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HESI®-RN Comprehensive Review
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Gastrointestinal System

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HESI®-RN Comprehensive Review | Registered Nurse (RN) School Study Aid

Gastrointestinal System
49 Picmonics to Learn | 1 hr 33 mins
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Assessment
Pathophysiology
Relaxed Lower Esophageal Sphincter
Signs and Symptoms
Dyspepsia (Indigestion)
Belching
Nighttime Coughing
Dysphagia
Epigastric Pain
Regurgitation
Heartburn (Pyrosis)
Globus
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2 mins
Abdomen Assessment
Inspect the Abdomen
4 Quadrants
Contour, Shape, Symmetry
Umbilicus
Auscultate
Bowel Stethoscope
Vascular Sounds
Percussion
Percuss 4 Quadrants
Tympany or Dullness
Palpate
Light Palpation
Deep Palpation
Rebound Tenderness
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5 mins
Types of Hernias
Hiatal
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Inguinal
Men
Femoral
Women
Incisional
Umbilical
Consideration
Strangulation
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1 min
Hernia Interventions
Reduce Intra Abdominal Pressure
Avoid Straining and Lifting
Open Mouth Sneezing
Excision
Herniorrhaphy
Hernioplasty
Consideration
Scrotal Support
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1 min
Patient Position Overview
Position Techniques
Trochanter Roll
Trapeze Bar
Ankle-Foot Orthotic (AFO) Devices
Positions
Fowlers Position
Supine Position
Trendelenburg
Side-Lying Position
Prone Position
Sims' Position
Nursing Considerations
Reposition q2 Hours/Prevent Skin Breakdown
Confirm Body Alignment
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2 mins
Peptic Ulcer Disease Assessment
Mechanism/Cause
Helicobacter Pylori
NSAIDs
Increased Stomach Acid
Assessment
Abdominal Pain
Heartburn (Pyrosis)
Melena
Weight Changes
GI Distress
Considerations
Most Commonly in Duodenum
Duodenal: Pain Relieved by Eating
Gastric: Pain Caused by Eating
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2 mins
Peptic Ulcer Disease Interventions
Combination Drug Therapy
Two Antibiotics
Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
Decrease Acid Secretion
Avoid NSAIDs
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
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1 min
Helicobacter Pylori
Characteristics
Gram-Negative
Bacilli
Curved
Polar Flagellum
Catalase-Positive
Oxidase-Positive
Disease
Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers
Ammonia
Neutral Environment
Gastric Adenocarcinoma
MALT lymphoma
Diagnosis
Serology IgG antibody
Stool Antigen
Urease Positive Breath Test
Biopsy
Treatment
2 ABX and PPI
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2 mins
Helicobacter pylori Associations
Gastritis
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Stomach Cancer
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50 secs
Cimetidine and Famotidine (H2 Receptor Blockers)
-tidine Suffix
Mechanism
H2 Receptor Blocker
Indications
Suppress Gastric Acid Secretion
Side Effects (All)
Pneumonia
Side Effects - Cimetidine
Anti-androgen Effects
CNS Changes
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2 mins
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Mechanism
Creates Protective Barrier
Indications
GI Ulcers
Side Effects
Constipation
Considerations
Require Acidic Environment
Give on Empty Stomach
Oral Suspension Available
May Decrease Absorption of Other Meds
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2 mins
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
"-prazole" Suffix
Indications
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Gastritis
Peptic Ulcer
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Mechanism
Inhibit H+/K+/ATPase
Side Effects
Hip fracture
Pneumonia
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2 mins
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
"-prazole" Suffix
Indications
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Gastritis
Peptic Ulcer
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Mechanism
Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
Inhibit H+/K+/ATPase
Side Effects
Hip Fracture
Pneumonia
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2 mins
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Assessment
Abdominal Pain
Relieved by Defecation
Alternating Diarrhea and Constipation
Fatigue
Excessive Flatulence
Sensation of Incomplete Evacuation
Considerations
Stressors
Food Intolerances
More Common in Women
Rule Out Other Disorders
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2 mins
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Interventions
Interventions
Identify Triggers
Increase Fiber Intake
Probiotics
Anticholinergics
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
Loperamide
Linaclotide
Medications for Women
Tegaserod (Zelnorm)
Lubiprostone (Amitiza)
Alosetron (Lotronex)
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2 mins
Crohn's Disease Assessment
Diarrhea
5-6 per day
Cramping Abdominal Pain
Fever
Weight Loss
Malabsorption
Anemia
Complications
Obstruction
Fistulas
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2 mins
Ulcerative Colitis Assessment
Assessment
Cramping Abdominal Pain
Tenesmus
Bloody Diarrhea
Up to 10-20 / Day
Fever
Complications
Hemorrhage
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1 min
Opioids Overview
Indications
Pain
Weaning
Cough
Diarrhea
Mechanism of Action
Agonists at Mu (μ), Kappa (Κ), and Delta (δ) Receptors
Decrease Synaptic Transmission
Side Effects
Respiratory Depression
Addiction
Miosis
Constipation
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2 mins
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Assessment
Diverticulosis
Outpouching
Diverticulitis
Inflamed Diverticula
Assessment
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal Distention
Flatulence
Fever
Rectal Bleeding
Alternating Constipation and Diarrhea
Considerations
Peritonitis
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2 mins
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Interventions
Interventions
High Fiber Diet
Reduce Intra-abdominal Pressure
Stool Softeners
Exercise
Anticholinergics
Considerations
Antibiotics
Bowel Resection
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2 mins
Diet Progression
Types of Diets
Clear Liquid
Full Liquid
Pureed
Mechanical Soft
Low Residue (Fiber)
High Fiber
Regular
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1 min
Therapeutic Diets
Common Therapeutic Diets
High Fiber
Low Residue (Fiber)
Low Sodium
Low Cholesterol
Diabetic
Renal
Dysphagia
Nursing Considerations
Diet Education
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2 mins
Intestinal Obstruction
Partial/Early Obstruction
Severe Abdominal Pain
Vomiting
High Pitched Bowel Sounds
Abdominal Distention
Increased Peristalsis
Total/Neurogenic Obstruction
Absent Bowel Sounds
Paralytic Ileus
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1 min
Types of Intestinal Obstruction
Mechanical
Adhesions
Hernia
Volvulus
Intussusception
Tumor
Non-Mechanical
Mesenteric Artery Occlusion
Spinal Injury
Paralytic Ileus
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2 mins
Intussusception
Pathophysiology
Telescoping of Bowel Segments
Lead Point
Assessment
Episodic Abdominal Pain
Diarrhea
Sausage-Shaped Mass
Red Currant Jelly Stools
Diagnosis
Ultrasound/CT
Target Sign
Considerations
More Common in Children
Rotavirus Vaccine Contraindicated
Management
Air or Hydrostatic Enema
Surgical Reduction
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3 mins
Colorectal Cancer Assessment
3rd Most Common Cancer
Assessment
Change in Bowel Habits
Bowel Obstruction
Rectal Bleeding
Anemia
Weight Loss
Ascites
Considerations
Colonoscopy
FOBT and FIT
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2 mins
Colorectal Cancer Interventions
Interventions
Surgical Colon Resection
Radiation
Chemotherapy
Considerations
Bowel Cleansing
Screening
Colostomy
Dietary Consult
Body Image
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3 mins
Ileostomy Care
Antibiotics
Monitor Skin Breakdown
Drains Continuously
Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance
Low Fiber Diet
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2 mins
Preoperative Care
Preop Education
Surgical Procedure
NPO
Turn, Cough, Deep Breathe, Incentive Spirometer
Lower Extremity Exercises
Compression Stockings or SCD's
Pain Management
Safety
Informed Consent
Physical Preparation
Preop Checklist
Handoff to Surgery
Universal Precautions
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2 mins
Colostomy Care
Wash with Warm Water
Cut 1/8 inch Around Stoma
Decreases Skin Irritation
Empty When 1/3 to 1/2 Full
Change 3-7 Days
Considerations
Avoid Odor Causing Foods
Irrigate at Same Time
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2 mins
Cirrhosis Assessment
Mechanism
Degeneration and Destruction of Liver Cells
Signs and Symptoms
Jaundice
Fatigue
Palmar Erythema
Spider Angiomas
Hepatosplenomegaly
Edema
Gynecomastia
Change in LOC
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2 mins
Cirrhosis Interventions
Interventions
Maintain Nutrition
Paracentesis
Esophageal and Gastric Varices
Drug Therapy
Endoscopic Band Ligation or Sclerotherapy
Balloon Tamponade
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS)
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Lactulose
Antibiotics
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2 mins
Complications of Cirrhosis
Portal Hypertension
Ascites
Esophageal Varices
Coagulation Defects
Portal-Systemic Encephalopathy
Hepatorenal Syndrome
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1 min
Hyperbilirubinemia
Cause/Mechanism
Increased Unconjugated Bilirubin
Assessment
Jaundice
Kernicterus
Interventions
Early Feedings
Heme Oxygenase Inhibitors
Phototherapy
Protect Eyes
Monitor for Dehydration
Considerations
Monitor Bilirubin Levels
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3 mins
Bleeding Precautions
Things to Avoid
Hard Foods
Aspirin Products
Blowing Nose Forcefully
Straining During BMs
Enemas or Rectal Suppositories
Pads and Monitor Menstruation
Guidelines to Follow
Soft-bristled Toothbrush
Electric Razor
Limit Needle Sticks
Smaller Needle Size
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3 mins
Osmotic Laxatives
Mechanism of Action
Increases Osmotic Load
Indications
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Constipation
Drugs
Magnesium Hydroxide
Magnesium Citrate
Polyethylene Glycol
Sorbitol
Lactulose
Side Effects
Diarrhea
Dehydration
Considerations
Misused in Bulimia Nervosa
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2 mins
Hepatitis A
Characteristics
Picornavirus
4 Week Incubation Period
Fecal-oral
Day Care Centers
Travel to Developing Countries
Signs and Symptoms
Usually Asymptomatic
Acute Disease
Jaundice
Fever
Vomiting
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2 mins
Hepatitis A (HAV) Assessment
Transmission
Fecal-Oral
Ingestion of Contaminated Food or Water
Incubation
4 Weeks
Assessment
Fever
General Malaise
Hepatomegaly
Considerations
Self-Limiting
Proper Hand Washing
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2 mins
Hepatitis B (HBV) Assessment
Transmission
Bodily Fluids
Blood Transmission
People Who Use IV Drugs
Incubation
Variable 1-6 Months
Assessment
Fever
Nausea and Vomiting
Hepatomegaly
Chronic Disease
Cirrhosis
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Considerations
Vaccination
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2 mins
Hepatitis B Virus Disease
Can turn chronic
< 10% of adults become chronic carriers
90% of newborns become chronic carriers
Cirrhosis
Hepatocellular carcinoma
Membranous Glomerulonephritis
Polyarteritis nodosa
Serum sickness like syndrome
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2 mins
Hepatitis B Virus Characteristics
Hepadnavirus
Enveloped
Circular
Partially Double-stranded DNA
Has Reverse Transcriptase
IV Drug Use
Sex
Maternal Fetal Routes
3 Month Incubation Period
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2 mins
Hepatitis C
Characteristics
Enveloped
RNA Virus
Flavivirus
Icosahedral
SS positive Linear
Clinical Features
Most Cases are Due to IV Drug Use
Turns to Chronic Hepatitis in Over 70% of Cases
Cirrhosis
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Most Common Indication for Liver Transplantation
Associated With Type I MPGN
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
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2 mins
Hepatitis C (HCV) Assessment
Transmission
Blood Transmission
High Risk Sex (rare)
IV Drug Users
Incubation
7 Weeks
Chronic Disease
Cirrhosis
Considerations
Barrier Protection
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2 mins
Acute Pancreatitis Causes
"GET SMASHHED" Mnemonic
Gallstones
(Ethanol) Alcohol
Trauma
Steroids
Mumps
Autoimmune
Scorpion Sting
Hypercalcemia
Hypertriglyceridemia > 1000
ERCP
Drugs
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1 min
Acute Pancreatitis Assessment
Mechanism
Heavy Alcohol Use and Gallstones
Signs and Symptoms
Abdominal Pain
Nausea/Vomiting/Anorexia
Abdominal Rigidity/Guarding
Decreased or Absent Bowel Sounds
Hypotension and Tachycardia
Jaundice
Increased White Blood Cells
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2 mins
Acute Pancreatitis Interventions
NPO with NG Tube to Suction
Pain Management
Albumin
Lactated Ringers Solution
Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
Antibiotics
Surgery
Nutrition
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2 mins
Cholecystitis Causes
Gallbladder Inflammation
6 Fs
Female
Fair (Caucasian)
Fat (Obese)
Fertile (Pregnant)
Forty (Advanced Age Over 40)
Flatulence
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2 mins
Cholecystitis Assessment
RUQ Pain
Referred Shoulder Pain
Clay Colored Stools
Jaundice
Nausea and Vomiting
Dyspepsia (Indigestion)
Fever
Considerations
Increased WBCs
Fatty or Spicy Foods
Ultrasound
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2 mins
Cholecystitis Interventions
Supportive Therapy
Antibiotics
Low Fat Diet
NG Tube
Analgesics
Lithotripsy
Cholecystectomy
T Tube
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2 mins

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