Disease Risk Subjective Finding Objective Findings Diagnostics Treatment Education
GI
... [Show More] DISORDERS
Appendicitis
-Most common between 10-30yrs; but can occur at any age; rare in infants and older adults
-men more at risk
- Diets low in fiber, high in fat, refined sugars, & other carbs at increased risk.
- Obstruction of appendix is cause of majority of appendicitis
- contributing factors: Intra-abdominal
tumors, positive family hx
- Recent roundworm infection or viral GI infection
-Dx made clinically, based primarily on H&P exam
- Classic presentation includes acute onset of mild to severe colicky, epigastric, or periumbilical pain
- Pain is vague at first then localizes within 24hrs to RLQ
- Pain exacerbated by walking\coughing
- Men may feel radiated pain in testes
- Abd muscle rigidity, N\V, anorexia
- Mildly elevated temp 99-100F common
- If RLQ accompanied by shaking chills, perforation should be suspected
- Older adults may present with weakness, anorexia, abd distention, mild pain leading to delayed dx and increased morbidity. -May have HTN\tachy proportional to pain\symptoms
-When lying flat, may flex R knee to relieve tension in abd muscle
-Pain with palpation in abd, diffuse in early stages. Localized to RLQ later
-Positive for rebound pain; ask pt to cough to localize pain location
-Sudden cessation of pain means perforation and is ER -Labs are not diagnostic and nonspecific
-Women should have urine human chorionic gonadotrophin to r\o ectopic pregnancy
- +Rovsing’s Sign- deep palpation & release in LLQ causes rebound pain in RLQ
- +Psoas Sign- lift R leg against gentle pressure causes pain
- +Obturator Sign- flex R hip & knee and slowly rotate internally causes pain
- +McBurney’s Sign- pain with pressure applied to point between umbilicus & ilium
- x-ray\CT helpful when paired with positive H&P findings -Surgical; preoperative care, NPO, correction of fluid\electrolyte imbalances
-Avoid narcotics
-Atb with 3rd gen cephalosporin; Ex:ampicillin, gentamycin, flagyl -F\U with surgeon
-Ambulation after surgery
-Adv diet when bowel sounds return
-Return to hosp with s\s of infection
-Avoid heavy lifting for at least 2 wks
Celiac disease **
(autoimmune disorder caused by an immunologic response to gluten)
Mostly diagnosed in adulthood.
A family member with celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis
Type 1 diabetes
Down syndrome or Turner syndrome
Autoimmune thyroid disease
Microscopic colitis (lymphocytic or collagenous colitis)
Addison's disease
Many asymptomatic. May complain of diarrhea,gas, dyspepsia, wt loss.
Atypical symptoms: fatigue,
bone or joint pain,
arthritis,
osteoporosis, or osteopenia (bone loss)
liver and biliary tract disorders (transaminitis, fatty liver, primary sclerosing cholangitis,
depression or anxiety
peripheral neuropathy seizures or migraines
missed menstrual periods
infertility or recurrent miscarriage
canker sores inside the mouth
dermatitis herpetiformis (itchy skin rash) Muscle wasting (anemia), reduces subcutaneous fat, ataxia, & peripheral neuropathy (vitamin B12 deficiencies)
osteoporosis or osteopenia (bone loss)
hypothyroidism
Pts with dermatitis herpetiformis found to have signs of celiac disease on intestinal biopsy. Serologic testing for anti-tTG IgA antibody
Total IgA (2% of pts have IgA deficiency and will falsely test negative)
duodenal biopsies
Test for nutritional deficiencies associated with malabsorption of C.D. (hemoglobin, iron, folate, vit B12, Calcium, and Vitamin D.) lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet.
Referral to a dietician to help.
Some pts may need treatment with immunomodulating agents. teaching related to gluten free diet.
Some people with celiac disease have vitamin or nutrient deficiencies that do not cause them to feel ill, such as anemia due to iron deficiency or bone loss due to vitamin D deficiency. However, these deficiencies can cause problems over the long term.
Untreated celiac/developing certain types of gastrointestinal cancer. This risk can be reduced by eating a gluten-free diet.
Cholelithiasis
is the formation of gallstones and is found in 90% of patients with cholecystitis.
--Risk factors--2 types of stones (cholesterol and pigmented)
a. Cholesterol (most common form): female, obesity, pregnancy, increased age, drug-induced (oral contraceptives and clofibrates: cholesterol lowering agent), cystic fibrosis, rapid weight loss, spinal cord injury, Ileal disease with extensive resection, Diabetes mellitus, sickle cell anemia.
b. Pigmented: hemolytic diseases, increasing age, hyperalimentation (artificial supply of nutrients, typically IV), cirrhosis, biliary stasis, chronic biliary infections. Patient complaint of indigestion, nausea, vomiting (after consuming meal high in fat), and pain in RUG or epigastrium that may radiate to the middle of the back, infrascapular area or right shoulder. Right side involuntary guarding of abdominal muscles, Positive Murphy's sign, possible palpable gallbladder, Low grade fever between 99-101 degrees. Possible jaundice from common bile duct edema and diminished bowel sounds. Mild elevation of WBC up to 15, 000
Abdominal Xray: Quick, noninvasive, reliable, and cost-effective means of identifying the presence of cholelithiasis. a. Initial management--begins with definitive diagnosis. When asymptomatic (normally an incidental finding while exploring another problem) require no further treatment except teaching s/sx of "gallbladder attack". Nonsurgical candidate can be treated with dissolution therapy or lithotripsy. Acute includes hydration (IV fluids), antibiotics, analgesics, GI rest.
b. Treatment of choice for Acute cholecystitis is early surgical intervention after stabilization. Poor surgical risk may benefit from cholecystectomy operatively or percutaneously. Nonsurgical intervention: weight loss, avoidance of fatty foods to decrease attacks, alternative birth control for persons taking oral contraceptives, menopausal women taking estrogen informed about alternative sources of phytoestrogens (soy products). [Show Less]