Assessment Basics
What are the two priority nursing concepts emphasized in GI assessment?
Nutrition and Elimination.
Which assessment technique should always be performed before palpation of the abdomen?
Auscultation.
Which diagnostic test directly visualizes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum?
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
Normal aging causes a decrease in what GI function that contributes to constipation?
Peristalsis.
Following abdominal surgery, what finding indicates that bowel function is returning?
Passing flatus.
When assessing abdominal pain, nurses commonly use what assessment mnemonic?
PQRST.
During abdominal assessment, which four abdominal quadrants are inspected?
RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ.
Which procedure combines endoscopy with fluoroscopy to evaluate the biliary and pancreatic ducts?
ERCP.
A decrease in the number and size of which organ's cells occurs with aging?
The liver.
A patient reports taking ibuprofen daily for arthritis. What GI complication should the nurse recognize?
Peptic ulcer disease and GI bleeding.
Besides nutrition, what important health history should always be assessed because many GI disorders have hereditary patterns?
Family history and genetic risk.
Which abdominal assessment technique is generally performed by the health care provider rather than the bedside nurse?
Percussion.
Which test allows visualization of the colon using a camera attached to a flexible scope?
Colonoscopy.
Age-related atrophy of what stomach tissue contributes to decreased digestive function?
Gastric mucosa.
Why should nurses closely monitor older adults receiving GI medications?
Because toxic drug levels may develop more easily.
Why should nurses ask patients about recent stressful life events during a GI assessment?
Stress can worsen or contribute to GI disorders and symptoms.
Why is palpation performed after auscultation?
Palpation can stimulate bowel sounds and alter assessment findings.
Which diagnostic procedure involves swallowing a small camera that photographs the small intestine?
Capsule endoscopy.
What age-related pancreatic change may contribute to decreased digestive efficiency?
Distention and dilation of the pancreatic ducts.
A patient is embarrassed discussing bowel habits. What is the nurse's best response?
Use therapeutic communication, provide privacy, and ask nonjudgmental questions.
List the four components of a comprehensive GI assessment.
Health history, physical assessment, psychosocial assessment, and diagnostic studies.
Place the abdominal assessment techniques in the correct order.
Inspection → Auscultation → Palpation → Percussion
Name three diagnostic studies commonly used to evaluate GI disorders.
Any three: CT, MRI, EGD, ERCP, Colonoscopy, Sigmoidoscopy, Ultrasound, Capsule endoscopy, Liver-spleen scan
Name four normal age-related GI changes.
Any four: Gastric mucosal atrophy, Decreased peristalsis, Dulled nerve impulses, Pancreatic duct dilation, Fewer hepatic cells, Altered gut microbiome
A postoperative patient reports abdominal distention, nausea, and has not passed flatus. What complication should the nurse suspect first?
Postoperative ileus (decreased return of peristalsis).