Normal and abnormal findings

Question 1

1. Appetite:

Answer 1

Rationale :
Any changes in appetite or weight? Anorexia (loss of appetite) occurs with gastrointestinal diseases, medications, pregnancy, or psychological disorders. Weight loss may indicate GI cancers.

Normal:
Normal appetite; stable weight.

Abnormal:
Loss of appetite: Gastrointestinal disease, medications, psychological disorders. Unexplained weight loss: Stomach, esophageal, or pancreatic cancers.

Question 2

Dysphagia:

Answer 2

Rationale
Any difficulty swallowing? Dysphagia occurs with throat/esophageal disorders or late-stage esophageal cancer.

Normal
No difficulty swallowing.

Abnormal
Difficulty swallowing: Esophageal cancer, stroke, GERD, or motility disorders.

Question 3

Food Intolerance:

Answer 3

Rationale
Any reactions to specific foods? Lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, or food allergies can cause abdominal symptoms. Antacid use indicates reflux.

Normal
Tolerates all foods; occasional use of antacids.

Abnormal : Bloating/gas after dairy: Lactase deficiency. Pyrosis (heartburn): GERD or reflux. Belching: Hiatal hernia.

Question 4

4. Abdominal Pain:

Answer 4

Describe location, duration, and triggers. Pain can indicate organ inflammation, obstruction, ulcers, or neoplasms.

Normal :
No abdominal pain.

Abnormal: Visceral pain: Internal organ (general, dull). Parietal pain: Peritoneum inflammation (sharp, localized). Referred pain: Pain from another organ. Acute pain: Appendicitis, cholecystitis, or perforation. Chronic pain: Gastric or duodenal ulcers.

Question 5

5. Nausea/Vomiting:

Answer 5

Frequency, color, and triggers? Nausea and vomiting occur with medications, GI diseases, pregnancy, or exposure to pathogens. Hematemesis suggests ulcers or varices.

Normal: No nausea/vomiting.

Abnormal: Nausea: Medications, pregnancy, food poisoning. Hematemesis: Stomach/duodenal ulcers, esophageal varices. Travel-related nausea: Pathogens in water or food.

Question 6

6. Bowel Habits:

Answer 6

Frequency, color, consistency? Changes in bowel habits can indicate GI disorders or colorectal cancer.

Normal : Regular bowel movements. Normal color and consistency.

Abnormal: Black stools: GI bleeding (melena) or iron. Grey stools: Hepatitis. Red blood in stool: GI bleeding, hemorrhoids. Diarrhea/constipation: Colorectal cancer or IBS.

Question 7

7. Past Abdominal History:

Answer 7

Any surgeries or family history? Previous surgeries can cause adhesions, affecting GI function. Family history indicates genetic predispositions (e.g., IBD or familial polyposis).

Normal : No history of GI diseases or surgeries.

abnormal : History of ulcers, gallstones, or hepatitis: Increased risk for recurrence. Adhesions: Post-surgery complications like bowel obstruction. Familial adenomatous polyposis: High risk for colorectal cancer.

Question 8

8. Medications:

Answer 8

Current medications or supplements? NSAIDs, alcohol, and smoking increase the risk of ulcers. Herbal supplements may cause GI upset. Probiotics can affect GI health.

Normal: Medications do not cause GI symptoms.

Abnormal : Frequent NSAID use: Peptic ulcers. Herbal supplements: Nausea, vomiting.

Question 9

9. Alcohol and Tobacco:

Answer 9

Frequency and amount? Alcohol and smoking increase the risk of GI cancers and cirrhosis.

Normal : No or minimal alcohol/tobacco use.

Abnormal : Heavy alcohol use: Liver/pancreatic/esophageal cancers, cirrhosis. Smoking: Risk for esophageal, stomach, or pancreatic cancers.

Question 10

10. Nutritional Assessment:

Answer 10

Describe diet. Inadequate fiber/fluids can lead to constipation. Poor nutrition increases risks for GI diseases.

Normal : Balanced diet with sufficient fiber and fluids.

Abnormal : Low fiber/fluid intake: Constipation. Poor diet: Increased risk of colon cancer or obesity.