Epigastric or RUQ pain
 Fatigue
 Anorexia
 Weight loss
Liver Cancer
Later Sx and Tx
Later symptoms
 Jaundice
 Ascites
 Bleeding
 Encephalopathy
 Treatment
 Surgery if a single lobe is involved
 Cryosurgical ablation of the liver
 Chemotherapy
Gallbladder
Pear-shaped sac
 Inferior side of the
liver
 Concentrates and
stores bile
 Releases bile to
small intestine
Bile
Digestive fluid that breaks down fats
into fatty acids
 Aids in the absorption of fat-soluble
vitamins
 Contains mostly cholesterol, bile salts
and bilirubin
Gallbladder Disease
Two most common problems with the
gallbaldder and biliary tree
 Cholelitiasis – stone formation
 Cholecyctitis – inflammation
 Acute
 Chronic
Cholelithiasis
Formation of gallstones in the
gallbladder
 Exact pathology is unclear
 Formed from the solid parts of bile
 Pigmented – 1/3 of stones
 Cholesterol – 2/3 of stones
 Cause problems when they block the
flow of bile
Cholelithiasis- Risk factors
Age - ­ increased with age
 Gender – women > men
 ­ estrogen level
 pregnancy (especially multiparity)
 oral contraceptives
 postmenopausal therapy (HRT)
 Obesity
 Cirrhosis
Cholelithiasis- Risk factors
Sedentary lifestyle
 Diet
 High cholesterol, low fiber
 Low calorie or liquid protein diet
 Diabetes mellitus
 Cholesterol-lowering drugs -decreases cholesterol in blood but ­ increases amount of
cholesterol in the bile
“General Rule”
 Female
 Fair
 Fat
 Forty
 Fertile
 Age not an absolute
Manifestations of Cholelithasis
Tenderness in RUQ,
epigastrium, or both
 May radiate to the midback
between scapulae
 (BOA’s sign)
 Nausea/Vomiting
 Jaundice
 Clay-colored stools
Diagnosis-Cholelithasis
CBC & LFTs
 Ultrasonography – best diagnostic test
 X-ray
 Cholangiogram
 HIDA Scan
 ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde
cholangiopancreatography)
Medical Management- Chole
Nutritional therapy (first choice)
 Low fat
 Smaller, more frequent meals
Pharmacology –
 Bile acid therapy
 UDCA – chenodeoxycholic acid
 CDCA – ursodeoxycholic acid
 Opioids – Demerol (No morphine- Why?)
Medical Management -Chole
Antispasmotics - Bentyl
 Antiemetics – Tigan
 Cholestyramine resin - Questran
 Cholesterol solvents: MTBE (rarely
used)
 Prevent Dehydration
Surgical Mgmt - Chole
Endoscopic**
 Surgery – remove stone, and/or gall bladder
 Laproscopic
 Abdominal (open) (traditional)
 possible t-tube (drains bile from body until
swelling decreases)
 Lithotripsy – use of sound waves to dissolve
stonesReport bile drainage >
1000 ml/day
 Bile salts
 Bile may be collected and
given back to the patient via
NG
 Given synthetic bile salts
(Decholin)
 Never irrigate, aspirate, or
clamp T-tube without an
order
Gallbladder Surgery
Nursing Care
 Manage pain- Fowler’s position
 Discharge- usually 7-10 days
 Bloody drainage- normal for 1-2 hours
 Greenish-brown drainage- after 2 hours
 Usually 400ml in 1st 24 hours
200ml per 24 hours after
Post-operative Care- chole
Medications
 Pain management – Demerol
 Antiemetics
 Care for drains and incision
 Surgical drain – usually out within 24 to 48 hrs
 T-tube – may stay in for 6 weeks
 Diet
 Low fat at least initially
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the
gallbladder
 Empyema (pus)
 Usually caused by
cholelithiasis
 90% with acute cholecystitis
Cholecystitis
Conditions that
 Affect the regular filling or emptying of the
gallbladder
 Decrease blood flow to the gallbladder
 Conditions include
 Trauma, inadequate blood supply, prolonged
anesthesia and surgery, adhesions, edema,
tumors, long-term fasting, prolonged dehydration,
prolonged immobility, excessive opioid use
Cholecystitis- n/v, lab, med mgmt
Signs/Symptoms
 Intolerance to fatty food
 N/V
 Murphy’s Sign
 RUQ pain and tenderness
Lab Work
 Increased WBC
 Increased serum amylase
Medical Management
 Antibiotics
 IVF
 Cholecystectomy
 NG tube to decompress
Gallbladder Cancer
Uncommon, highly fatal
 Females > Male
 Difficult to treat
 Insidious onset
 Symptoms similar to chronic cholecystitis
 Often found working up suspected
cholecystitis
Uncommon, highly fatal
 Females > Male
 Difficult to treat
 Insidious onset
 Symptoms similar to chronic cholecystitis
 Often found working up suspected
cholecystitis
Pancreas secretes:
 Bicarbonate
 Digestive enzymes
 trypsin (protein)
 amylase (CHO)
 lipase (fats)
 Insulin
Pancreatitis
Inflammation due to autodigestion
(digestion of the pancreas by its own
enzymes - trypsin).
 Toxic enzymes released
 may damage blood vessels, vital organs ie
lungs, heart
 Acute or chronic
Etiology
Most common causes
 Biliary tract disease with gallstones 
obstructive pancreatitis
 Excessive alcohol injestion
 Iatrogenic – secondary to manipulation
during biliary tract, pancreas, gastric, &
duodenal proceduresOther factors
 Oral birth control pills
 Viral infection
 Pancreatic obstruction eg tumor
 Toxicity related to medications eg opioids,
thiazides
Acute Pancreatitis
Definition
An acute inflammatory process of the
pancreas
 Degree of inflammation varies from
mild to edema to severe necrosis
Acute Pancreatitis
Often due to early activation of the
digestive enzymes
 Activate in pancreas instead of intestine
 Pathological processes
 Lipolysis
 Protolysis
 Necrosis of blood vessels
 Inflammation
Chronic Pancreatitis
A progressive destructive disease
 Remissions and exacerbations
 Inflammation to fibrosis to pancreatic
insufficiency to decreased function
 Usually the result of repeated episodes
of acute pancreatitis
Pacreatitis secondary to blockage - Manifestations
Sudden severe pain in middle to left
upper abdomen
 Sudden onset, intense, continuous
 Radiates to back, left flank, left shoulder
 Pain is worse when walking and lying
supine
 Pain is relieved by sitting and leaning
forward
Pacreatitis secondary to blockage - Manifestations
Fever, sweating
 N & V
 Tachycardia
 Hypotension
 Generalized jaundice
 Rigid abdomen
 Ecchymosis
 Malaise, weaknessFever, sweating
 N & V
 Tachycardia
 Hypotension
 Generalized jaundice
 Rigid abdomen
 Ecchymosis
 Malaise, weaknessFever, sweating
 N & V
 Tachycardia
 Hypotension
 Generalized jaundice
 Rigid abdomen
 Ecchymosis
 Malaise, weaknessFever, sweating
 N & V
 Tachycardia
 Hypotension
 Generalized jaundice
 Rigid abdomen
 Ecchymosis
 Malaise, weaknessAbdominal tenderness
 Less intense in chronic
 Weight loss
 ¯ or absent bowel
sounds
 Cullen’s sign (umbilicus)
 Turner’s sign (flank bruising)
Pancreatitis Lab Findings
Lab tests
 Elevated amylase
 Often 3 times normal value
 Peaks in 24 hr; falls to normal by 3 to 4 days
 Elevated lipase
 More specific test for the diagnosis
 Rises after 48 hr; remains elevated for 2 weeks
 Amylase and lipase may be normal or only moderately
elevated in chronic pancreatitis
 Serum glucose
 Often elevated in both acute and chronic formsElevated WBC in acute pancreatitis
 Elevated ALT
 3 times normal or greater
 Decreased Ca++ and Mg+
 If there is fat necrosis
 Elevated bilirubin is common in chronic
form
Radiology studies- pancreatitis
CT
 MRI
 ERCP
 Only definitive diagnostic test in chronic
is identification of calcification of
pancreatic tissue in a biopsy
Pancreatitis Lab Finding
Elevated
 Amylase
 Peaks in 24 hr; falls to normal by 48-82 hrs
 Lipase
 Rises after 48 hr; remains elevated for 5-7 days
 Serum Glucose
 Often elevated
 WBC in acute pancreatitis
 Potential 3rd spacing of fluid
Complications of Acute
Jaundice
 Transient hyperglycemia
 Coagulation defects
 Left lung pleural effusions
 Atelectasis and pneumonia
 Shock
 Multi-system organ failure
Complications of Chronic
Fat malabsorption  steatorrhea,
weight loss and muscle wasting
 Jaundice
 Ascited
 LUQ mass
 ?? Pseudocyst or abscess
Medical Management
Decrease stimulation of pancreatic enzymes
 NPO with TPN, IV hydration
 Possible NG tube
 Medicate for pain
 Meperidine (thought to be the drug of choice)
 Morphine
 Both may cause the Sphincter of Oddi to constrict
 Medications to decrease acidity and decrease secretin
 Anticholinergics - Bentyl
 Antacids – histamine blocker eg Zantac
 Somatostatin (octreotide)
Chronic Management
Analgesics
 Enzyme replacements – do not mix with
protein foods
 Donnazyme (pancreatin)
 Pancrelipase (cotazym, Pancrease)
 Insulin therapy
Surgical Management
Not usually indicated
 May be done if there is an abscess or
pseudocyst
 May be done if the is a biliary tract
obstruction
Discharge Teaching: Diet
Bland diet
 Increase CHO (450gm), protein (120 gm)
 Decrease fat to decrease pancreatic stimulation (<
50 grams/day)
 Avoid stimulants ie large meals, ETOH, caffeine
 May give 6 small feedings per day
 May need supplemental fat-soluble vitamins
 May need pancreatic enzyme replacements Needs to be taught to watch for
 Continued N&V, pain
 Frothy/foul smelling stools (steatorrhea)
 Presence of fat in the stool
 Fever > 2 days
Pancreatic Cancer
4th leading cause of death
by cancer
 Cause unknown
 Can be primary or
metastasis
 Low 5 year survival rate Possible risk factors
 Smoking (2X the incidence if > 2 ppd)
 High fat diet, diet high in meat or both
 Exposure to chemicals ie benzidine, coke
 Chronic pancreatitis and diabetes may ­increase risk
Pancreatic cancer Manifestations
Abdominal pain: dull, aching
 Anorexia
 Fast weight loss
 Nausea
 Jaundice
 if starts in the head of pancreas may
obstruct common bile duct
Pancreatic cancer - Lab test
increased amylase, lipase, alk phos, bilirubin, CEA, CA 19-9
Dx Test Pancreatic cancer
CT, biopsy, ERCP***
Mgmt of Pancreatic cancer
Medical – if a poor surgical candidate
 Chemotherapy
 Radiation
 Pain Management
 Morphine
 Nutritional support
 Psychological support (poor prognosis)
Surgery
 Pancreatectomy
 Whipple (radical pancreaticoduodenectomy)
Post op care pancreatic cancer
Monitor GI drainage
 NG, drainage tubes
 May develop fistulas due to breakdown
of anastomosis sites
 Biliary, pancreatic, or gastric
 Position – Semi-Fowler’s
 Monitor fluid and electrolyte status
 Monitor glucose levels
OSTEOPROSIS
POROUS BONE OR FRAGILE BONE DISEASE
Chronic and progressive
 Low bone mass and structural
deterioration of bone tissue
 Cost 13 billion a year
 Silent because it robs bone of resources
over time
 Bone can no longer with stand normal
mechanical stress8 times more common in women
Women have lower intake of calcium
from 15 to 50
Women have lower bone mass due to
smaller frame
 Bone absorption begins earlier in women
 Pregnancy and lactation depletes stores
Risk factors
Age- around 30 y/o
Gender- women >50
Ethnicity- Caucasian and Asian women
Bone structure and body weight- petite/thin
Family history
Prior hx fracture/bone break
Meds (ie prednisone)
Osteoporosis
Bone is continually deposited by
osteoblasts and reabsorbed by
osteoclasts called remodeling
 Osteoporosis- bone reabsorption
exceeds bone deposits
 Most common in the spine, hips and
wrists
Drug interactions
 Antiseziure meds, heparin, thyroid, steroids
 Fractures of the spinal vertebrae produce
loss of height and kyphosis
 First signs is pain or spontaneous fractures
Tests
Bone mineral density tests
 QUS- quantitative ultrasound measures bone
density with sound waves on the heel, knee or
shin
 DEXA-dual energy x-ray absorptiometry,
measures bone density in the spine, hips and
forearm, can be used over time to track bone
density loss
Management- Osteoporosis
Proper nutrition
 Calcium supplementation
 1000mg/day premenopausal, 1500 for post
 Need also Vitamin D
 No smoking or ETOH
 Exercise
 Prevention of fractures
DRUG THERAPY
Biophosphonates
 Inhibit osteoclast mediated bone resorption
increasing Bone mineral density
 Fosmax, Aredia, ACtonel, Bonefos, Skelid, Boniva
 Calcitonin
 Inhibits osteoclast bone resorption, can be IM, SQ or
nasallly
 HRT for low heart risk patients
 Inhibits osteoclast activity, leading to decreased
reabsorption
Arthritis
A general term used to describe a
condition where a joint is damaged and
painful
 Two most common types
 Osteoarthritis
 Rheumatoid
Osteoarthritis, sometimes called
degenerative
joint disease or osteoarthrosis
most
common form of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
occurs when cartilage in your joints
wears down over time
Risk factors - osteoarthritis
older age, sex women>men, bone deformities, joint injuries, obesity, certain occupations, other diseases (gout, RA)
Treatment - Osteoarthritis
There's no known cure for
osteoarthritis, but treatments can help
to reduce pain and maintain joint
movement
Medications
Acetaminophen
NSAIDS
Tramadol
Narcotic pain medications
Cortisone injections
Artificial synovial Fluid
Surgical and other treatments- osteoarthritis
Viscosupplementation:Injections of
hyaluronic acid derivatives (Hyalgan, Synvisc)
may offer pain relief by providing some
cushioning
Joint replacement
Realigning bones
Fusing Bones
Other tx for osteoarthritis
Rest often, exercise, lose weight, use heat/cold to manage pain, otc creams, assistive devices, acupuncture, ginger, glucosamine and chondroitin, Avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASUs), Tai chi and yoga
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The second most common connective
tissue disease
 The most destructive to the joint
 Chronic, progressive systemic
inflammatory process
 Primarily affects the synovial joints
 Onset is characterized by synovitis
RA- Pathological Joint Changes
Early changes
 Synovium thickens 
hyperemic
 Fluid accumulates in joint
space
 Pannus forms
 Fibrous adhesions, body
ankylosis and calcifications
 Etiology
 Probably a combination of
genetic and environmental
factors
 Possibly autoimmune
RA- Assessments/Manifestations
Joint
 Pain, warmth, redness, limited motion,
deformities
 Stiffness
 Lasts more than 30-60 min.
 Fatigue
 Anorexia, weight loss
 Systemic Manifestations
RA- Systemic manifestations
Osteoporosis
 Anemia
 Weight loss (2 to 3 pounds)
 Subcutaneous nodules
 Peripheral neuropathy, parasthesias
 Vasculitis
 Pericarditis
 Sjögren’s syndrome
 Renal disease
RA- Laboratory Findings
No single test to confirm: anemia, increase erythrocyte sed rate, increased c-reactive protein, presence of rheumatoid factor, synovial fluid-increased WBC count, increase antinuclear antibody titer, increase WBC's
RA- Diagnosis Criteria
Four of seven must be present
 Morning stiffness in and around joints > 1 hr
 Arthritis of 3 or more areas simultaneously
 Arthritis of at least 1 area in a wrist, MCP or PIP joint
 Symmetric arthritis involving the same joint areas
 Rheumatoid nodules
 Serum positive rheumatoid factor
 Radiologic changes typical of RA on hand and wrist X-rays
RA-Management Goals
Relieve pain and
inflammation
 Preserve joint function
 Facilitate healing
RA- Management
Rest/Exercise
 Joint protection, Splints
 Daily heat/cold therapy to relieve stiffness
 Immersion in paraffin “glove”
Well balanced diet
 Omega 3 fatty acids to ¯ inflammation
 Vitamins A, C, E
 Psychological Support
RA- Medical Management
Anti-inflammatory agents
 Salicylates – drug of choice for pain and
inflammation
 ASA – 12 to 18 tabs daily in divided doses
 Sulfasalazine (Azulfadine)
 NSAIDS
 May take 6 to 8 weeks to determine efficacy
 COX-2 inhibitors (celecoxib – Celebrex)
Disease-modifying agents
 To slow the disease or produce a disease remission
 Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)
 Antimalarial agent
 Retinal toxicity
 Cytotoxic agents
 Methotrexate weekly
 Immuran
 Cytoxan
RA- Medical Management
Gold salts
 Gold sodium thiomalate (Myochrysine)
 Use test dose
 Weekly injection is painful
 SE: rash, blood dyscrasias, renal involvement
 Oral gold preparation
 Ridura – taken daily
Steroids – chronic use
 Deltasone (prednisone)
 Can be used short-term
 Long-term use associated with DM, infections, fluid and
electrolyte imbalance, HTN, osteoporosis, glaucoma
RA- Medical Management
Tumor Necrosis Factor Blockers
 Enbrel (etanercept) - SQ 2X per week
 Infliximab (Remicade) - IV over several hours
 Adalimumab (Humaria) – SQ weekly
Minocycline
 A form of the antibiotic tetracycline
 Low incidence of adverse effects
 Analgesics
 Tylenol
 Darvon
 Darvocet-N
Invasive treatments for RA
Plasmapheresis (to remove circulating
antibodies)
 Arthroplasty
 Arthroscopy
 Synovectomy – remove damaged tissue
 Arthrodesis – joint fusion
 Total joint replacements
Arthroplasty
Arthroplasty: refers to repair or refashioning
tissues within a joint
 Tissues replaced include
 Bones
 Cartilage
 Synovium
 Ligaments
 Tendons
Reasons for Arthroplasty
Relieve restrictive movements of a joint
 Relieve pain
 Remove loose or torn tissues (ligaments,
cartilage or calcium)
 Reshape one or both bone ends to make
a joint perform more smoothly
 Remove overgrown, hypertrophied tissues
Joint Replacement
Almost any joint in the body can
be replaced
 Basic means to anchor
prostheses
 Cemented
 Porous
 Hybrid (hip)
 Femoral component cemented
 Hip socket is not
Post-operative Management (THR) total hip replacement
At risk for injury: dislocation
 Maintain slight abduction
 Avoid hip flexion > 90 degrees
 HOB not elevated more than 70 degrees
 Activity
 CPM usually at 0-30 degrees
 00B pm or next day
 With cemented prosthesis, partial wt-bearing
 With porous, only toe-touch wt. bearing for 6 wks.
Post-operative Management (THR) total hip replacement
At risk for injury: infection
 Monitor incision and any drain sites
 Monitor vital signs
 Alteration in comfort
 Possible PCA
 At risk for altered tissue perfusion
 Excessive postop blood loss?
 Neurovascular assessments
 DVT potential
Monitor for
 Nausea/vomiting
 Neurovascular changes
 Pulses, warmth, color, capillary refill, pain, movement,
and sensation
Discharge Instructions (THR)
Activities: Dos and Don’ts
 Notify provider
 If operative site reddens
 If there is any drainage
 If there is an increase in pain
 If they run a fever
 Prophylactic antibiotics before dental or
other invasive procedures
TKR
More exercise than
THR
 CPM usually at 0-60
degrees
 Quad setting
exercises**
 NO abduction pillow
 Compression dressing
at first
Osteomyelitis
An infection of the bone
and bone marrow
 Can affect any bone in
the body
 Usually caused by a staph
infection
 Still a common problem
 Avoid if at all possible!!
Types of Osteomyelitis
Acute - Less than 4 weeks
 More common in children and older adults
 Often from an infection in another part of the body or the
result of penetrating trauma
 Long bones are a common site
 Chronic – More than 4 weeks
 Adults with compromised vascular supply are at greatest
risk
 Advanced age and concurrent disease may prolong the
course of the infection
Sx of Osteomyelitis
Pain in the bone
 Constant, localized, pulsing sensation, increases with
movement
 Common with chronic
 Local swelling and warmth
 Less common with chronic
 Nausea
 Fever – 101o
 Less common with chronicGeneral discomfort
 Drainage of pus through the skin
 Common with chronic
Osteomyelitis Diagnostic Findings
Lab tests: increased wbc, ESR, + culture
Radiological studies:
Bone scan, MRI, Bone biopsy-definitive diagnose
Osteomyelitis Medical Management
IV antibiotics
 Long-term – (8-10 weeks)
 Possibly hyperbaric oxygen
 Pain management
 Bed rest
 Irrigation of wound
Osteomyelitis Surgical Management
Debridement of
necrotic or infected
bone
 Bone grafts
 Amputation
Possible Complications- osteomyelitis
heal
 Permanent stiffness in a nearby joint
 Loosening of implanted joint
 Fracture
 Amputation
Ankle Sprains
Occur when ligaments are stretched/torn
 Most common athletic injury
 85% occur on outside of ankle joint
 Symptoms vary depending on severity
 Type I - ligament stretched
 Type II - some fibers torn
 Type III - entire ligament torn
Strain
A twist, pull and/or tear of a muscle
and/or tendon
 Pain, muscle spasm, muscle weakness,
swelling, inflammation, and cramping
 May have loss of muscle function
 Common sites: Back, hamstring muscle
Dx and Tx
Symptoms
 X-rays to reveal fractures, dislocations or
instability
 CT and MRI
Tx:R = rest
 I = ice
 C = compression
 E = elevation
 Analgesia
 Splints, casts
 Surgery
Bones
Made of a hard matrix
of calcium and cells
that manipulate that
matrix
 Osteoblasts
 Build more bone
 Osteoclasts
 Remove bone
Fracture Terms
1. complete
 2. incomplete
 3. closed
 4. open
 a. break in skin
 b. no break in skin
 c. thru part of bone
 d. across entire bone
Types of fractures
Compression
 Burst
 Greenstick
 Spiral
 Simple vs compound
 Comminuted
Stages of Healing
In young, healthy adult bones, healing takes about
6 weeks
Hematoma formation
 Fibrin meshwork
 Invasion by osteoblasts
 Callus formation
 Remodeling
Factors Promoting Bone Healing
Immobilization of fragments
 Sufficient blood supply
 At risk: Fracture in head of femur
 Proper nutrition
 Exercise
Factors Inhibiting Bone Healing
Extensive local trauma, edema at fracture site
 Bone loss, inadequate proximity of fracture
surfaces
 Inadequate immobilization
 Infection
 Age
 Corticosteroids
 Poor nutrition, severe lack of vitamin C
Treatment
Goals
 Return injured limb to maximal function
 Prevent complications
 Initial
 Immobilization, elevation
 Check peripheral pulses
 pain, pallor, pulse, paresthesia, paralysis, (puffiness)
 coolness.
 Pain medications
Management
Later management of fractures
 Closed reduction
 Open reduction
 Open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF)
 Fixation with rods, pins, prosthesis, plates, compression hip screw
Complications of Fractures
Arterial damage
 Hemorrhage
 Peripheral nerve damage
 Infection
 Shock
Avascular necrosis
 DVT, PE
 Gas gangrene
 Tetanus
 Non-union
Compartment Syndrome
Compartments are sheaths of inelastic fascia
that support and partition muscles, blood
vessels, and nerves in the body
 Pressure with a compartment to ischemia to swelling to ischemia etc =PAIN
Pressure may be external or internal
 External – tight, bulky dressings and casts
 Internal – blood or fluid collection
Relieve pressure within 6 hours of the onset of
symptoms ie change in 5(6) Ps
 Limb can become useless in 24 to 48 hours
Treatment and Complications
Fasciotomy
 Incision through the skin and subcutaneous tissue
into the fascia
 Complications
 Infection  amputation
 Motor weakness r/t injured nerves (not reversible)
 Contractures
 Renal failure (rhabdomyolysis)
Fat Embolus
Fat Emboli - release of large fat globules which
filter into the pulmonary system and cause
obstruction at the capillary membrane level
 Thought to be from the fat in the marrow.
Pressure changes within the fx bone forces
molecules of fat from the marrow into the
systemic circulation
A serious complication
 Associated with fx of long bones or
multiple fractures
 May 12-72 hr after injury
 Population most affected
 Young men 20-40
 Older men 70-80
 Older client with hip fx has highest risk
Fat Embolus Signs and symptoms
Often begins with
confusion, agitation
 Tachycardia, dyspnea, fever
 Petechiae *******
 Neck, upper arms, and/or
chest and abdomen
Lab Tests in Fat Embolism
increased ESR, serum lipase
decrease in serum calcium, RBC's, and platelets
Management of Fatty Emboli
Shock management
 Oxygen
 Cough, deep breathe
 Medications
 Steroids
 Heparin
 Emotional support
Traction
The application of a pulling force to part/parts of
body to provide reduction, alignment, and rest.
 Need pull in opposite direction (counter traction) to
be effective.
 Three types
 Manual
 Skin
 Skeletal
May be continuous – in the treatment of a
fracture
 May be intermittent – in the relief of
muscle spasms
5 principles of traction
Maintain established line of pull
 Prevent friction
 Maintain countertraction
 Maintain continuous traction unless
ordered otherwise
 Maintain correct body alignment
General Rules for Traction
The weights must hang freely
 Nothing rests on the traction cord
 The traction cord must run smoothly
through the pulleys
 Add or remove weights slowly and only
with a doctor’s order
Skin Traction
Types
 Buck’s
 Russell
 Pelvic
 Cervical halter
 Grip less secure than skeletal
 Weight limit is 10 – 12 pounds
 Big concern is skin integrity
 Remove device every 8 hours to inspect skin
Skeletal: applied to bone
Balanced suspension
 Thomas ring splint with Pearson attachment
 Skeletal-cervical tongs
 Halo ring
Casts
Plaster of Paris
 Requires well-fitted stockingette & padding under
 Feels hot initially, then cool and damp
 Takes 24-72 hours to dry
 Take care not to make impressions
 May have rough edges and require then to be petaled – use
waterproof tape
 May need a window – if open area under cast
 If ­ swelling, may need to bivalve cast, rewrap with ace wrap
Plaster Casts
Do's and Don'ts
Dos:
 Keep your affected limb propped up on a pillow when
resting to avoid swelling.
 Exercise any joints sticking out from the plaster e.g. your
toes or fingers, to prevent stiffness.
 Do NOT:
 Wet your plaster.
 Cut your plaster yourself - come back with any problems.
 Stand on or rest on any hard surfaces like the back of a
chair for the first two days as the plaster needs to set
Fiberglass Cast
 Lighter in weight
 Less drying time
 Longer wearing
 More breathable
 More expensive
 Can get the outside wet
 Still no swimming
Nursing Management
Assessment ie neurovascular checks
 How to detect infection, ­ drainage
 Protecting from injury
 Skin care
 No hangers, pencils etc
 Hair dryer on cool,
turkey baster
 Cast care
Fixation Devices
Surgical treatment of fracture
 May be external or internal
 Purposes
 Immobilizes
 Secures
External Fixation
Advantages
 Minimal blood loss compared to internal
 Allows for earkier ambulation and exercise of
the affected body part while relieving pain
 Maintains alignment when no other method
will work
 Disadvantages
 Pin site and tract infections
Pin Site Care
Pin site care (Skeletal traction)
 No agreed upon procedure
 Clean with NS, may apply Bacitracin
 Monitor for drainage
Internal Fixation
Used when:
 Impossible to maintain desired reduction by
closed methods eg cast, traction
 In certain fractures to permit early functional
use of limb
 In open fractures when it is impossible to
maintain length otherwise
Used pins, screws, rods, plates, and
prostheses
 Hardware may or may not be removed
after the fracture is healed