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Assessment of Digestive and Gi Function

The document describes the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) and its organs, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. It then differentiates between normal and abnormal findings from inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation (IPPA) of the GI system, such as dry lips or masses being abnormal findings. Major symptoms of GI dysfunction are listed as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, nausea, vomiting, and gas/flatulence. Diagnostic tests for evaluating GI function are identified as laboratory tests, imaging, and endoscopy, with nursing implications including education, pre/post test instructions, and assessing hydration and

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Emi Espino
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82 views

Assessment of Digestive and Gi Function

The document describes the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) and its organs, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. It then differentiates between normal and abnormal findings from inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation (IPPA) of the GI system, such as dry lips or masses being abnormal findings. Major symptoms of GI dysfunction are listed as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, nausea, vomiting, and gas/flatulence. Diagnostic tests for evaluating GI function are identified as laboratory tests, imaging, and endoscopy, with nursing implications including education, pre/post test instructions, and assessing hydration and

Uploaded by

Emi Espino
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Espino, Emilyn E.

January 24, 2021


BSN-III NS 116 LEC

ASSESSMENT OF DIGESTIVE AND GI FUNCTION

1. Describe the structure and function of the organs of the GIT.


The GI tract is a pathway 7 to 7.9 meters (23 to 26 feet) in length that extends
from the mouth to the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine,
rectum and anus.
Mouth- The mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract. Digestion starts
before taking a bite. The salivary glands get active as you see and smell a food.
After you start eating, you chew your food into pieces that are more easily
digested. Your saliva mixes with the food to begin to break it down into a form
your body can absorb and use. When you swallow, your tongue passes the food
into your throat and into your esophagus.
Esophagus- Located in the mediastinum, anterior to the spine and posterior to
the trachea and heart. This hollow muscular tube, which is approximately 25
cm in length passes through the diaphragm at an opening called the
diaphragmatic hiatus.
Stomach- The stomach is a hollow organ, or "container," that holds food while
it is being mixed with stomach enzymes. These enzymes continue the process
of breaking down food into a usable form. Cells in the lining of the stomach
secrete a strong acid and powerful enzymes that are responsible for the
breakdown process. When the contents of the stomach are processed enough,
they are released into the small intestine.
Small Intestine- Made up of three segments: the duodenum, jejunum, and
ileum, the small intestine is a 22-foot long muscular tube that breaks down
food using enzymes released by the pancreas and bile from the liver. Peristalsis
also works in this organ, moving food through and mixing it with digestive
juices from the pancreas and liver.
Colon (large intestine)- The large intestine, or colon, is responsible for
processing waste so that emptying the bowels is easy and convenient. It is a 6-
foot long muscular tube that connects the small intestine to the rectum. It is
made up of the cecum, the ascending (right) colon, the transverse (across)
colon, the descending (left) colon, and the sigmoid colon, which connects to the
rectum.
Rectum- The rectum is a straight, 8-inch chamber that connects the colon to
the anus. Its job is to receive stool from the colon, let you know that there is
stool to be evacuated and to hold the stool until evacuation happens. When
Espino, Emilyn E. January 24, 2021
BSN-III NS 116 LEC
anything (gas or stool) comes into the rectum, sensors send a message to the
brain. The brain then decides if the rectal contents can be released or not.
Anus- The anus is the last part of the digestive tract. It is a 2-inch long canal
consisting of the pelvic floor muscles and the two anal sphincters (internal and
external). The lining of the upper anus is able to detect rectal contents. It lets
you know whether the contents are liquid, gas or solid.
2. Differentiate between normal and abnormal assessment findings
identified by IPPA of the GI system.
Normal IPPA assessment finding of the GI system includes lips are moist, pink,
smooth and symmetric, there should be no lesions. Gums should be no
inflammation, bleeding, retraction and discoloration. Abdomen should be no
skin changes, nodules, lesions scarring and discoloration. Normal findings
include tympany over the empty stomach, tympany or hyper-resonance over
the intestine, and dullness over the liver and spleen. Abnormal IPPA
assessment finding of the GI system includes dry or chapped lips, asymmetric
has sores and lesions. Gums have inflammation, bleeding, retraction and
discoloration. In abdomen, abnormal areas of dullness may indicate an
underlying mass. Solid masses, enlarged organs, and a distended bladder also
produce areas of dullness.

3. Recognize and evaluate the major symptoms of GI dysfunction by


applying concepts from the patient's health history and physical
assessment findings.
Major symptoms of GI dysfunction include abdominal pain, dyspepsia, upper
discomfort associated with eating, intestinal gas, may result in belching or
flatulence, nausea and vomiting, uncomfortable sensation of sickness and
queasiness that may or may not be followed by vomiting and change in bowel
habits and stool characteristics, may signal colonic dysfunction.

4. Identify diagnostic tests used to evaluate the GIT function and related
nursing implications.
Diagnostic tests include serum laboratory studies, stool tests, breath tests,
abdominal ultrasonography, genetic testing, imaging studies, endoscopic
procedures, manometry and electrophysiologic studies, gastric analysis and
laparoscopy.
Espino, Emilyn E. January 24, 2021
BSN-III NS 116 LEC
Nursing implications include providing information about the test and the
activities required of the patient, providing instructions about postoperative
care and activity restrictions, helping patient to cope up with discomfort and
anxiety, assessing hydration before, during and after the procedure and
providing education about adequate hydration.

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