Nursing Entrance Exam

8.2.3 Common Diseases and Disorders • Appendicitis: Inflammation or an infection of the appendix, also called peritonitis. If infected, the appendix swells and bursts. This condition is very serious, as the contents of the intestines leak into the abdominal cavity. • Colon cancer: This type of cancer can develop without any symptoms, which is why doctors often take an occult blood sample every two years. This test can detect trace amounts of blood in the feces, which is a symptom of colon cancer. • Constipation: Infrequent or difficult evacuation of the feces. • Diarrhea: Abnormal frequency and liquidity of feces. • Diverticulosis: As people age, the large intestine sometimes forms small pouches. Sometimes sharp foods like seeds or grains become lodged in the pouches, causing inflammation or infection. • Gallstones: Hard stones which are created from a buildup of bile within the gall bladder. Though they can cause acute pain, they are often able to be removed with a catheter and ultrasound. • Perforated ulcer: A stomach ulcer that has broken through the stomach wall. This allows the contents of the stomach to move into the abdominal cavity, which can be very serious. • A “sore mouth” could mean one of many things, including cold sores (herpes simplex), mouth ulcers (aphthous ulcers), or lesions of the teeth and gums. • Sore throats are also common, and are usually due to an infection in the tonsils or an inflamed pharynx. • Stomach ulcers: Prolonged chronic stress is often the main cause of stomach ulcers. Because the stomach produces too much stomach acid, it damages the mucosal covering of the stomach, causing a lesion. 8.2.4 Medical Terminology • GI tract: The gastrointestinal (GI) tract sometimes encompasses all structures from the mouth to the anus; in medicine, it is often differentiated between the upper and lower GI tracts. • Lower GI: Includes the large intestine, small intestine, and anus. • Peristalsis: A very strong, rhythmic contraction and relaxation of muscles throughout the digestive system that pushes along the contents. • Upper GI: Includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. 8.3 The Genitourinary System – Tour of the System The urinary system removes waste by-products of metabolism. It is a complex system that works closely with the endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Waste products, such as urea and ammonia, seep from cells and tissues into the bloodstream. If these waste molecules remain in the bloodstream, they can accumulate to toxic levels in a very short time.

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