GASTRO-

INTESTINAL TRACT
(GIT)

By Masenyani Mbombi
 Expected outcomes

By end of the lesson, a learner nurse should be able to

demonstrate knowledge on the following;
• Have a knowledge about the GIT Structure and its role in
the body
• Understand the general clinical manifestations of GIT
• Understand the common GIT Disorders and how to manage
them
• Apply the nursing process(ALL PHASES) in managing
GIT
 GIT
What are the components of GIT
How is the nerve supply and blood supply
What are the main functions of GIT
GIT
 DIARRHEA

• Is an increased frequency of bowel movements-

• 3 times a day or more
• Increased amount of stools
• Altered consistency of stools
• Characterized by loose, unformed and watery stools.
• Occur frequently or sporadically in reaction to certain foods or
exposures
 DI….. CON.

• Associated with urgency, peri-anal discomfort,

incontinence
• Usually results in dehydration
 causes

• Diarrhea can be caused by a host of problems,

including stress, poor diet, food allergies or
sensitivities, and intestinal bacteria, parasites,
viruses or other pathogens.
• Any condition that cause increased intestinal
secretions, decreased mucosal absorption and
altered motility
 Types

• Secretory: high-volume caused by increased

production and secretions of water and electrolytes
• Osmotic occurs when water is pulled into intestines
by osmotic pressure of unabsorbed particles,
thereby slowing production of water
• Mixed, both effect added by increased peristalsis
 Treatment

• U tell me
INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION

• Review the normal function of intestines (small & large)

• Blockage that prevent normal flow of intestinal contents
thru intestinal tract
• Types: 1.mechanical , intraluminal obstruction resulting
from pressure of intestinal wall
• 2. Functional, the musculature cannot propel the
contents along the bowel e.g atrophy or neurologic
disorders
 Causes
• Adhesions
• Intussusception
• Volvulus
• Hernia
• Tumor
• Other medical condition that affect perfusion to the intestines, such
lung diseases
• Paralytic ileus
• Medication that suppress the sympathetic nervous system
 Clinical signs

• Abdominal distension
• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Signs of dehydration such as malaise, thirst,
drowsiness
• Occult blood (melena)
• Weakness and weight loss
 Intervention

• Insertion of NG for drainage

• Iv line for fluid therapy
• Monitoring the abdomen post NG insertion if still
distended
• Preparing for surgical operation according to the need
• Post op care: wound management, nutritional need,
prevention of infection
 Ulcers

• Erosion of the mucous lining of the GIT

• Types includes; peptic ulcer (gastric and duodenal
ulcer) stress ulcers, ulcerative colitis
• Define the ulcers
• NB, assessment is a key here, especially in relation to
clinical signs
• Differentiate between gastric and duodenal ulcers in
terms of clinical manifestations
 Clinical manifestations of
ulcerative colitis

• Lower left quadrant abdominal pains

• Rectal bleeding or occult blood, accompanied by pallor and anemia
• Anorexia
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
 constipation

• Abnormal infrequency or irregularities of defecation,

abnormal hardening of stools that makes it difficult to pass,
• Retention of stools in the rectum
• Causes, ignoring urge to defecate,
• Certain medication such as antidepresants,
• Hemorhiods
• Intestinal obstruction
• Neurologic conditions, paralytic illeus
 HEMORRHOIDS
• Dilated portions of the veins in the anal canal.
• Increased pressure like during preg
• Classified as internal hemorrhoids and external, mainly derived
from internal and external sphincter
• Causes itching and pain, blood stools , prolapse can occur from
internal ones
• They can results into ischemia due to severe hemorrhage
• symptoms,; discomfort
• Degrees of hemorrhoids, 1st,2nd and 3rd degree hemorrhoids
 Prevention of constipation

• Always drink lot of water, 8 glasses a day

• Involved in exercises
• Do not hold the urge to defecate
• Eat a lot of food that contains more fibre or
roughage
• Encourage the patient to do lower abdominal
exercises
 Ileostomy and colostomy

• Insertion of tube in the ileus and colon to assist in

passing of the fecal materials
• The procedure that follows immediately after GIT
operative procedure
• Can be acute or chronic,
• Require sterile monitoring and is a sterile
procedures