GI Assessment
What are the four quadrants of the abdomen used in assessment?
RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ
What bowel sound is expected after a patient has abdominal surgery?
Hypoactive or absent initially
How many calories are in 1 gram of protein?
4 calories
What type of diet would be ordered for a patient post-op with nausea?
Clear liquid diet
What is the name of the chart used to classify stool types?
Bristol Stool Chart
What order should the GI assessment be performed in?
Inspect → Auscultate → Percuss → Palpate
Define constipation.
Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week, hard stools, or straining
Which nutrient helps build and repair tissues?
protein
What kind of diet is recommended for a patient with hypertension?
Low sodium / DASH diet
What lab value is most commonly used to assess nutritional status?
Albumin
Hypoactive bowel sounds occur less than how many times per minute?
5
What is the significance of rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant?
Possible appendicitis
What does BMI stand for?
Body Mass Index
Name 2 foods restricted on a renal diet.
Bananas, oranges, potatoes, dairy (high potassium/phosphorus)
What does NPO stand for? and name two reasons it may be ordered.
What does NPO stand for?
pre-op/procedure
aspiration
abdominal pain work-up
Name 2 signs of GI bleeding.
Black tarry stools, vomiting blood (hematemesis), low Hgb/Hct
What are signs and symptoms of a bowel obstruction?
Abdominal pain, distention, vomiting, absent or high-pitched bowel sounds
What vitamin is essential for calcium absorption?
Vitamin D
What kind of diet is typically recommended for diabetic patients?
Low carbohydrate / controlled carbohydrate diet
What is the normal pH range of urine?
4.5–8.0
What position should a patient be in for an abdominal exam?
Supine, knees slightly bent
Name 2 nursing interventions to promote proper bowel elimination.
Increase fluids, encourage ambulation, offer high-fiber diet, privacy during toileting
What is the daily recommended fluid intake for an average adult?
2–3 liters/day (or ~2000–3000 mL)
What is the purpose of a mechanical soft diet?
Makes food easier to chew/swallow for patients with chewing/swallowing difficulties
Name 3 factors that might affect a patient's nutrition choices?
Religion, cultural traditions, socioeconomic status, personal beliefs