This document discusses the assessment of digestive and gastrointestinal function through physical assessment including inspection and palpation of the mouth, abdomen, and anal area as well as diagnostic evaluations such as blood tests, stool tests, breath tests, imaging studies, and more invasive procedures like laparoscopy to evaluate functions and potential issues of the digestive system.

1. Chapter 34Chapter 34
Assessment of Digestive andAssessment of Digestive and
Gastrointestinal FunctionGastrointestinal Function

2. Physical Assessment
• Mouth, tongue, buccal mucosa,Mouth, tongue, buccal mucosa,
teeth and gums inspectionteeth and gums inspection
• Abdominal inspection, auscultation,Abdominal inspection, auscultation,
palpation and percussionpalpation and percussion
• Anal and perianal inspection andAnal and perianal inspection and
palpationpalpation

5. Diagnostic Evaluation
• CBC, CEA, LFT, serum cholesterol,CBC, CEA, LFT, serum cholesterol,
and triglyceridesand triglycerides
• Stool testsStool tests
• Breath tests- Hydrogen and UreaBreath tests- Hydrogen and Urea
breath testsbreath tests
• Abdominal UltrasonographyAbdominal Ultrasonography

6. • DNA testing
• Imaging Studies
• Gastric Analysis, Gastric Acid
Stimulation Test, and pH Monitoring
• Laparoscopy