At the end of the course, given scenarios/situations, the student should be able to: a1. Describe the structures and functions of the organs involved in the process of digestion.
b1. Discriminate between normal and abnormal assessment findings.
b2. Identify the risk factors in the development of gastrointestinal disorders.
b3. Identify the nursing implications of various procedures used for diagnostic evaluation of gastrointestinal function.
b4. Describe the nursing management of clients with gastrointestinal disorders.
c1. Use the nursing process as a framework for care of client’s gastrointestinal disorders.
Unit I. Review of the Anatomy and Physiology of the Digestive System A. Gastrointestinal Tract of Alimentary Canal 1. Mouth 2. Esophagus 3. Stomach 4. Small Intestine 5. Large Intestine 6. Rectum 7. Anus B. Accessory Organs / Glands that Aids in Digestion 1. Salivary Glands 2. Liver 3. Gallbladder 4. Bile Duct 5. Pancreas 6. Pancreatic Duct C. Process of Digestion Unit II. Application of Nursing Process in the Care of Clients with Digestive Disorder / Disturbance A. Assessment of the Digestive System 1. Age Related Changes of Digestive System – Mouth – Esophagus – Stomach – Intestines – Liver and Gallbladder – Pancreas 2. Health History 3. Signs and Symptoms – Abdominal Pain – Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation – Heartburn, flatulence, belching, difficulty in swallowing – Hematemesis, blood or mucus in stools B. Physical Assessment of Digestive Tract 1. Assessment and Deviation from Normal – Inspection of Abdomen – Observe Abdominal Movements – Auscultation of Abdomen – Palpation of Abdomen 2. Diagnostic Evaluation / Test a. Fecal Analysis – Guiac Stool Exam – Stool for Ova and Parasite – Stool culture – Stool for lipids b. Gastric Analysis c. Shilling Test d. Romberg’s Test e. Berntein Test (Acid Perfusion Test) f. Radiographic Test – UGIS / LGIS – Gastroscopy – Endoscopy – Ultasonography – Scout Film – Computed Tomography 3. Pharmacologic Management a. Antacid b. Antispasmodic c. H2 Blocker d. Anticholinergic e. Cytoprotective Agent f. Anti-inflammatory g. Antimicrobials h. Antidiarrheals i. Antiemetics j. IVF Hydration k. Iron Supplements l. Total Parenteral Nutrition 4. Surgical Interventions a. Gastrectomy b. Vagotomy c. Appendectomy d. Colonic Surgery e. Proctocolectomy/ Ileostomy / Colostomy 5. Common GIT Interventions a. NGT (lavage/gavage) b. Gastrostomy/ Jejunostomy Feeding c. Enema d. Colonic Irrigations
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