GI ANATOMY & ASSESSMENT
This quadrant contains the liver, gallbladder, and part of the small intestine.
What is the Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)?
The most common symptom of GERD.
What is heartburn (pyrosis)?
Diverticulosis refers to the presence of these without inflammation.
What are diverticula?
The most common cause of non‑erosive gastritis.
What is H. pylori infection?
IBS is a disorder of this body system.
What is the GI motility/functional system?
Pain that becomes worse when pressure is released from the abdomen.
What is rebound tenderness?
This lifestyle change AND nursing teaching point helps reduce nighttime reflux symptoms.
What is elevating the head of the bed?
The most common location of diverticulitis pain.
What is the Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)?
This type of ulcer causes pain immediately after eating.
What is a gastric ulcer?
This medication is used for IBS‑C.
What is lubiprostone?
This is the first question you should ask when a patient reports abdominal pain.
What is “Where is the pain located?”
A hiatal hernia occurs when this part of the stomach moves upward through the diaphragm.
What is the upper stomach (fundus)?
During acute diverticulitis, the recommended diet is:
What is a clear liquid diet?
This type of ulcer causes pain 2–3 hours after meals or at night.
What is a duodenal ulcer?
Pain from appendicitis typically begins here before moving to the RLQ.
What is the periumbilical area?
A rigid, board‑like abdomen is a red flag for this life‑threatening condition.
What is peritonitis?
These medications reduce stomach acid and are commonly prescribed for GERD.
What are PPIs (proton pump inhibitors)?
This imaging test is the gold standard for diagnosing diverticulitis.
What is a CT scan with contrast?
A patient with PUD suddenly develops severe abdominal pain, rigid abdomen, and absent bowel sounds. This indicates:
What is perforation?
Sudden relief of RLQ pain in appendicitis may indicate this dangerous complication.
What is rupture/perforation?
This abdominal region contains the appendix.
What is the Right Iliac (Right Lower Quadrant)?
Name two risk factors for hiatal hernia.
What are age >50, obesity, chronic coughing, or straining?
Two major complications of diverticulitis.
What are perforation, abscess, fistula, or peritonitis?
What is perforation?
What are NPO, IV fluids, monitor I&O, avoid NSAIDs, assess for bleeding, reduce anxiety, avoid caffeine/alcohol?
Name two physical exam signs associated with appendicitis.
What are Rovsing’s sign, Psoas sign, Obturator sign, or rebound tenderness?