Acute pancreatitis.- Sudden onset of constant, severe epigastric pain, often a large meal or alcohol intake. The pain frequently radiates to the back or left shoulder and is somewhat relieved by a sitting position. The chief causes of acute pancreatitis in adults are gallstones, other gallbladder (biliary) disease, and alcohol use. Viral infection (mumps, coxsackie [...]

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Assessment for Pancreatitis:
•Obtain vital signs immediately (shock is an outstanding symptom of pancreatitis).
•May have high blood pressure due to hypovolemia from release of protein rich fluids into the peritoneal space.
•Severe mid to upper abdominal pain, radiating to both sides and straight to the back.
•Nausea vomiting and flatulence are usually present.
•Complaints of steatorrhea (foul smelling or [...]

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1. The primary function of the GI tract are digestion and the distribution of food.
 
2. Food enters the GI system at the mouth, where it is chewed and swallowed. Then the food enters the esophagus where the muscle layers move it down to the stomach in a wave like motion known as peristalsis. The esophageal [...]

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1. Define gastritis and list the nursing management responsibilities?
Gastritis is a group of conditions characterized by inflammation of the lining in the stomach. Usually, the inflammation comes from infection with the same bacteria that causes most stomach ulcers. Traumatic injury and regular use of certain pain relievers also contribute to gastritis. There are two types [...]

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Vanessa Brown, SVN
1. S/S of Diarrhea:
Stools are watery and frequent
Some cases, blood and mucus in stool
Experiences urgency (tenesmus) and abdomen discomfort 
Bowel sounds are hyperactive
 Fever may be present
 Skin around anus may become excoriated
Management:
Rest the bowel by limiting intake to clear liquids for one or two meals and gradually advancing to a regular diet.
Administer antidiarrheal agent, such [...]

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Disorders of the upper GI
can start in the mouth or present as a burning in the Throat all the way down to the upper abdominal area. Sometimes cardiac chest pain can present as a gastric disorder so it is important to get a medical diagnosis.
Endoscopy is a routine, outpatient procedure in which the inside of [...]

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