12.2: Gastrointestinal Basics
It is important for the nurse to be aware of the underlying structures of the abdomen when completing a gastrointestinal or genitourinary assessment. See Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\) [1] for an illustration of the gastrointestinal system and the bladder. See Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\) [2] for an illustration of the male urinary system. Know the position of the organs within the abdominal cavity as you learn to auscultate, palpate, and percuss the abdomen.
For a detailed overview of the gastrointestinal system, common GI disorders, and related GI medications, visit the “ Gastrointestinal ” chapter of the Open RN Nursing Pharmacology textbook. Specific sections of the chapter include the following:
- GI System Review for additional review of the anatomy of the GI system
- Antidiarrheals and Laxatives for more information about treating diarrhea and constipation
- Antiemetics for more information about treating nausea and vomiting
- Hyperacidity and Acid Controlling Medication for more information about treating acid reflux and gastric ulcers
- “abdomen-intestine-large-small-1698565” by bodymybody is licensed under CC0 ↵
- “ Urinary_System_(Male).png ” by BruceBlaus is licenced under CC BY-SA 4.0 ↵