Nursing Tips: Gastrointestinal
Check out these easy-to-remember nursing tips, tricks and hacks. Includes fun mnemonics that make recall a breeze.
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Ostomy Patient Teaching
February 17, 2022
Ostomy patient teaching:
Read Article- Cut opening in skin barrier ≤ 1/8" bigger than the measured stoma size to prevent skin damage from contact with ostomy output.
- Assess stoma regularly - should be pink/moist. Pale/blue stoma indicates ischemia.

Meckel's Diverticulum
February 14, 2022
A child with Meckel's Diverticulum is likely to exhibit painless rectal bleeding and stool with the consistency and appearance of "currant jelly."
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Peptic Ulcer Disease: Signs and Symptoms
January 13, 2022
A major complication of peptic ulcer disease is perforation of an ulcer. Assess for symptoms of perforation such as severe pain, fever, or a rigid/boardlike abdomen.
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Celiac Disease
September 17, 2021
Celiac disease is the inability to digest gluten. Patients with celiac disease CAN eat: dairy, rice, corn, potatoes, eggs, fruits and vegetables. Foods containing wheat, rye, and barley should be avoided.
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Severe Dehydration in Children
August 18, 2021
A child who is crying without producing tears should be evaluated for severe dehydration.
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When to take Antacids
March 12, 2021
ANTACIDS: Take 1 hr and 3 hr after meals, and at bedtime. Also take 1 hour before or after other medications (not WITH other medications)
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Dysphagia
September 02, 2020
Patients with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) need to have a swallow evaluation by a speech language pathologist.
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Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers
July 06, 2020
Key differences in symptoms for Gastric and Duodenal ulcers: Gastric ulcer: Pain 30-60 minutes after meal, worse in DAY, worse with eating. Duodenal ulcer: Pain 1.5-3 hours after meal, worse at NIGHT, better with eating.
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Patient Teaching for GERD
June 19, 2020
Patient teaching for GERD: Avoid fatty, fried, citrus, spicy foods. Eat smaller meals. Remain upright after meals. Avoid tight-fitting clothing. Lose weight (if applicable). Quit smoking. Elevate HOB with blocks.
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Dumping Syndrome Nutrition
March 06, 2020
Nutrition recommendations to prevent DUMPING syndrome:
Read Article- Consume small frequent meals.
- Do not drink liquids with meals.
- Include protein and fat at each meal.
- Avoid dairy products and concentrated sugar.

Diverticulitis Nutrition
February 26, 2020
Patients with Diverticulitis should avoid seeds and husks. Avoid: popcorn, tomatoes, berries.
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Cholecystitis Nutrition
February 19, 2020
Patients with cholecystitis should consume a LOW FAT diet.
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Proton Pump Inhibitors
January 20, 2020
Omeprazole and Pantoprazole are Proton Pump Inhibitors used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers, GERD, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. HINT: I will take Omeprazole and pray my ulcer pain goes away.
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Sucralfate
January 06, 2020
Sucralfate is a Mucosal Protectant used to treat duodenal ulcers. It reacts with stomach acid to form a thick paste that adheres to ulcers. HINT: Sucralfate gets sucked down into ulcers.
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IBS Medications
December 30, 2019
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications: alosetron is used for IBS w/diarrhea.
HINT: You might aloe on your backside from all that diarrhea.
Lubiprostone is used for IBS w/consipation.
HINT: Use lubiprostone to "lube up that stone-like stool".
Read ArticleHINT: You might aloe on your backside from all that diarrhea.
Lubiprostone is used for IBS w/consipation.
HINT: Use lubiprostone to "lube up that stone-like stool".

Ondansetron
September 05, 2019
Ondansetron is an antiemetic (used to prevent nausea and vomiting). Hint: "I threw up on DAN. Better get me some ondansetron."
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Misoprostol and Pregnancy
August 25, 2019
Misoprostol can be used to prevent gastric ulcers in patients taking NSAIDs. Do NOT administer to a patient who might be pregnant (because it can cause a miscarriage). HINT: "Me so pregnant, so no misoprostol for me" or "Misoprostol can cause a Miscarrage".
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Histamine 2 Receptor Antagonists and DINE-ing
August 13, 2019
Histamine 2 receptor antagonists (ex: ranitidine and famotidine) are used to treat ulcers and GERD. These meds will help you feel better when you "dine".
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Primary use of Lactulose
May 30, 2019
Lactulose is a laxative, but it is primarily used to decrease AMMONIA levels in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
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Administering misoprostol
May 28, 2019
When administering a misoprostol (for prevention of gastric ulcers) to a person of child-bearing age, be sure to run a PREGNANCY test first as this medication can cause a miscarriage!
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Choking hazard foods
January 09, 2019
The following foods pose a choking hazard for small children: popcorn, raisins, peanuts, grapes, raw carrots, hotdogs, celery, peanut butter, candy, tough meat.
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Albumin and prealbumin
December 07, 2018
When evaluating a patient's nutritional status, be sure to check: albumin (normal range: 3.5-5) and prealbumin levels (normal range 15-36).
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