Assessment of the Geriatric Patient: Gastrointestinal System (Nursing)

Among the important physiologic changes experienced by geriatric patients are changes in how their gastrointestinal (GI) system functions. Nearly all parts of the GI tract are affected, from the process of swallowing to the elimination of waste.

In this course, you’ll learn about some such changes, including those to the swallowing mechanism, GI tract motility, metabolism, and gastric reflux, along with basic information about related laboratory values, such as iron panels. You’ll also learn how to perform important assessments, such as those relating to swallowing ability and the nutrition state of the patient.