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?
Hypoactive bowel sounds occur less than how many times per minute
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