Gastroenterology & Hepatology — Flashcards

Flashcard 541: Blood tests will often show _____ in C. diff infection

Answer: raised WCC

Flashcard 542: Initial investigation for acute pancreatitis: _____

Answer: Serum amylase and lipase

Extra: Lipase is more specific than amylase and remains elevated longer. Routine CT scan is NOT required for diagnosis if clinical and biochemical criteria are met.

Flashcard 543: Surgical management for hiatus hernia is only indicated in _____ hiatus hernia

Answer: symptomatic paraesophageal

Flashcard 544: What is the mainstay management of pancreatitis? _____

Answer: Fluid resuscitation & analgesia (IV opioids)

Flashcard 545: Management for hiatus hernia? Advice = _____ Medical = PPI if symptomatic

Answer: Weight loss

Flashcard 546: What is the general management approach for mechanical large bowel obstruction?

Answer: Surgical intervention (usually required for mechanical causes)

Extra: Initial management includes NPO, IV fluids, and NG decompression ('drip and suction'). However, unlike small bowel obstruction (SBO), most mechanical LBOs (e.g., malignancy, volvulus) require surgical or endoscopic intervention because the risk of perforation is high (especially if the ileocecal valve is competent). *Note: Functional obstruction (Ogilvie Syndrome) is managed conservatively initially.*

Flashcard 547: Serum amylase is typically x_____ times the upper limit of normal in acute pancreatitis

Answer: 3

Flashcard 548: Small bowel obstruction is managed with IV fluid resuscitation for _____

Answer: hydration

Flashcard 549: Hiatus hernia are often found incidentally during an _____

Answer: endoscopy

Flashcard 550: What is the definitive investigation for small bowel obstruction? _____

Answer: CT scan