Nursing the Gastrointestinal Patient Flashcards
How would you support a dysphagia patient?
Keep feeding times calm and stress-free
Changing food consistency
Elevated feeding may be appropriate
Observe for signs of aspiration pneumonia
Gastric feeding tube care
- placed 10-12 hrs prior to use
- minimum use of 7-10 days
- clean site daily
- check for infections/leakage etc
How would you support a regurgitation patient?
Elevated feeding
Changing food consistency, soft foods
Small meals often
Calorie dense foods
No exercise before or after feeding
Monitor for aspiration pneumonia
Gastric/ feeding tube care
How would you support a vomiting patient?
Assisted feeding
Prolonged food withholding – total parental nutrition
Monitor signs of nausea and provide anti-emetics
Record frequency, type and volume of vomitus
Fluid therapy; if oral fluids, small and often
Monitor vital signs and hydration status
Keep patient and kennel clean and dry
Handle abdomen gently
Barrier nursing where infectious disease is suspected
How would you support a diarrhoea patient?
Provide low fat, highly digestible diet
Barrier nursing where infectious disease is suspected
Record frequency, type and volume of diarrhoea
Fluid therapy – replacement per episode
Accurate medication
(Probiotics)
Monitor vital signs and hydration status
Keep patient and kennel clean and dry
Monitor for skin scalding
How would you support a constipated patient?
Assess hydration status and provide fluid therapy where required
Feed stool softening agents/laxatives
Enema
Manual evacuation
Ensure appropriate litter used
How would you support a patient with pancreatitis?
IVFT
Monitor pain levels and provide analgesia
Monitor vomiting and nausea levels and provide anti emetics
Assisted feeding with highly digestible, low-fat diet
Provide accurate medication
Monitor vital signs and hydration
Keep patient and kennel clean and dry
How would you support a patient with liver disease?
Barrier nursing where infectious disease is suspected
Provide accurate medication
Feed on liver support diet, high calorie, novel protein source; vitamin B supplements (plus vit E & K)
Assisted feeding for anorexic patients
Monitor vital signs, jaundice levels, seizures etc
Reduce stress and provide cage rest
Handle abdomen carefully
