Test #5

Question 1

When assessing the GI tract, what do you need to ask for pertaining to nutrition?

Answer 1

o	Anorexia (loss of appetite for food) can occur with GI disease. 
o	Assess changes in taste and any difficulty or pain with swallowing (dysphagia) that could be associated with esophageal disorders.
o	Ask if abdominal pain or discomfort occurs with eating and whether the patient has experienced any nausea, vomiting, or dyspepsia (indigestion or heartburn).
o	Inquire about any unintentional weight loss, because some cancers of the GI tract may present in this manner.
o	Assess for alcohol and caffeine consumption, because both substances are associated with many GI disorders, such as gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.