NURS 554|Module 8 Study Guide- Exam Focused| With complete solution| Updated RATED A+ | NEW| 100% CORRECT| Wilkes University

⭐ MODULE 3 — GI DISORDERS (Exam-Focused Study Guide)
(Built strictly from your Quiz 3 Study Guide upload)

🧭 GENERAL APPROACH TO ABDOMINAL PAIN
Assessment Priorities

 Location (RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ)

 Onset & progression

 Character (sharp, dull, cramping, burning)

 Associated symptoms: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation,
urinary symptoms

 Red flags

o GI bleeding

o Severe dehydration

o Guarding/rebound

o Hypotension

o Persistent vomiting

o Weight loss

o Age >50 with new symptoms

o Pregnancy concerns (ectopic, ovarian torsion)

When testing is needed

 Red flags

 Suspected surgical abdomen

 Persistent vomiting

 Suspected obstruction

 Suspected appendicitis, diverticulitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis

 Chronic diarrhea or alarm symptoms → colonoscopy

⭐ VOMITING & DIARRHEA
Vomiting — Key Causes

,  GI obstruction

 Infection

 Pregnancy

 Medication-induced

 Metabolic causes

 Pancreatitis

 Cholecystitis

 Gastritis/PUD

Diarrhea — Key Causes

 Viral (norovirus, rotavirus)

 Bacterial (Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli)

 C. difficile

 IBS

 IBD

 Medications

 Malabsorption (celiac)

When to test

 Fever + bloody diarrhea

 Severe dehydration

 Immunocompromised

 Recent antibiotics → test for C. difficile

 Chronic diarrhea → stool studies + colonoscopy

Treatment

 Hydration

 Antiemetics

 Antibiotics ONLY when indicated (Campylobacter, Shigella, traveler’s
diarrhea, C. difficile)