Module 08 Content Competency Select Appropriate Nursing Inte

Module 08 Contentcompetencyselect Appropriate Nursing Interventions Fo

Patient and family education is important in increasing adherence. To provide education to patient and families, you are going to create a poster about a gastrointestinal disorder that will be displayed in a physician’s office. Instructions Please be sure to include the following in your poster design. Overview of the disorder Causes of the disorder Diagnostic tests to diagnosis the disorder Assessment findings Multidimensional nursing care interventions for the disorder Resources For assistance with research, refer to the Nursing Research Guide . For assistance creating a poster, refer to the following FAQ .

Paper For Above instruction

The gastrointestinal (GI) system plays a vital role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients necessary for the body's functioning. Among the lower gastrointestinal disorders, Crohn's disease is a prominent chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus but predominantly involves the terminal ileum and colon. Understanding Crohn's disease is essential for nursing professionals to provide effective patient care, education, and support, ensuring optimal health outcomes and improved quality of life for affected individuals.

Overview of Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The disease can occur anywhere along the GI tract but is most commonly localized in the terminal ileum and colon. The inflammation results in segmental, transmural lesions that can lead to complications such as strictures, fistulas, abscesses, and malabsorption. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and sometimes fever. The course of Crohn's disease is unpredictable, often with periods of remission and exacerbation, requiring ongoing management and patient education.

Causes of Crohn's Disease

  • Genetic predisposition: Family history increases risk (Lichtiger & Hanauer, 2017).
  • Immune system dysfunction: An abnormal immune response to intestinal microbiota contributes (Ananthakrishnan, 2015).
  • Environmental factors: Smoking, diet, and stress may influence disease onset and severity (Ng et al., 2017).
  • Microbial factors: Altered gut microbiota composition plays a role (Vigsnaes et al., 2016).

Diagnostic Tests for Crohn's Disease

  • Endoscopy with ileoscopy: Visual assessment of the intestinal mucosa and biopsy collection.
  • Colonoscopy: To observe lesions, ulcers, and strictures in the colon and terminal ileum.
  • Imaging studies:
    • Magnetic Resonance Enterography (MRE): Non-invasive visualization of small bowel.
    • Computed Tomography Enterography (CTE): Detects strictures and fistulas.
  • Laboratory tests:
    • Complete blood count (CBC): To identify anemia or infection.
    • Inflammatory markers: C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
    • Stool tests: Fecal calprotectin and cultures.

Assessment Findings in Crohn's Disease

Assessment involves recognizing signs and symptoms which can include:

  • Persistent diarrhea, sometimes with blood or mucus
  • Abdominal tenderness, palpable masses, or distension
  • Unintentional weight loss and malaise
  • Fever during flare-ups
  • Signs of nutrient deficiencies: anemia, vitamin deficiencies

Nursing Care Interventions for Crohn's Disease

  • Monitoring and Managing Symptoms: Regular assessment of bowel patterns, pain levels, and nutritional status to promptly address flare-ups or complications.
  • Medication Administration: Educate patients about medications such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics to reduce inflammation and maintain remission.
  • Nutrition Support: Collaborate with dietitians to provide a high-protein, low-residue diet during exacerbations, and monitor for deficiencies.
  • Preventing Complications: Monitor for signs of bowel obstruction, fistula formation, and abscesses; intervene early when necessary.
  • Patient Education: Teaching about disease process, medication adherence, dietary modifications, and recognizing early signs of worsening condition.
  • Psychosocial Support: Address emotional and psychological impacts by providing counseling and support groups.
  • Infection Control: Maintain strict hygiene and infection prevention measures, especially post-surgical interventions.

Resources for Patient and Family Education

  • American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
  • Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
  • Local support groups and community resources
  • Dietary counseling services

Conclusion

Crohn's disease is a complex and chronic gastrointestinal disorder requiring comprehensive management that includes medical treatment, nutritional support, and patient education. Nurses play a critical role in assessing symptoms, administering appropriate care, educating patients and families, and supporting adaptation to the disease. Through multidisciplinary approaches and resource utilization, nurses can significantly improve patient outcomes and promote quality of life.

References

  • Ananthakrishnan, A. N. (2015). Epidemiology and risk factors for IBD. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 12(4), 205-217.
  • Lichtiger, S., & Hanauer, S. B. (2017). Crohn's disease: overview and management. Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology, 15(3), 363-387.
  • Ng, S. C., et al. (2017). The global epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 14(10), 585-597.
  • Vigsnaes, L. K., et al. (2016). Microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease. Scand Journal of Gastroenterology, 51(4), 453-460.
  • Guslandi, M., et al. (2014). Crohn's disease: new approaches to treatment. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 20(24), 8040-8054.
  • Ramos, R., et al. (2018). Diagnosis and management of Crohn's disease. BMJ, 363, k4294.
  • Feagan, B. G., et al. (2018). Management of Crohn's disease: a practical approach. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 14(5), 279-289.
  • European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO). (2017). Guidelines on the management of Crohn's disease. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis, 11(2), 155-164.
  • Sairenji, T., et al. (2017). Management of Crohn's disease: A review. Journal of the American Medical Association, 317(16), 1724-1734.
  • Magro, F., et al. (2018). ECCO guidelines on therapeutics in Crohn's disease. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis, 12(3), 244-258.

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