GI assessment

Question 1

Indicators of GI involvement

Answer 1

-pain
-vomiting
-fever
-diarrhoea
-constipation
-hematemesis- blood in vomit
-melaena- dark black stools
-weight loss/ change

Question 2

Risk factors for GI complaint

Answer 2

-alcohol
-smoking
-medications (aspirin, anticoagulants)
-sexual Hx
-self neglect
-GI/ GU (genital/ urinary) / gynae Hx
-appendectomy
-overseas travel

Question 3

Non GI conditions that present with GI symptoms

Answer 3

Genitourinary- UTI, renal colic, kidney injury, nephritis
Reproductive- ectopic pregnancy, polycystic ovaries
Cardiovascular- ACS, low PE
Endocrine- hormonal imbalance, diabetes, thyroid issues
Neurological- MS, parkinsons
Psychological- anxiety, stress

Question 4

Chronic GI conditions

Answer 4

-irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
-inflammatory bowel syndromes eg. crohn’s disease
-gastric and duodenal ulcers
-intra-abdominal malignancy

Question 5

Acute GI conditions

Answer 5

-appendicitis
-cholecystitis
-intestinal obstruction
-gastritis
perforated peptic ulcer
-pancreatitis
-ruptured AAA
-ischaemic bowel
-peritonitis
-haemorrhage

Question 6

9 regions abdo

Answer 6

-R hypochondriac
-epigastric
-L hypochondriac
-R lumbar
-umbilical
-L lumbar
-R iliac
-hypogastric/ suprapubic
L iliac

Question 7

Physical assessment

Answer 7

-lie patient flat
Inspection:
-scars, distension, symmetrical, pulsating mass, hernias, stomas, striae (stretch mark), bruising
Auscultation:
-listen to 4 quadrants
-absent bowel sounds, hypo/hyper active bowel sounds, bruits
Percuss
-hyper/hypo resonance, organ enlargement, air, mass, fluid
Palpation
-start light then deep
-ascertain pain/ tenderness
-guarding- reflex contraction of abdo
-rigidity, masses (don’t palpate if pulsatile), enlarged organs