Question

While assessing a patient with a gastrointestinal disorder, which questions should a nurse ask to develop a deeper understanding of the disorder? Select all that apply.

a. "What is your annual income?"
b. "Are you having sleep disturbances?"
c. "Have you traveled to foreign lands in the recent past?"
d. "Have you ever suffered from respiratory tract disorders?"
e. "Have you undergone an abdominal or rectal surgery in the past?"

Answer 1

A nurse assessing a gastrointestinal disorder should inquire about potential sleep disturbances, recent travels that might have exposed the patient to infections or new dietary elements, and any past abdominal or rectal surgeries that could influence current symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a patient with a gastrointestinal disorder, the nurse should gather information that can help identify the nature and cause of the symptoms, as well as their impact on the patient's daily life. The relevant questions to ask would include:

• "Are you having sleep disturbances?" as sleep can be affected by discomfort or the need for frequent bathroom visits.
• "Have you traveled to foreign lands in the recent past?" because this can be associated with the risk of infections or exposure to unfamiliar foods that can precipitate GI issues.
• "Have you undergone an abdominal or rectal surgery in the past?" as past surgeries could be relevant to current gastrointestinal symptoms.

Questions about annual income or unrelated health issues, such as respiratory disorders, are typically less relevant when focusing on a gastrointestinal assessment.