Study 7 Integrated Gastrointestinal Nursing Practice with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
What are the immediate priorities for life-threatening hematemesis with shock?
Call for emergency assistance, assess airway and breathing, provide oxygen as indicated, and support circulation under protocol. Establish large-bore IV access, keep the patient NPO, and prepare for urgent evaluation after resuscitation.
What treatments are commonly anticipated for suspected variceal hemorrhage?
Suspected variceal hemorrhage commonly prompts provider-ordered vasoactive medication and antibiotic prophylaxis, along with early endoscopy after resuscitation.
Does an elevated INR in cirrhosis automatically require plasma?
An elevated INR in cirrhosis does not by itself mean plasma should automatically be given. Treatment decisions belong to the clinical team.
Does shock with hematochezia prove the bleeding source is lower GI?
No. Hematochezia with hemodynamic instability can come from brisk upper GI bleeding, especially with peptic ulcer or portal-hypertension risk. Resuscitation and source assessment should proceed together.
When may CTA help in ongoing hemodynamically significant GI bleeding?
CTA may help localize active bleeding when it remains hemodynamically significant. Colonoscopy is generally not the first step before stabilization and appropriate preparation.
What does new constant pain and abdominal rigidity suggest in bowel obstruction?
Constant severe pain, fever, tachycardia, and abdominal rigidity raise concern for ischemia, strangulation, or perforation. Notify the provider or emergency response team immediately and prepare for urgent surgical evaluation.
What initial care may be used for stable bowel obstruction without ischemia or peritonitis?
Initial care may include NPO status, nasogastric decompression, IV fluids, correction of electrolyte abnormalities, aspiration precautions, and serial reassessment.
What do systemic signs and increasing distention suggest during a severe ulcerative colitis flare?
Frequent bloody stools with fever, tachycardia, and increasing distention raise concern for acute severe ulcerative colitis and possible toxic megacolon. Report these signs promptly and assess abdominal findings and trends as ordered.
Which medication types should be avoided when toxic megacolon is suspected?
Avoid opioids and anticholinergic medications in suspected severe colitis or toxic megacolon because they can worsen colonic motility and dilation.
What prevention should be assessed for hospitalized patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis?
Assess hospitalized patients with acute severe disease for venous thromboembolism prevention unless it is contraindicated.
What should the nurse do when pancreatitis worsens alongside new crackles and increased oxygen needs?
Reassess airway, breathing, oxygenation, lung sounds, vital signs, urine output, and fluid balance; promptly report deterioration. Do not independently increase fluids when crackles or rising oxygen needs develop.
How are IV fluids and antibiotics generally approached in acute pancreatitis?
Acute pancreatitis care uses IV crystalloid, often lactated Ringer’s, with frequent reassessment, especially early in the course. Antibiotics are not routine unless infection is suspected.
Review foundational concepts in mental health, recovery-oriented care, ethical practice, stigma reduction, and therapeutic relationships.
Learn how to interpret laboratory results safely by considering testing quality, reference intervals, clinical context, trends, urgency, and follow-up.
Understand how major cardiovascular medication groups are used, what risks and monitoring they require, and when urgent assessment takes priority over medication.
Learn what common diagnostic tests measure, how to prepare patients and collect specimens safely, and how to interpret and respond to results in clinical context.
Review ECG rhythm interpretation, common bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias, and their initial management.
Learn how to assess patients with cardiac arrhythmias, interpret key ECG patterns, and select initial responses based on pulse and hemodynamic stability.
A medium-difficulty quiz on interpreting electrolyte abnormalities, recognizing clinical risks, and applying safe assessment and correction principles.
Learn how acute coronary syndromes are recognized, assessed, treated, and followed up, including emergency responses and major complications.
A medium-difficulty quiz on recognizing and responding to adult cardiac emergencies.
Learn how monitoring and safety practices support patients before, during, and after surgery, and how teams recognize and respond to changes.
A medium-difficulty quiz on planning and adapting mental health treatment, psychotherapy, medication, and collaborative care.
Learn how psychotic and trauma- and stressor-related symptoms are assessed, how key diagnoses differ, and how safety-focused, respectful care can support people experiencing them.