Credits Hours: 4.00

Course Description:
Lesson I: detailed description of the anatomy and physiology of the upper and lower gastrointestinal system as well as accessory organs of digestion; discussion of physical assessment and specific laboratory and diagnostic tests used in the assessment process. Lesson II: discussion of disorders including upper gastrointestinal system bleeding, acute pancreatitis, hepatitis, hepatic failure and acute abdomen. Lesson III: focuses on the importance of, and appropriate methods for, assessing and meeting a critically ill patient's metabolic needs.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Explain the relationship between normal anatomy and physiology of the GI system and assessment findings.
• Identify common diagnostic tests used to diagnosis disorders of the GI system.
• Compare assessment findings with results of diagnostic tests.
• Describe the clinical presentation and assessment findings for each of the following disorders: acute pancreatitis, upper and lower GI bleeding, hepatitis, and acute and chronic liver failure.
• Identify medical and nursing interventions for the above listed disorders.
• Describe the clinical presentation and assessment findings in a patient with an acute abdomen.
• Identify medical and nursing interventions for the patient with an acute abdomen.
• Discuss the rationale for implementation of nutritional support.
• Compare and contrast the benefits of enteral and parenteral nutrition.
• Discuss the nursing management of the patient on nutritional support.