GI Assessment
This assessment finding in a patient with upper GI bleeding suggests hypovolemic shock.
What is tachycardia and hypotension?
This neurologic complication of cirrhosis results from elevated ammonia levels.
What is hepatic encephalopathy?
This assessment finding is commonly associated with acute cholecystitis.
What is right upper quadrant pain?
This intervention is priority for a patient with bowel obstruction and persistent vomiting.
What is NG tube decompression?
This laboratory protein level is commonly decreased in severe liver disease and malnutrition.
What is albumin?
This abdominal assessment finding indicates possible peritonitis and requires immediate provider notification.
What is abdominal rigidity/guarding?
This medication is commonly administered to decrease ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy.
What is lactulose?
This diagnostic test is commonly the first-line imaging study for gallbladder disease.
What is an abdominal ultrasound?
This complication is suspected when appendicitis pain suddenly decreases followed by worsening signs of sepsis.
What is appendiceal rupture/perforation?
This nursing intervention helps reduce aspiration risk in a patient receiving enteral tube feedings.
What is elevating the head of the bed?
This bowel sound pattern is commonly associated with paralytic ileus.
What are hypoactive or absent bowel sounds?
This assessment finding is an early indicator of worsening hepatic encephalopathy.
What is confusion or an altered mental status?
This sign occurs when the patient abruptly stops inhaling because of RUQ pain during palpation.
What is Murphy’s sign?
This stool characteristic is commonly associated with upper GI bleeding.
What is melena?
This is the priority nursing assessment for a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
What is blood glucose monitoring?
This laboratory value is most important to monitor in a patient with severe diarrhea and NG suction.
What is potassium?
This life-threatening complication of portal hypertension involves dilated veins in the esophagus.
What are esophageal varices?
These pancreatic enzymes are elevated in acute pancreatitis.
What are amylase and lipase?
This acid-base imbalance is most concerning in a patient with prolonged vomiting.
What is metabolic alkalosis?
This dietary modification is commonly prescribed for patients with cholecystitis.
What is a low-fat diet?
This physical assessment finding is commonly seen in portal hypertension and liver failure.
What is ascites?
This coagulation test is especially important in severe liver disease because the liver synthesizes clotting factors.
What is PT/INR?
This nursing intervention is priority for a patient with acute pancreatitis.
What is maintaining NPO status?
A patient with bowel obstruction develops fever, leukocytosis, severe abdominal pain, and rigid abdomen. This complication is suspected.
What is bowel perforation with sepsis?
This daily assessment best evaluates fluid retention in patients with cirrhosis and ascites.
What is daily weight monitoring?