Gastrointestinal System

Jack Ryan is a patient currently in the hospital. He suffers from Ulcerative Colitis and recently has been diagnosed with Colon Cancer.

Inpatient Hospital Room

1. Identify the components of a basic gastrointestinal assessment, including inspection, auscultation, percussion (optional), and palpation of the abdomen.
2. Perform a focused abdominal assessment using the correct sequence (inspection → auscultation → percussion → palpation).
3. Assess for signs and symptoms of GI dysfunction, including bowel patterns, appetite changes, nausea, abdominal pain, and distention.
4. Auscultate bowel sounds in all four quadrants and describe their characteristics (e.g., normal, hypoactive, hyperactive, absent).
5. Palpate the abdomen gently to assess for tenderness, rigidity, or masses.
6. Engage in therapeutic communication to ask relevant subjective questions (e.g., last bowel movement, appetite, discomfort).
7. Document objective and subjective assessment findings accurately using clinical language and proper format.

1. Demonstrate proper technique and sequence for a focused abdominal assessment.
2. Identify and describe bowel sound characteristics in all quadrants.
3. Ask relevant history questions regarding GI symptoms (e.g., nausea, last bowel movement, abdominal pain).
4. Accurately palpate the abdomen and identify any abnormal findings or need for further evaluation.
5. Document findings clearly in narrative or structured charting format, noting both normal and abnormal findings.