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12.2: Gastrointestinal Basics

Last updated

Apr 6, 2022
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- 12.1: Abdominal Assessment Introduction
- 12.3: Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Assessment

Ernstmeyer & Christman (Eds.)
Chippewa Valley Technical College via OpenRN

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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.

Illustration of abdomen anatomy, with labels — Figure $\PageIndex{1}$ : Gastrointestinal System

Illustration of Male Urinary System, with labels — Figure $\PageIndex{2}$ : Male Urinary System

Note

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↵

Note

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