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GASTROINTESTINAL PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
ASSIGNMENT – RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Course: NURS 432 – Advanced Health Assessment
# SECTION 1: ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW & LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
## Assignment Instructions
Perform a **comprehensive gastrointestinal (GI) physical assessment**
on a simulated or live adult patient (standardized patient or peer).
Document all findings using correct medical terminology. Submit the
following:
1. **Subjective data** (GI-focused history)
2. **Objective data** (inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation –
in correct order)
3. **Documentation of normal vs. abnormal findings**
4. **Clinical interpretation** (what do the findings suggest?)
5. **Patient education** (at least 3 teaching points)
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## Learning Objectives (Met)
- Demonstrate correct sequencing of GI exam: **inspect →
auscultate → percuss → palpate**
- Differentiate between normal and abnormal bowel sounds
(frequency, character)
- Localize abdominal quadrants and organs
- Identify findings suggestive of constipation, obstruction, ascites,
hepatomegaly, or peritonitis
- Provide appropriate patient education based on findings
---
# SECTION 2: STUDENT’S FULL GI ASSESSMENT
DOCUMENTATION
## Patient Demographics (Simulated Case)
- **Age/Sex:** 68-year-old female
- **Setting:** Outpatient primary care clinic
- **Chief Complaint (assigned):** "My stomach has been bloated for 2
weeks, and I haven't had a bowel movement in 4 days."
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---
## SUBJECTIVE DATA (GI-Focused History)
### History of Present Illness (HPI)
Patient reports **progressive abdominal bloating and discomfort** for 2
weeks. Last bowel movement 4 days ago (normally daily). Stool
described as **hard, small pellets** when passes. Denies nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, hematochezia, melena, or hematemesis. Appetite
decreased due to bloating. No fever, chills, or weight loss.
### Past Medical History
- Hypertension (controlled on lisinopril)
- Type 2 diabetes (metformin)
- Hypothyroidism (levothyroxine)
- Chronic constipation (on and off for 5 years)
### Medications
- Lisinopril 10 mg daily
- Metformin 500 mg BID
- Levothyroxine 75 mcg daily
- Docusate sodium 100 mg daily (PRN – takes 2-3x/week)
GASTROINTESTINAL PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
ASSIGNMENT – RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Course: NURS 432 – Advanced Health Assessment
# SECTION 1: ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW & LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
## Assignment Instructions
Perform a **comprehensive gastrointestinal (GI) physical assessment**
on a simulated or live adult patient (standardized patient or peer).
Document all findings using correct medical terminology. Submit the
following:
1. **Subjective data** (GI-focused history)
2. **Objective data** (inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation –
in correct order)
3. **Documentation of normal vs. abnormal findings**
4. **Clinical interpretation** (what do the findings suggest?)
5. **Patient education** (at least 3 teaching points)
,2|Page
## Learning Objectives (Met)
- Demonstrate correct sequencing of GI exam: **inspect →
auscultate → percuss → palpate**
- Differentiate between normal and abnormal bowel sounds
(frequency, character)
- Localize abdominal quadrants and organs
- Identify findings suggestive of constipation, obstruction, ascites,
hepatomegaly, or peritonitis
- Provide appropriate patient education based on findings
---
# SECTION 2: STUDENT’S FULL GI ASSESSMENT
DOCUMENTATION
## Patient Demographics (Simulated Case)
- **Age/Sex:** 68-year-old female
- **Setting:** Outpatient primary care clinic
- **Chief Complaint (assigned):** "My stomach has been bloated for 2
weeks, and I haven't had a bowel movement in 4 days."
, 3|Page
---
## SUBJECTIVE DATA (GI-Focused History)
### History of Present Illness (HPI)
Patient reports **progressive abdominal bloating and discomfort** for 2
weeks. Last bowel movement 4 days ago (normally daily). Stool
described as **hard, small pellets** when passes. Denies nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, hematochezia, melena, or hematemesis. Appetite
decreased due to bloating. No fever, chills, or weight loss.
### Past Medical History
- Hypertension (controlled on lisinopril)
- Type 2 diabetes (metformin)
- Hypothyroidism (levothyroxine)
- Chronic constipation (on and off for 5 years)
### Medications
- Lisinopril 10 mg daily
- Metformin 500 mg BID
- Levothyroxine 75 mcg daily
- Docusate sodium 100 mg daily (PRN – takes 2-3x/week)
