Module 4 Flashcards
what are the functions of the gi tract
secretion, digestion, absorption, motility, and elimination
Function of the oral cavity
mastication, secreting saliva and enzymes, swallowign
primary function of the esophagus
move food and fluids from the pharynx to the stomach
Upper esophageal sphincter function
UES opens and closes to prevent movement of air into the esophagus during respiration
what is the function of lower esophageal sphincter
prevent reflux of gastric acid
smooth muscles that line the stomach are responsible for
gastric motility
What is dysphagia?
difficulty swallowing
What is dyspepsia
heartburn (acid reflux)
Why should we ask our patients if they have experienced weight loss in our assessment of the gi system
some gi cancers can cause weight loss
What order do we perform an abdominal assessment
inspection, auscultation, light palpation
Questions to ask during GI history and assessment
last bowel movement, diet recall, pain w/eating, nauseated? diarrhea? constipation? vomiting? , dyspepsia, alcohol consumption, caffeine assumption
If appendicitis is suspected, do we perform palpation?
no
Do we auscultate or palpate any abdominal mass?
no ; this can be a life-threatening aneurysm
What order do we inspect the abdomen
RUQ, LUQ, LLQ, RLQ
areas of pain are assessed first or last during assessment?
last
If peristaltic waves are noticed in our patient, what can this indicate? What do we do?
may indicate intestinal obstruction. notify the provider
what do normal bowel sounds sound like
high-pitched, irregular gurgles
what does borborygmus sound like?
increased high-pitched sounds, very loud and gurgling noises
when is borborygmus usually noted
when pt is experiencing diarrhea, gastroenteritis, over a complete intestinal obstruction
When may bowel sounds be diminished or absent
after surgery, peritonitis, paralytic ileus
What order do we auscultate bowel sounds
RLQ, RUQ, LUQ, LLQ
During auscultation, if we hear a bruit (swooshing noise), this can indicate
presence of an aneurysm
If a bruit is heard during auscultation, what should we do?
notify provider immediately
Rigidity, felt during light palpation, may indicate
peritoneal inflammation