lOMoAR cPSD| 61371432
NR304: WEEK 2 – GI ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENTAL
DIFFERENCES IN ABDOMEN | VERIFIED STUDY | 2026 UPDATES
Abdomen, Anus, Rectum & Prostate Exam
Developmental Differences
Infants & Children
• Umbilical cord: 2 arteries, 1 vein
• **** Meconium passed within 24–48 hrs = anal patency
• GI reflexes immature → frequent stools
• Liver proportionately larger
• Abdomen round/protuberant
Pregnancy
• N/V (hCG hormone)
• Slowed GI motility → constipation, hemorrhoids
• Reflux & heartburn common
• Linea nigra, striae
Older Adult
• ↓ Saliva, taste (dry mucous membranes)
• Delayed gastric emptying & esophageal emptying
• ↑ Gallstones
• ↓ Liver size → ↓ drug metabolism
• Constipation common (ROME III criteria)
Constipation: ROME III Criteria
• < 3 stools/week
• Straining
• Hard/lumpy stools
• Incomplete evacuation
• Feeling of blockage
, lOMoAR cPSD| 61371432
Cultural Considerations
• Lactose intolerance higher in African American, Asian, Hispanic, Indigenous groups=
vitamin deficiency
• Celiac Disease → gluten-free diet required
Prostate Cancer
• Risk ↑: age, Black men, family history, BRCA mutations
• PSA blood test= labs elevated means the prostate is enlarged
• Symptoms: urinary hesitancy, weak stream, nocturia
• Enlarged prostate: firm/irregular = cancer suspicion
Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
• Begins at age 45
• Tests: colonoscopy, FIT test,
• Big risk factor: diet, obesity, smoking, family history
✅ Subjective Assessment Questions
Abdomen
• Appetite, weight change
• Dysphagia
• N/V, hematemesis
• Pain: PQRSTU
• Bowel habits
• Medications (NSAIDs?)
• Diet recall (24-hour)
Rectal & Prostate
• Bowel habits
• Blood/mucus in stool
• Hemorrhoids, fistula, fissure
• Family hx GI cancer, prostate cancer
✅ Special Tests
Test Indicates
Fluid Wave Ascites
Shifting Dullness Ascites
Blumberg (Rebound) Peritonitis
Murphy's Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
NR304: WEEK 2 – GI ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENTAL
DIFFERENCES IN ABDOMEN | VERIFIED STUDY | 2026 UPDATES
Abdomen, Anus, Rectum & Prostate Exam
Developmental Differences
Infants & Children
• Umbilical cord: 2 arteries, 1 vein
• **** Meconium passed within 24–48 hrs = anal patency
• GI reflexes immature → frequent stools
• Liver proportionately larger
• Abdomen round/protuberant
Pregnancy
• N/V (hCG hormone)
• Slowed GI motility → constipation, hemorrhoids
• Reflux & heartburn common
• Linea nigra, striae
Older Adult
• ↓ Saliva, taste (dry mucous membranes)
• Delayed gastric emptying & esophageal emptying
• ↑ Gallstones
• ↓ Liver size → ↓ drug metabolism
• Constipation common (ROME III criteria)
Constipation: ROME III Criteria
• < 3 stools/week
• Straining
• Hard/lumpy stools
• Incomplete evacuation
• Feeling of blockage
, lOMoAR cPSD| 61371432
Cultural Considerations
• Lactose intolerance higher in African American, Asian, Hispanic, Indigenous groups=
vitamin deficiency
• Celiac Disease → gluten-free diet required
Prostate Cancer
• Risk ↑: age, Black men, family history, BRCA mutations
• PSA blood test= labs elevated means the prostate is enlarged
• Symptoms: urinary hesitancy, weak stream, nocturia
• Enlarged prostate: firm/irregular = cancer suspicion
Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
• Begins at age 45
• Tests: colonoscopy, FIT test,
• Big risk factor: diet, obesity, smoking, family history
✅ Subjective Assessment Questions
Abdomen
• Appetite, weight change
• Dysphagia
• N/V, hematemesis
• Pain: PQRSTU
• Bowel habits
• Medications (NSAIDs?)
• Diet recall (24-hour)
Rectal & Prostate
• Bowel habits
• Blood/mucus in stool
• Hemorrhoids, fistula, fissure
• Family hx GI cancer, prostate cancer
✅ Special Tests
Test Indicates
Fluid Wave Ascites
Shifting Dullness Ascites
Blumberg (Rebound) Peritonitis
Murphy's Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
