Functions of the Digestive Tract • Breakdown of food for digestion • Absorption of nutrients produced by digestion into the bloodstream • Elimination of undigested foodstuffs and other waste products
Terms • Digestion: phase of the digestive process that occurs when enzymes mix with ingested food and when proteins, fats, and sugars are broken down into their component molecules. • Absorption: phase of the digestive process that occurs when small molecules, vitamins, and minerals pass through the walls of the small and large intestine and into the bloodstream. • Elimination: phase of the digestive process that occurs after digestion and absorption, when waste products are eliminated from the body.
Ingestion occurs when food is taken into the GI tract via
mouth and esophagus. Digestion occurs when enzymes mix with ingested food and when proteins, fats, and sugars are broken down into their component molecules. Absorption occurs when small molecules, vitamins, and minerals pass through the walls of the small and large intestine and into the bloodstream. Elimination occurs after digestion and absorption, when waste products are eliminated from the body.
Assessment- History • Include all information related to GI function – Abdominal pain, dyspepsia, gas, nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, fecal continence, change in bowel patterns, characteristics of stool, jaundice, history of GI surgery or problems, appetite and eating patterns, teeth, and nutritional assessment including weight patterns • Psychosocial, spiritual, and cultural factors • Assess knowledge; need for patient education
Question Which is the correct order to complete an abdominal assessment? A. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation B. Auscultation, inspection palpation, percussion C. Percussion, palpation, inspection, auscultation D. Palpation, percussion, auscultation, inspection