GI System: Colorectal Cancer and Ostomy Care

Introduction to the Presentation

• Focus on colorectal cancer and ostomy care within the GI system.
• Importance of active learning: students need to acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes for patient care.
• Emphasis on understanding and application beyond classroom examinations.

Preliminary Reflection

• Exercise: Reflect on pre-existing knowledge, experiences, and knowledge gaps related to the topic.
• Objective: Prepare the mind for learning by identifying these areas.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the prevalence and risk factors of colorectal cancer.
• Learn about the stages of cancer and their impact on prognosis.
• Grasp the importance of screening and prevention strategies.

Overview of Colorectal Cancer

• Prevalence: One of the top five cancers, with over 140,000 diagnoses and 50,000 deaths annually.
• Age Group: Most commonly diagnosed in people aged 65-74.
• Risk Factors: Include smoking, family history, alcohol consumption, diet, inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes, and obesity.

Screening and Prevention

• Early Detection: Only 39% detected early, with a 90% survival rate if treated early.
• Colonoscopy: Key screening tool; recommended starting at age 50 or earlier for high-risk individuals.
• Prevention: Address modifiable risk factors like diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Colonoscopy Procedure

• Preparation: Requires bowel prep; restrictions on diet and clear liquids before the procedure.
• Sedation: Usually performed under light sedation.
• Findings: Removal of polyps can prevent cancer development.

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

• Common Symptoms: Changes in bowel habits, blood in stools, unexplained anemia, weight loss, and fatigue.
• Specific Symptoms: Vary based on tumor location (right-sided lesions vs. left-sided lesions).

Diagnosis and Assessment

• History: Previous illnesses, surgeries, and lifestyle factors.
• Physical Exam: Includes auscultation, palpation, and stool inspection.
• Laboratory Tests: CBC, liver function tests, and tumor markers (CEA).

Treatment Options

• Surgery: Primary treatment involving tumor removal.
• Therapies: Chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Nursing Considerations

• Pre/Post-operative Care: Involves dietary restrictions, pain management, and monitoring for complications.
• Psychosocial Support: Emotional support, addressing fears and lifestyle changes.

Ostomy Care and Management

• Stoma Care: Importance of monitoring stoma condition.
• Patient Education: Instruct on appliance change, diet, and managing fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Psychosocial Impact: Body image, lifestyle changes, and emotional support.

Types of Ostomies

• Ileostomy vs. Colostomy: Differences in stool consistency and risk of imbalances based on stoma location.

Conclusion

• Reiteration of Learning Objectives: Revise and test knowledge.
• Further Resources: Textbooks, videos, and tutoring for deeper understanding.

Final Reflection

• Exercise: Review the content learned, address any knowledge gaps, and reinforce learning.