NSG 521 Module 9 : Assessment of the
Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary
Systems and Nursing Support of Urinary
and Bowel Elimination
It is not possible to perform an assessment of the abdomen without realizing that every system (except
the respiratory) is found within the abdominal cavity. Awareness of this fact will enable you to obtain
valuable information about the functioning of the gastrointestinal (GI), cardiovascular, reproductive,
neuromuscular, and genitourinary (GU) systems. - ANS True
SMALL INTESTINE
5.5-6.1 m (18-20 ft) in adults
Propels contents by wormlike movements known as peristalsis
Primarily responsible for absorption of nutrients - ANS True
ESOPHAGUS
Propels food into the stomach, controlled by the cardiac sphincter—a one-way valve at the distal end -
ANS True
STOMACH
Site for both mechanical and chemical digestion:Churns food into small particles that become liquid
when mixed with gastric juicesStores food and slowly releases it into the small intestineSecretes
hydrochloric acid to aid in digestion; mucous cells secrete substances to coat the stomach lining; chief
cells secrete pepsinogen, which is converted to pepsin to aid in digestion of protein; secretes gastrin,
which stimulates secretion of acid and pepsinogen and increases gastric motilitySecretes intrinsic factor
that protects vitamin B12 from stomach acid and facilitates its absorption by the parietal cells in the
small intestineAbsorbs water, alcohol, and some medicationsDestroys some food-borne bacteriaAllows
emptying of stomach contents on the basis of pressure gradient, a little at a time; gravity assists with
emptying - ANS True
DUODENUM
,25 cm (10 in.)
Primary site for chemical digestion
Enzymes, hormones, and bile from pancreas and liver enter and aid in absorption of
nutrients:Peptidases help break down proteins.Enterokinase converts trypsinogen to active
trypsin.Maltase, lactase, and sucrase break down carbohydrates.Cholecystokinin, secreted from
duodenal wall, stimulates gallbladder to secrete bile.Gastric inhibitory peptide inhibits gastric
motility.Secretin, secreted by duodenal wall, stimulates pancreatic secretions to neutralize gastric acid. -
ANS True
JEJUNUM AND ILEUM
Jejunum: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Ileum: 3.7 m (12 ft)
Absorb water, nutrients, and electrolytes for use in body - ANS True
LARGE INTESTINE
Ascending, transverse and descending colon
1.5-1.8 m (5-6 ft)
Absorbs salt and water and excretes waste products of digestive process from the rectum (defecation)
Aids in synthesis of vitamin B12 and potassium - ANS True
KIDNEYS
Control blood pressure through the production of renin
Stimulate red blood cell production by secreting erythropoietin
Remove waste products filtered by the kidneys from the body - ANS True
BLADDER
Aids in the removal of waste products from the body in the form of urine - ANS True
,AORTA
Supplies oxygenated blood to the cells and organs of the lower half of the body - ANS True
LIVER (LOCATED IN RUQ)
Produces and secretes bile to emulsify fat
Metabolizes protein, carbohydrates, and fats
Converts glucose to glycogen and stores it
Produces clotting factors, fibrinogen, and plasma proteins such as albumin
Detoxifies drugs and alcohol
Stores fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K; vitamin B12; and copper and iron
Converts conjugated bilirubin from blood to unconjugated bilirubin - ANS True
GALLBLADDER
Located on back side of liver in RUQ
Stores and concentrates bile - ANS True
PANCREAS
Located in LUQ
Endocrine functions:Secretes insulin and regulates blood glucose levelsSecretes glucagons that store
carbohydratesInhibits insulin and glucagon secretionSecretes pancreatic polypeptide that regulates
release of pancreatic enzymes
Exocrine functions:Secretes digestive enzymes. Amylase digests starches into maltose. Lipase breaks
down lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.Trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, and procarboxypeptidase are
activated in the small intestine to break down proteins into amino acids. - ANS True
Gastrointestinal Organs
, The major GI organs found within the abdominal cavity include the stomach, small intestines, and colon.
Accessory organs of the GI system within the abdomen include the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
These organs are for ingestion, absorption, digestion, and elimination of food, water, and body waste. -
ANS True
The spermatic cord protects the vas deferens, blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves that run from
scrotum to penis. The ovaries produce ova and secrete estrogen and progesterone. The uterus allows
fertilization of the oocyte with sperm and, if conception occurs, provides an environment for fetal
development. Menstrual cycling, ovarian dysfunction, and uterine growths are common sources of
abdominal pain in women. - ANS True
The hypothalamus is responsible for the release of FSH and LH by way of the gonadotropin-releasing
hormones (GnRH) and luteinizing-releasing hormones (LnRH). The hypothalamus acts as an inhibitor of
prolactin release via the secretion of prolactin inhibiting factors. These cyclic hormones drive the
function of menstruation, reproduction, sexuality, and physical as well as emotional health (Fritz &
Speroff, 2011). The pelvic organs are the recipients of the hormones - ANS
The ovaries, as already noted, produce estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen regulates the development
of secondary sex characteristics; contributes to the growth of the vagina, fallopian tubes, and uterus;
contributes to the proliferation of the endometrial lining and plays a role in maturation of ovarian
follicles. Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum and is necessary for maturation of the
endometrial lining, the successful implantation of the embryo, and maintenance of the uterine lining if
implantation occurs. If no implantation happens, progesterone levels drop and a menstrual cycle occurs.
- ANS
Liver - ANS Stores fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K; vitamin B12; and copper and iron
Gallbladder - ANS Stores and concentrates bile
Pancreas - ANS Secretes digestive enzymes
Electrolyte and water absorption - ANS Occurs in the large intestine
