Scott Krueger - Patho for Nurses: Gastrointestinal (GI) & Genitourinary (GU) Disorders like CKD

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Gastrointestinal (GI) system
The general purpose of the digestive system is to efficiently process ingested food and fluids, the desired nutrients, water, and electrolytes are absorbed into the blood for use by the cells, and waste elements are eliminated from the body
Common signs of GI disorders
anorexia, nausea and vomiting

GI terms
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-a decrease in lower esophageal pressure affects the closure of the esophageal sphincter allowing more of the gastric contents to reflux back into the esophagus
Gastritis-inflammation of the lining of the stomach, Causes include infection, injury, regular use of pain pills called NSAIDs, and too much alcohol, Symptoms include upper belly pain, nausea, and vomiting, Treatment depends on the cause Antibiotics and antacids might help
Cholelithiasis-A hardened deposit within the fluid in the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver, People who experience symptoms usually require gallbladder removal surgery
Cholecystectomy-surgical removal of the gallbladder, the gallbladder is part of your digestive system. Its main function is to store bile which helps break down fats
Jaundice (icterus)-refers to the yellowish color of the skin and other tissues that results from high levels of bilirubin in the blood. The color is usually apparent first in the sclera, or white area of the eye. Bilirubin is a product of the hemolysis of red blood cells (RBCs) and the breakdown of hemoglobin
Pruritis-itching, causes related to the liver include primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Ascites -accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal swelling and varices are large distorted or distended veins
Appendicitis-inflammation of the appendix, most common symptoms are fever, rebound tenderness, or pain that occurs after pressure applied in the abdomen during palpation is removed abruptly
Pancreatitis-an inflammation of the pancreas resulting from autodigestion of the tissues, symptoms include severe pain, massive inflammation, and necrosis. The pancreas is important for digesting food and managing your use of sugar for energy after digestion
Hematemesis-vomiting of blood that resembles coffee grounds and is indicative of the presence of blood
Melena-dark-colored (tarry) stool that results from significant bleeding that has occurred higher in the digestive tract; intestinal bacteria have acted on the hemoglobin, causing the dark color
Steatorrhea is “fatty diarrhea,” marked by frequent bulky greasy loose stools often with a foul odor

Functions of the liver
All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. The liver processes this blood and breaks down, balances, and creates the nutrients and metabolizes drugs into forms that are easier to use for the rest of the body or that are nontoxic
The most common cause of liver cirrhosis is chronic alcohol use. Although other factors such as obesity and diabetes can affect the liver, it causes fatty liver not cirrhosis

Genitourinary (GU) aka (urogenital) System
Organs of the urinary system which includes the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys play many important roles keeping our bodies in balance. They remove waste and toxins, regulate fluid and electrolyte balance

GU terms
Cystitis-inflammation of the bladder usually due to an infection
Anuria-inability to produce urine (high priority, can be life-threatening)
Dysuria-painful urination (can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) along with foul odor and cloudy urine
Diuresis-excretion of large amounts of urine
Enuresis-involuntary discharge of urine
Renal-refers to kidneys
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)-means your kidneys are damaged and can't filter blood the way they should. The main risk factors for developing kidney disease are diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease which affect renal blood flow and over time can cause renal failure
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)-the most important indicator of kidney health, if GFR number is low, your kidneys are not working as well as they should. early detection will allow for early treatment. early treatment may keep kidney disease from getting worse
Serum creatinine-done to determine the amount of creatinine present in the blood and to measure kidney function. 0.7 - 1.3 mg/dL is average for men. 0.6 - 1.1 mg/dL is average for women
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)-measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood that comes from the waste product urea. Normal level is between about 7 - 20 mg/dL
Azotemia-presence of urea or other excess nitrogen wastes in the blood, as indicated by elevated serum creatinine and urea levels
Pyelonephritis-a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that generally begins in your urethra or bladder and travels to one or both of your kidneys. Signs include those typical of a UTI plus dull aching pain in the lower back or flank area