GI Disorders, Liver Disease & Interventions — Diagnostic Procedures, Surgical Care, and NCLEX Nursing Priorities | Chapter 45: Saunders NCLEX-PN Review

GI Disorders, Liver Disease & Interventions — Diagnostic Procedures, Surgical Care, and NCLEX Nursing Priorities | Chapter 45: Saunders NCLEX-PN Review

Chapter 45 of Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination (7th Edition) by Linda Anne Silvestri and Angela E. Silvestri provides an extensive review of gastrointestinal anatomy, disorders, diagnostic procedures, liver disease, surgical interventions, and NCLEX-focused nursing care. This chapter is essential for understanding GI assessment, treatment planning, and patient education.

Watch the video above for a concise, high-yield breakdown of GI nursing, then read through the expanded notes below to reinforce your knowledge and NCLEX readiness.

Book cover

GI Anatomy & Diagnostic Procedures

  • Colonoscopy, endoscopy, and capsule endoscopy — prep instructions, sedation monitoring, post-procedure care
  • Paracentesis — pre- and post-procedure vital signs, abdominal girth measurement, fluid drainage monitoring
  • Liver biopsy — positioning, coagulation studies, post-procedure right-side lying

Upper GI Disorders

  • GERD: Lifestyle changes, proton pump inhibitors, possible fundoplication surgery
  • Gastritis: Avoid irritants, monitor for B12 deficiency, treat underlying cause
  • Peptic Ulcer Disease: H. pylori testing, PPIs, antacids, surgical interventions (Billroth I & II)
  • Dumping Syndrome: Small frequent meals, avoid fluids with meals, rest after eating

Liver Disorders

  • Cirrhosis: Ascites management with paracentesis, sodium restriction, diuretics
  • Esophageal Varices: Beta blockers, endoscopic banding, emergency bleeding protocols
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy: Lactulose therapy, ammonia level monitoring
  • Hepatitis A–E: Transmission routes, lab markers, prevention strategies

Gallbladder & Pancreatic Disorders

  • Cholecystitis: Murphy’s sign, low-fat diet, laparoscopic cholecystectomy care
  • Pancreatitis: Cullen’s and Turner’s signs, NPO status, pain control, enzyme replacement

Lower GI Disorders

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Crohn’s disease vs. ulcerative colitis — nutritional modifications, medication therapy, surgical options
  • Appendicitis: McBurney’s point tenderness, NPO, post-op positioning
  • Diverticulitis: Low-residue diet during flare-ups, high-fiber diet for prevention
  • Hemorrhoids: Sitz baths, cold packs, high-fiber diet

Surgical Interventions & Stoma Care

  • Ileostomy and colostomy — stoma assessment, pouch care, skin protection, dietary adjustments
  • T-tube care — maintain drainage below gallbladder level, monitor bile output, protect surrounding skin

NCLEX Nursing Priorities

  • Recognize and intervene in GI bleeding emergencies
  • Provide pre- and post-procedure patient education for diagnostic and surgical interventions
  • Monitor lab values — AST, ALT, bilirubin, ammonia, clotting factors
  • Implement infection prevention strategies in post-op patients

Conclusion

Mastery of GI disorders, liver disease, and related surgical care is essential for NCLEX-PN success. This chapter provides a solid foundation for assessment, intervention, and patient education in both acute and chronic care settings.

If you found this breakdown helpful, be sure to subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more chapter-by-chapter textbook summaries and academic study guides.

Explore the full playlist for Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination (7th Edition) here: Complete NCLEX-PN Review Playlist

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