Abdomen and Gastrointestinal system

what is the alimentary tract

the digestive pathway extending from the mouth to the anus; esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum and anal canal

What is different about assessing the GI system and abdomen compared to other systems

You inspect first and then auscultate

How long do you have to listen to detect no bowel sounds

5 minutes if no sounds are detected first

Gi Tract functions

ingest and digest food, absorb nutrients (water included), excrete waste

Where is bile created

the liver

what does the gallbladder do

store bile

what do the salivary glands do

excrete enzymes and begin chemical breakdown

what does the pancreas do

insulin production, makes enzymes to break down enzymes

what does the spleen do

stores erythrocytes and platelets

What is peristalsis

Peristalsis is a series of wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract, starting from the esophagus to the intestines and anus.

controlled by autonomic nervous system

What are the accessory GI organs

salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen

What is the urinary tract order and what does it do

kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra;

removes water-soluble waste

How long is the alimentary tract (GI)

27 feet (8.2 meters)

what do you want to inspect the abdomen for

skin color, surface characteristics, contour, and surface movements

Purpose of auscultating the abdomen

listen for bowel sounds in all four quadrants

When do you use the diaphragm of the stethoscope when auscultating the abdomen

when listening for bowel sounds

when do you wan to use the bell of the stethoscope when auscultating the abdomen

arterial and Venus vascular sounds

Palpation of the abdomen

check lightly for tenderness, muscle tone, surface characteristics,

check deeply for tenderness, masses, and aortic pulsation

What is GERD

gastroesophageal reflux disease

flow of gastric secretions up into esophagus

what causes GERD

weakened lower esophageal sphincter or increased intraabdominal pressure

symptoms of gerd (also hiatal hernias)

heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia

What is a hiatal hernia

protrusion of stomach through esophageal hiatus of diaphragm into mediastinal cavity

often causes by muscle weakness

who is more at risk for hiatal hernias

pregnancy, obesity, and ascites,

more common in women and older adults

What is peptic ulcer disease

ulcers in lower end of esophagus, stomach or duodenum

feels like burning after eating

What are some chronic inflammatory bowel diseases

Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis

What is Crohn’s disease

may occur from mouth to the anus

Affects terminal ileum and colon

Side effects of Crohn’s disease

severe abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, fever, chills, weakness, anorexia, and weight loss

What is ulcerative colitis and side effects

starts in the rectum and progresses through the large intestine

severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, anemia, weight loss, watery or bloody diarrhea, mucus, and pus

What is diverticulitis

inflammation of diverticula, herniations through the muscular wall in the colon

clinical findings of diverticulitis

cramping in lower left quadrant, nausea and vomiting, altered bowel habits, distended abdomen, and decreased bowel sounds

What is cholecystitis

swelling and inflammation of gallbladder, gallstones

What is pancreatitis

nflammation of the pancreas that causes upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting

What is nephrolithiasis

kidney stones,

formation of hard mineral and salt deposits (calculi) inside the kidneys or urinary tract when urine lacks enough fluid to dilute crystal-forming substances

A client has heartburn and regurgitation, and the provider suspects the stomach is protruding through the diaphragm. What condition is suspected?

Hiatal hernia

A client has inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the GI tract from mouth to anus. Which disorder is this?

Crohn’s disease

A client has inflammatory bowel disease that begins in the rectum and spreads through the large intestine. Which disorder is this?

Ulcerative colitis

A nurse is obtaining a history from a client with abdominal complaints. Which bowel-related information is important to assess?

The client's usual bowel pattern and any changes in bowel habits.