Image Description

Gastrointestinal elimination (GI) concept map description: This is a concept map that shows the components of the GI elimination. It starts with the definition for GI elimination: the passage and dispelling of stool through the intestinal tract by means of intestinal smooth muscle contraction.

Variations

• Incontinence
• Retention

Related

• Hyperacidity
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Assessment

• GI assessment: bowel habits, quality/quantity, pain, distension, bowel sounds, nausea, vomiting lab tests, colonoscopy
• Assess for root cause

Management

• diet, hydration, toileting practices,
• fecal occult blood, colonoscopy,
• pharmacotherapy
  • anti-diarrheal
  • laxative
  • anti-emetics
  • antacid

Consequences

• Nourishment
• Skin breakdown, social withdrawal, changes with ADLs
• Pain, bloating
• Impaction
• Dehydration
• Bleeding

Physiological Process

• intake (food, fluid, fibre)
• intestinal motility (neuromuscular function, exercise)
• output (defecation reflex)

Scope

• Waste formation leads to waste excretion