Explanation:
Cancer of the colon and rectum is primarily (about 95%) adenocarcinoma, which arises in the epithelial lining of the bowel. Adenocarcinomas often develop from a precancerous polyp. Early detection through screening is essential because colorectal cancers may remain essentially asymptomatic until they are advanced and changes in bowel habits or rectal bleeding occur. Hemorrhage may occur if the tumor invades blood vessels, and obstruction may occur as the mass enlarges.
Explanation:
Duodenal aspirate should be immediately transported to the laboratory because it must be examined within 60 minutes of collection. The aspirate should be collected (at least 2 mL) in a sterile centrifuge tube. Duodenal aspirates may be useful in diagnosing Giardia duodenalis and Strongyloides stercoralis.
Explanation:
Doppler ultrasound is used primarily to assess blood flow (direction, speed). As part of an abdominal ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound may help to identify impaired circulation to the organs as well as changes in blood flow associated with tumors. Doppler imaging differentiates between antegrade (expected forward movement) and retrograde (unexpected movement) blood flow. Doppler imaging is often used to assess hepatic blood flow as different disease processes result in distinctive changes in blood flow.
Explanation:
Following an esophagoscopy to obtain a biopsy of the thoracic esophagus, chest pain, dysphagia, and tachycardia are indications of the need for emergent care for perforation. The onset of fever is often rapid, and Hamann's sign (crunching, rasping precordial sound coinciding with the heartbeat) is positive because of leakage of air to the mediastinum. Perforation is usually confirmed radiologically although CT or endoscopy may be necessary if the perforation cannot be seen on x-ray.
Explanation:
If a patient with Crohn's disease is to begin treatment with infliximab or any other biologic response modifier, the patient should be tested for TB and hepatitis B prior to beginning treatment. Because the drugs have immunosuppressive qualities, they can result in reactivation of both diseases. Biologic response modifiers are also contraindicated for those with a history of lymphoma and may result in severe allergic responses in some patients because they are derived from proteins and not chemicals.
Explanation:
If a patient scheduled for a colonoscopy has a nose stud and enclosed lip ring, they should both be removed prior to the procedure because they pose the risk of trauma and aspiration if they become dislodged. Nose studs are removed by applying gentle pressure and pulling straight out. Enclosed lip rings are removed by applying pressure inside of the ring to force the ends apart. Barbell-type jewelry has a bead on the end that is unscrewed in a counter-clockwise direction.
Explanation:
Because Greek-style yogurt is thicker than regular whole-fat yogurt, more of the whey is removed, and the lactose is part of the whey, so those who are lactose intolerant are more likely to tolerate Greek yogurt than other dairy products. Those who are lactose intolerant lack the enzyme needed to digest lactose, resulting in stomach cramps, gas and distention, and diarrhea after eating or drinking dairy products. Some dairy products are now lactose-free, and Lactaid can be taken to replace the missing enzymes.
Explanation:
In research, a placebo is a substance or intervention that has no therapeutic effect but is given to participants in a study as if it were a real treatment. Placebos are often used in clinical trials to compare the effects of a new treatment against a control group that receives the placebo. This helps researchers determine the true effectiveness of the treatment being studied by comparing it to the placebo response. Placebos are important in research to minimize bias and ensure accurate evaluation of the treatment's efficacy.
Explanation:
The nursing process is a systematic approach used in nursing practice to provide patient-centered care. In gastroenterology nursing, the components of the nursing process include assessment (collecting data about the patient's gastrointestinal health), planning (developing a care plan based on the assessment findings), implementation (carrying out the planned interventions), and evaluation (assessing the effectiveness of the interventions and making any necessary adjustments). These components help ensure comprehensive and individualized care for patients with gastrointestinal conditions.
Explanation:
The initial assessment of patients on arrival to the gastroenterology unit is typically the responsibility of the staff nurse (RN). The staff nurse is trained to perform comprehensive assessments, including gathering information about the patient's medical history, current symptoms, vital signs, and any specific gastrointestinal concerns. This assessment helps the nurse identify the patient's needs and develop an appropriate plan of care. The physician may be involved in the assessment process, but the staff nurse is primarily responsible for the initial assessment upon the patient's arrival.
Explanation:
Gabriele Schindler is recognized as the first recorded gastrointestinal assistant. She made significant contributions to the field of gastroenterology, particularly in the development of endoscopic techniques and procedures. Her work has greatly influenced the practice of gastrointestinal medicine.
