Gastrointestinal assessment evaluates digestive function, identifies abnormalities, and guides interventions for nutrition and elimination through systematic history and examination. Components: inspection (abdomen shape, scars, visible peristalsis); auscultation (bowel sounds in all quadrants); percussion (tympany, dullness); palpation (tenderness, masses, organomegaly); and assessment of oral cavity, appetite, swallowing, nausea/vomiting, bowel habits. Nurses also assess: nutritional intake; weight changes; and symptoms (pain, reflux, diarrhea, constipation). Documentation includes specific findings and patient reports. Special assessments: stoma assessment if present; swallowing evaluation. GI assessment detects: obstruction, inflammation, bleeding, malnutrition. Regular monitoring guides: diet modifications; medication administration; and referral to specialists. Nurses educate about healthy digestion and prevention of complications. This assessment is crucial with GI diseases, post-operative care, nutritional issues, or medication side effects affecting GI system.

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Zambia

• ivwananji siwale – 29 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies