12.3 Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Assessment
12.3 Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Assessment
Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN)
The gastrointestinal (GI) system is responsible for the ingestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. Additionally, the GI and genitourinary (GU) systems are responsible for the elimination of waste products.[1] Therefore, during assessment of these systems, the nurse collects subjective and objective data regarding the underlying structures of the abdomen, as well as the normal functioning of the GI and GU systems.
Subjective Assessment
A focused gastrointestinal and genitourinary subjective assessment collects data about the signs and symptoms of GI and GU diseases, including any digestive or nutritional issues, relevant medical or family history of GI and GU disease, and any current treatment for related issues.[2] Table 12.3a outlines interview questions used to explore medical and surgical history, symptoms related to the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems, and associated medications. Information gained from the interview process is used to tailor the subsequent physical assessment and create a plan for patient care and education.[3]
Table 12.3a Interview Questions for Subjective Assessment of GI and GU Systems
| Interview Questions | Follow-up |
|---|---|
| Have you ever been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal (GI), kidney, or bladder condition? |
Please describe the conditions and treatments. |
| Have you ever had abdominal surgery? | Please describe the surgery and if you experienced any complications. |
| Are you currently taking any medications, herbs, or supplements? | Please describe. |
| Do you have any abdominal pain? | Are there any associated symptoms with the pain such as fever, nausea, vomiting, or change in bowel pattern?
When did the pain start to occur? (Onset) Where is the pain? (Location) When it occurs, how long does the pain last? (Duration) Can you describe what the pain feels like? (Characteristics) What brings on the pain? (Aggravating factors) What relieves the pain? (Alleviating factors) Does the pain radiate anywhere? (Radiation) What have you used to treat the pain? (Treatment) What effect has the pain had on you? (Effects) How severe is the pain from 0-10 when it occurs? (Severity) |
| Have you had any issues with nausea, vomiting, food intolerance, heartburn, ulcers, change in appetite, or weight? | Please describe.
What treatment did you use for these symptoms? What is your typical diet in a 24-hour period? |
| Do you have any difficulty swallowing food or liquids (dysphagia)? | Please describe.
Have you ever been diagnosed with a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)? |
| When was your last bowel movement? | Have there been any changes in pattern or consistency of your stool?
Are you passing any gas? |
| Have you had any issues with constipation or diarrhea? | Please describe.
How long have you had these issues? What treatment did you use for these symptoms? If constipation:
If diarrhea:
|
| Do you experienc