NURSING 1 Exam 2 Study Guide

 AssessmentoooNURSING 1 Exam 2 Study Guide of GI Obtain a nursing history  Determine what is normal for your client  Use language that makes the client comfortable  Ask about medications that are used (constipation could be caused by these) Perform a physical examination focused on elimination  Exam the abdomen, rectum and anus  Observe the size, shape, and contour of the abdomen, and listen to bowel Reviewsounds Palpate the anus and rectum for the presence of stool or masses When auscultating for bowel sounds:  Normal bowel sounds: high bitched and more frequent than normal  Hypoactive bowel sounds: low pitched, infrequent, and quiet  Absent bowel sounds: after listening for 3 to 5 minutes you hear noth- ing. Ask questions such as:  Normal bowel pattern  Appearance of stool  Changes in bowel habits or stool appearance  History of elimination problems  Use of elimination aids diagnostic and labatory data Screen for colorectal cancer, to diagnose diverticulosis Abdominal flat plate Anterior to posterior x-ray view of the abdomen used to detect gallstones, fecal impaction, and distended bowel Nurse should prepare the patient for the test, function as an assistant, and pro- vide aftercare Position the patient , monitor the tolerance for procedure, provide pain medica- tion or sedation For the lab studied the client must void first and then defecate into a clean, dry bedpan, bedside commode, or a special container placed under the toilet seat. GERD: reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus Risk Factors: pregnancy, obesity, sleep apnea, NG tubes, meds anticholinergics, betablockers, bronchodilators, alcohol and smoking