MNAMosby’s Long Term Care Assistant Chapter 41Digestive and Endocrine Disorders

Gastrointestinal System

Breaks down food

Eliminates solid waste

Gastrointestinal Disorders

GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Stomach contents flow back into the esophagus

Causes heartburn

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Diverticular Disease

Small pouches in the colon stick out and become infected or inflamed.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Diverticulosis

Abdominal pain, fever, N/V, constipation

Dietary changes are tried first.

Can lead to surgery

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gall StonesBile is made by liver

Stored in gallbladder

Helps digest fats

Can harden and form stones

Stones block ducts

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gall StonesVary in size

Risk factors:

Women at greater risk

Genetic

High fat diet

Over 60

Overweight

Diabetes

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver

Mild or severe

5 major types of viral hepatitis

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Hepatitis: 5 major types

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis D and E

Spread by food or water contaminated with feces from infected person.

Spread through infected blood, blood products or body fluids.

Spread by blood

Hepatitis D occurs only in people with Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis E is fecal – oral. Not common in US.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Hepatitis Signs and Symptoms

Jaundice - yellow

Fatigue

Weakness

Loss of appetite, weight loss

N/V, HA

Light colored BM

Dark colored urine

Fever, chills

Gastrointestinal Disorders

CirrhosisChronic damage to liver

Healthy tissue replaced by scar tissue

Normal liver functions are effected

Common causes:

Alcohol abuse

Hepatitis B or C

Endocrine System

Made up of glands

Secretes hormones

Endocrine System Disorders

Diabetes

Pancreas does not produce insulin

Sugar builds up in the blood

Cells do not have sugar for energy

Endocrine System Disorders

Diabetes

Symptoms:

Frequent urination

Thirst

Hungry or tired

Sores that do not heal

Treatment:

Insulin injections