GI System Cheat Sheet

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary and concepts related to the gastrointestinal system, its anatomy, functions, assessment methods, aging changes, nursing considerations, and diagnostic tests.

Functions of the GI System

Secretion, Digestion, Absorption, Motility, Elimination.

Mouth

The organ involved in chewing (mastication) and saliva production.

Esophagus

Transports food via peristalsis.

Stomach

Contains acid and intrinsic factor (B12) for digestion.

Small Intestine

Divided into Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum; responsible for absorption.

Large Intestine

Responsible for water absorption and stool formation.

Rectum

Stores stool until elimination.

Accessory Organs

Liver (bile, detox), Gallbladder (stores bile), Pancreas (enzymes + insulin/glucagon).

Borborygmus

The rumbling noise produced by the movement of gas in the intestines.

Flatulence

Gas expelled from the digestive system.

Steatorrhea

A condition characterized by fatty stool.

Dyspepsia

Also known as heartburn, it refers to difficult digestion.

Hematochezia

Bright red blood in stool.

Melena

Black, tarry stool indicating internal bleeding.

Jaundice

A condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Assessment Order

1. Inspection 2. Auscultation 3. Percussion 4. Palpation.

Normal bowel sounds

5-30 sounds per minute.

Hypoactive bowel sounds

Indicate constipation or ileus.

Hyperactive bowel sounds

Indicate diarrhea.

Absent bowel sounds

Indicate potential obstruction (EMERGENCY).

Cullen’s sign

A sign of internal bleeding.

Aging Changes in GI System

Includes decreased gastric acid, peristalsis, liver metabolism, enzyme production, B12 and iron absorption.

Nursing Care for Aging

Increase fiber, fluids, exercise, monitor nutrition, and prevent constipation.

Diagnostic Tests: Blood

CBC, AST/ALT, Bilirubin, Amylase/Lipase, PT, Albumin.

Diagnostic Tests: Stool

gFOBT, FIT, DNA test.

Imaging Tests

X-ray (obstruction), CT, Ultrasound.

Procedures

EGD (upper GI), Colonoscopy (colon), Sigmoidoscopy (rectum), ERCP (biliary ducts), Capsule endoscopy (small intestine).

Nursing Considerations

NPO for 6-8 hours before endoscopy, bowel prep before colonoscopy, check consent, monitor for bleeding/perforation, check gag reflex post-EGD.

Screening Recommendation

Colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 45.

Key orders in GI examination

Inspect → Auscultate → Percuss → Palpate.

Melena vs Hematochezia

Melena (black stool) indicates upper GI bleeding; Hematochezia (bright red blood) indicates lower GI bleeding.

Colonoscopy prep

Requires bowel prep and NPO.