Week 3: Gastrointestinal System and immunology

Anatomy and Physiology

1. Anatomy and Physiology of the Digestive System Digestive Tract: Overview of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Accessory Organs: Focus on pancreas, liver, and gallbladder functions. 2. Functions of the Stomach and Small Intestines Stomach: Role in food storage, mixing, breakdown, stomach acid function, and pyloric sphincter operation. Small Intestines: Digestion and absorption processes, roles of pancreatic and liver enzymes. 3. Functions of the Liver and Gallbladder Liver: Bile production, metabolism of nutrients and toxins, clotting factor production. Gallbladder: Bile storage, release, and role in lipid digestion. 4. Large Intestine Function Colon: Absorption of water and electrolytes, vitamin production, and feces formation/propulsion. 5. Gastrointestinal Pharmacology Medications: Overview of laxatives, antidiarrheals, antiemetics, antiulcer agents, with nursing care considerations. 6. Complications of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) Risks and Interventions: Infection, fluid overload, glycemic issues, with specific nursing intervention