Gastrointestinal Tract Overview

The passage from mouth to anus, also called the alimentary canal.

Stores food, secretes digestive juices, churns food, and propels it to the small intestine.

A muscular ring controlling the opening from the stomach to the small intestine.

Digests food and absorbs nutrients into the bloodstream.

Absorbs water, forms feces, and expels waste.

Prevents backflow between small and large intestines.

The process of eliminating waste from the body.

The movement of the intestines that pushes feces forward.

Involuntary muscle controlling the opening of the anus.

Voluntary muscle controlling the opening of the anus.

Bearing down to expel feces.

Vary in quantity, consistency, and odor based on feeding.

Internal and external sphincters develop for voluntary control.

A medical procedure that involves inserting instruments or tools into the body.

A medical procedure that doesn't involve inserting instruments or tools into the body.

Gathering a stool sample for laboratory analysis.

Blood in the stool that is not visible.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy; a procedure visualizing the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Visual examination of the colon.

Type of laxative that absorbs water to increase stool bulk and stimulate movement.

Draws water into the colon to soften and stimulate bowel movements.

Diarrhea lasting 3-4 weeks or more.

Hypotonic enema; softens stool and increases peristalsis.

Isotonic enema; softens stool and increases peristalsis.

Surgical opening from the ileum (small intestine) to the outside.

Surgical opening from the colon to the outside.

Functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood and producing urine.

The process of urination or voiding.

The physical capacity needed for training to properly occur.

Negative changes in regular bowel habits.

Bowel habits can vary based upon age group.

Avoid use of laxatives and enemas, except when needed.

Common issue in older adults due to reduced rectal response to stretching & reduced urge to defecate.

Prolonged retention and hardening of feces.

Encouraging regular bowel habits.

Time/privacy during bowel movements.

High fiber intake and sufficient fluid.

Promotes gastrointestinal health and movement.

Includes normal habits vs. embarrassment, pre-occupation with bowel, and other daily habits.

Changes in stool could indicate disease symptoms.

Irregular stool may indicate malabsorption problems, cancers, GI conditions, medication side effects, or blockages.

Surgery/anesthesia may lead to decreased bowel movement (paralytic ileus).

Pain relievers can cause constipation.

A detailed review of bowel habits (pattern, consistency, aids, changes, pain) and other important information.

Hard, separate lumps, like nuts, difficult to pass.

Watery stool with no solid pieces.

Preparing the patient for tests like barium contrast, which involves dietary and procedural preparation.

Normal urine production but not completely excreted by the bladder.

Very little or no urine production.

Painful urination.

The need to urinate more frequently than normal.

Waking up at night to urinate.

Low urine output.

Abnormally large amounts of dilute urine.

Higher than normal amount of protein in urine.

White blood cells in the urine.

Sudden, strong need to urinate.

Red blood cells in the urine.

Bedwetting, involuntary urination during sleep.

Involuntary leakage of urine.

Urine leakage with physical exertion like coughing or sneezing.

Urine leakage after a sudden urge to urinate.

Inability to fully empty the bladder despite the urge to urinate.

Inability to reach the restroom in time due to physical or cognitive reasons.

A combination of stress and urge incontinence.

Temporary urine leakage due to medical conditions or medications.

Involuntary urine leakage without warning or urge, often large.

Inability to store urine; constant or frequent leakage.

Genetic disorder causing cysts in the kidneys.

Infections of the urinary system.

Solid masses formed in the urinary tract.

Metabolic disorder affecting blood glucose regulation.

High blood pressure affecting the blood vessels.

Metabolic disorder causing joint inflammation.

Kidney function impairment; decreased ability to filter waste from blood.

Sudden loss of kidney function.

Amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination.

Ultrasound to assess the volume of urine in the bladder.

Methods to diagnose kidney and urinary tract conditions, including procedures and considerations.

Radiographic and endoscopic exam of kidneys and ureters using a catheter.

Non-invasive scan of kidney tissue and blood vessels.

Imaging technique using X-rays; NPO required if using contrast.

A catheter placed in the bladder for various purposes, including urine retention or measurement.

Short-term bladder drainage; used after surgery or for bladder control issues.

Thin tube placed in urinary system to relieve blockages.

Surgical procedure diverting urine through a stoma (opening) in the abdominal wall.

Evaluation of a stoma's appearance, size, and surrounding skin.

Device collecting urine from a stoma, requiring frequent changing.

Blood filtration process to remove waste products.

Uses the abdominal lining to filter waste from the blood.

Assessing patient hydration status, often with vital signs and labs.

Fluid loss exceeding intake; can affect kidney, cardiac function.

Intake and output of fluids to maintain homeostasis.

Excess body fluids; requires restricted fluid intake.

Evaluating urine characteristics and volume to detect issues.

IV fluid leaking into surrounding tissues.

Inflammation of the vein caused by the IV.

Leaking of a vesicant solution into surrounding tissues.

Long-term intravenous access placed centrally, typically for extended therapy.

Transfer of blood products to a patient.

Adverse reactions to blood transfusions, requiring immediate intervention.

Medications delivered directly into the bloodstream.

Different methods of administering intravenous solutions, including IVPB and bolus.

Devices for long term venous access.