GI Assessment and Diagnostics

Question 1

Inspect

Answer 1

• Changes in skin
• Bruising (liver issues)
• Aortic Abdominal Aneurysms
• Cullen’s sign ( internal bleeding; bruising in umbilical region)

Question 2

Auscultate

Answer 2

No bowel sounds for 5 mins in order to Document bowel sounds are not present

Question 3

Percuss & Palpate

Answer 3

• Palpate for abscess
• Rebound Tenderness (pressure on point and pain after relieving pressure)

Question 4

Labs to Review

Answer 4

• CBC: infection and H&H
• CMP: electrolyte imbalances
• PT & PTT (liver issues lead to clotting issues)
• Amylase and Lipase
• Stool samples (bacterial & occult blood tests)
• ALT, AST, & Bili
• Urea Breath Test (H.Pylori)

Question 5

Imaging

Answer 5

• X-ray
• CT scans
• Ultrasound (liver, pancreas, & gallbladder)
• EGD
• Sigmoidoscopy & colonoscopy
• Barium Studies (all of GI tract)

Question 6

Barium Studies Ctd.

Answer 6

• All of GI tract
• NPO diet to clear out bowel
• Flush out fluids (if not barium will cause constipation)
• Patient should expect white chalky stools after