Summary: This one-hour continuing education course is designed to provide nurses with an in-depth understanding of conducting a focused gastrointestinal assessment. Participants will learn key assessment techniques, relevant anatomy and physiology, common gastrointestinal disorders, and appropriate documentation practices. Through interactive presentations and case studies, nurses will gain practical skills to enhance their ability to assess and manage gastrointestinal health in their patients.
Course Description:
This one-hour continuing education course is meticulously crafted to offer nurses a comprehensive and detailed exploration of conducting a focused gastrointestinal assessment. With a focus on practical application and clinical relevance, participants will delve into key assessment techniques, pertinent anatomy and physiology, prevalent gastrointestinal disorders, and best practices in documentation. Through engaging and interactive presentations, coupled with illuminating case studies, nurses will acquire the necessary skills to elevate their proficiency in assessing and managing gastrointestinal health in their patients.
The course begins by laying a strong foundation with an overview of the gastrointestinal system, emphasizing its crucial role in overall health and well-being. Participants will gain insights into the intricate structures and functions of the digestive tract, including digestion, absorption, and elimination processes. Understanding the underlying anatomy and physiology is essential for nurses to perform a thorough and effective gastrointestinal assessment.
As the course progresses, participants will delve into the practical aspects of conducting a focused gastrointestinal assessment. Through step-by-step guidance, nurses will learn various assessment techniques, such as inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation. These techniques will enable nurses to identify abnormalities, assess bowel sounds, and detect signs of gastrointestinal disorders with confidence and accuracy.
Moreover, participants will explore common gastrointestinal disorders encountered in clinical practice, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease (PUD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastrointestinal bleeding. By examining the signs, symptoms, and management strategies for these disorders, nurses will be better equipped to recognize and address gastrointestinal issues in their patients promptly.
In addition to assessment skills, the course emphasizes the importance of documentation and communication in gastrointestinal care. Nurses will learn effective documentation practices to accurately record assessment findings, interventions, and patient responses. Clear and concise communication with interdisciplinary team members is vital for delivering holistic and coordinated care to patients with gastrointestinal disorders.
Throughout the course, interactive presentations and case studies provide opportunities for participants to apply their knowledge in realistic clinical scenarios. By engaging in critical thinking exercises and collaborative discussions, nurses will enhance their problem-solving skills and gain confidence in managing gastrointestinal health challenges.
In summary, this continuing education course equips nurses with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to conduct a focused gastrointestinal assessment effectively. By mastering assessment techniques, understanding relevant anatomy and physiology, and staying abreast of common gastrointestinal disorders, nurses can play a pivotal role in promoting optimal gastrointestinal health and overall patient well-being.
Author: NIHE Faculty
CE Hours: 5
Course Created on: 2/26/24 Course Expires on: 2/26/27
Target Audience:
- Registered Nurses (RN)
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN/LVN)
Completion Requirements:
- Enrollment in the course by the learner
- Read and learn all course materials
- Complete the course evaluation
- Attest and testify learning of the course materials
Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest and Relevant Financial Relationships
Neither National Institute for Healthcare Education nor any authors, planners, content experts, or contributors have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
Accreditation Statement:
National Institute for Healthcare Education, the parent company of TopNurseCE.com, is a CA Board of Registered Nursing CE Provider #13886. In this course, we will discuss how to do a focused gastrointestinal assessment for nurses. It will take the average learner 5 hours to complete.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider in considering diagnosis and treatment options for a particular patient’s medical condition. Copyright © 2024: All rights reserved. No part of the materials may be reproduced without the express written consent of TopNurseCE.com Professional Educational Institution. The content of this course is intended to provide general information on the topics covered. This information has been prepared by experts with practical experience in the subject matter. This should not be considered medical, legal or professional advice. TopNurseCE.com recommends that individuals contact a licensed medical, legal or professional provider in their respective state. While TopNurseCE.com uses reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and current at the time of publication, TopNurseCE.com makes no representations as to its applicability to your particular situation. No guarantees are given and reliance on them does not constitute liability. Material. Testimonials are collected from feedback surveys submitted by customers. The model presented is for representation purposes and is not intended for actual customers.
Course Outline
ourse Outline:
Module 1 Introduction to Gastrointestinal Assessment
- Overview of the gastrointestinal system
- Importance of focused assessment in nursing practice
Module 2 Anatomy and Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System
- Structures and functions of the digestive tract
- Key physiological processes: digestion, absorption, and elimination
Module 3 Focused Gastrointestinal Assessment Techniques
- Inspection: observing abdominal contour, skin color, and visible pulsations
- Auscultation: assessing bowel sounds and vascular sounds
- Percussion: identifying organ borders and assessing for fluid or gas accumulation
- Palpation: evaluating abdominal tenderness, masses, and organ enlargement
Module 4 Common Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Peptic ulcer disease (PUD)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Bowel obstruction
- Liver and gallbladder disorders
Module 5 Documentation and Communication
- Importance of accurate and thorough documentation
- Strategies for effective communication with interdisciplinary team members
Module 6 Evidence-Based Interventions
- Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for gastrointestinal disorders
- Patient education and lifestyle modifications
Module 7 Case Studies and Clinical Application
- Interactive case studies to apply assessment skills and critical thinking
- Discussion of real-life scenarios and management strategies
Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the anatomical structures and physiological processes of the gastrointestinal system.
- Perform a comprehensive focused gastrointestinal assessment, including inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation techniques.
- Identify common signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders.
- Discuss the importance of accurate documentation in gastrointestinal assessment and management.
- Apply evidence-based nursing interventions for the prevention and management of gastrointestinal disorders.
