Crohn’s disease (CD) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any portion of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but most commonly affects the small bowel. It causes thickening and scarring, leading to obstruction, fistulas, ulcerations, and abscesses. Remissions and exacerbations characterize Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease originates from an inappropriate autoimmune response in the … Read more
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease affecting the rectum and extending proximally toward the colon. The specific cause is unknown, but there is a genetic predisposition. There may also be a higher incidence among Jewish populations. Peak incidence often occurs between 15-30 years of age. Although food and stress do not cause UC, … Read more
The pancreas, a flat, pear-shaped gland that is part of the digestive system, is located behind the lower part of the stomach and surrounded by the liver, small intestines, gallbladder, and spleen. It is composed of endocrine cells that secrete hormones like insulin and exocrine cells that secrete enzymes to aid digestion. Pancreatic cancer develops … Read more
Bowel perforation, a serious medical condition requiring emergency medical care, occurs when a hole develops in the bowel wall. This can cause leakage of gastric acid or stool into the peritoneal cavity. If left untreated, it can result in internal bleeding, peritonitis, permanent damage to the intestines, sepsis, and death. Nursing Process Immediate medical care … Read more
Peritonitis is a serious condition that results from a generalized or localized inflammatory process in the peritoneum (membrane lining the abdominal cavity) with a primary or secondary cause. Primary peritonitis is characterized by blood-borne organisms entering the peritoneal cavity. Secondary peritonitis, the more common type, occurs when abdominal organs rupture or perforate and release their … Read more
Paralytic ileus is a temporary slowing or paralysis of peristalsis through the lower digestive tract. It mimics an intestinal obstruction without an actual mechanical cause. Paralytic ileus is an acute condition that is reversible and may resolve on its own, but if symptoms become severe or the ileus lasts longer than 72 hours, it should … Read more
Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Several diseases cause the condition, but more than half of cases are attributed to liver cirrhosis. The worsening vasodilation brought on by an increase in portal pressure and nitric oxide levels leads to the elevation of vasoconstrictor hormones, renal function decline, and third space shifting … Read more
Colorectal or colon cancer occurs when polyps in the large intestine become malignant. The risk of this type of cancer increases with age, with most cases detected in people older than 50. There is an increasing trend of colorectal cancer in people between 20 to 49 years old due to unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, … Read more
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), also known as C. difficile, is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria. The spores survive in unfavorable conditions and are easily transmitted through contact with objects and humans. C. difficile infection causes colitis and diarrhea. Nursing Process Since C. difficile infection is often related to a current antibiotic regimen that the patient is … Read more
Abdominal pain is the discomfort felt anywhere between the chest and groin. Abdominal pain may be acute or chronic pain with varying degrees of severity and characteristics. Nursing Process Nurses conduct thorough histories and physical assessments to assist with the diagnosis of abdominal pain. This can include diet, medical and surgical histories, and detailed pain … Read more