25 Mar Detailed study notes for NURS 5051/6051 Module 5 (Week 6) on the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Systems
🩺 Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders
Functional vs. Structural Disorders
Functional: No visible abnormalities, but symptoms present (e.g., IBS, constipation, diarrhea).
Structural: Visible pathology such as inflammation, polyps, or blockages (e.g., diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, IBD).
Common GI Conditions
GERD: Acid reflux due to lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction.
Peptic Ulcers: Often caused by H. pylori or NSAIDs.
Celiac Disease: Autoimmune reaction to gluten damaging villi.
Diverticular Disease: Pouches in colon wall; diverticulitis when infected.
Colorectal Cancer: Often arises from polyps; screening via colonoscopy is critical.
🧬 Liver Diseases
Stages of Chronic Liver Disease
Hepatitis: Inflammation.
Fibrosis: Scar tissue formation.
Cirrhosis: Irreversible scarring, impaired function.
Liver Failure: End-stage, often fatal without transplant.
Causes
Viral hepatitis (A, B, C).
Alcohol-related liver disease.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (linked to obesity, diabetes).
Autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Genetic disorders: Wilson disease, hemochromatosis.
Key Symptoms
Early: Fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain.
Advanced: Jaundice, ascites, edema, pruritus, easy bruising, hepatic encephalopathy.
🩻 Pancreatitis
Definition: Inflammation of the pancreas; can be acute or chronic.
Causes
Gallstones (block pancreatic duct).
Heavy alcohol use.
Hypertriglyceridemia, hypercalcemia.
Autoimmune or genetic predisposition.
Symptoms
Acute: Severe epigastric pain radiating to back, nausea/vomiting, fever, tachycardia.
Chronic: Persistent pain, steatorrhea (oily stools), weight loss, diabetes.
Complications
Pseudocysts, infection, malnutrition, diabetes, increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
🌿 Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Types
Crohn’s Disease: Can affect any GI tract segment; transmural inflammation; fistulas and strictures common.
Ulcerative Colitis: Limited to colon and rectum; continuous mucosal inflammation.
Symptoms
Diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, rectal bleeding.
Extraintestinal manifestations: arthritis, skin lesions, eye inflammation.
Complications
Colon cancer risk increases after 8–10 years of disease.
Toxic megacolon (UC), fistulas and strictures (Crohn’s).
Management
Medications: Aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologics.
Surgery: Colectomy (UC), bowel resection (Crohn’s).
Lifestyle: Nutrition support, stress management, smoking cessation.
📊 Quick Comparison Table
Condition Key Cause(s) Hallmark Symptoms Major Complications
GERD LES dysfunction Heartburn, regurgitation Barrett’s esophagus, cancer
Liver Disease Viral, alcohol, NAFLD Jaundice, ascites Cirrhosis, liver failure
Pancreatitis Gallstones, alcohol Severe epigastric pain Pseudocysts, diabetes
IBD (Crohn’s/UC) Autoimmune Diarrhea, bleeding, pain Colon cancer, toxic megacolon
✅ Key Takeaway for Nursing Practice: Nurses must understand the progression, complications, and management strategies of GI and hepatobiliary disorders to provide holistic care, anticipate complications, and educate patients on lifestyle modifications and adherence to treatment.
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