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Assessment of Digestive and Gastrointestinal Function. Functions of the Digestive Tract. Breakdown of food for digestion Absorption of nutrients produced by digestion into the bloodstream Elimination of undigested foodstuffs and other waste products. Terms.
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Functions of the Digestive Tract • Breakdown of food for digestion • Absorption of nutrients produced by digestion into the bloodstream • Elimination of undigested foodstuffs and other waste products
Terms • Digestion: phase of the digestive process that occurs when enzymes mix with ingested food and when proteins, fats, and sugars are broken down into their component molecules. • Absorption: phase of the digestive process that occurs when small molecules, vitamins, and minerals pass through the walls of the small and large intestine and into the bloodstream. • Elimination: phase of the digestive process that occurs after digestion and absorption, when waste products are eliminated from the body.
Major Enzymes and Secretions • Mouth: saliva, salivary amylase • Stomach: hydrochloric acid, pepsin, intrinsic factor • Small intestine: amylase, lipase, trypsin, bile
Assessment- History • Include all information related to GI function • Abdominal pain, dyspepsia, gas, nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, fecal continence, change in bowel patterns, characteristics of stool, jaundice, history of GI surgery or problems, appetite and eating patterns, teeth, and nutritional assessment including weight patterns • Psychosocial, spiritual, and cultural factors • Assess knowledge; need for patient education
Diagnostic Tests • Stool specimens • Breath tests • Abdominal ultrasound • Imaging studies: CT, PET(Positron emission tomography) , MRI • Upper GI tract study • Lower GI tract study • GI motility studies • Endoscopic procedures • Other
