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Chapter 8

An Overview of the Gastrointestinal System: Anatomy, Physiology, and Assessment

Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal System
Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal System
The human digestive system is a complex network that breaks down food for energy. It begins in the oral cavity, which comprises the lips, cheeks, teeth, ...
Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System I: Ingestion and Propulsion
Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System I: Ingestion and Propulsion
The physiology of the gastrointestinal system starts with ingestion as food enters the mouth. Mechanical digestion begins with mastication, involving both ...
Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System II: Digestion and Absorption
Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System II: Digestion and Absorption
The gastrointestinal tract extends from the mouth to the anus, facilitating both mechanical and chemical digestion. Digestion starts by chewing food in ...
Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System III: Elimination
Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System III: Elimination
Elimination begins with digestion, where food is broken down for absorption, and indigestible parts are expelled. The last stage of digestion occurs in ...
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data
Assessing the gastrointestinal or GI system involves gathering subjective data through patient interviews, including health history, family history, and ...
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Assessing the gastrointestinal or GI system begins with gathering subjective data through patient interviews, providing vital insights into health ...
Assessment of the Mouth
Assessment of the Mouth
The oral cavity assessment starts with the lips, checking for symmetry, moisture, color, and overall appearance. Healthy lips are usually pink, smooth, ...
Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation
Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation
To assess the gastrointestinal system, explain the procedure to the patient and obtain consent. Position the patient on their back with knees bent to ...
Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion
Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion
Examining the abdomen involves percussion, a vital technique for detecting the presence of air-filled, fluid-filled, or solid masses and assessing the ...
Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation
Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation
Examining the abdomen involves palpation, a technique to assess abdominal organs for tenderness, distention, masses, or fluid. Palpation is performed by ...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectum and anus assessments are performed through inspection and palpation techniques. Ensure proper lighting and have water-soluble lubrication, gloves, ...
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