Exam (elaborations) Nurs 611 Advanced Pathophysiology Advanced Pathophysiology GI System Complete Review

Esophagus  Voluntary and involuntary phases of swallowing (both must be intact)  Stretch receptors in esophagus send sensory information to nervous system  Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) tone  What can decrease the tone of this sphincter?--> GERD, chronic alcohol consumption, gorging large amounts of food  What symptoms can occur as a result of decreased lower esophageal sphincter tone?--> Acid reflux, Barrett’s Esophagus  Hiatal hernia  What is a hiatal hernia?--> Condition in which part of the stomach stick upwards into the chest, through a hole in the diaphragm.  What does the patient with a hiatal hernia look/feel like?--> Heartburn, belching, difficulty swallowing, fatigue  What are the risks of a hiatal hernia?-->Hemorrhage, obstruction, strangulation  GERD  What is GERD?-->Gastroesophageal reflux disease, excessive bac