Final answer:
Abnormal findings in gastrointestinal assessment can indicate a range of disorders, including peptic ulcers, malabsorption, and GI tract infections. Inflammatory conditions, accessory organ dysfunctions, and symptoms of dehydration due to lower GI tract intoxication are also possible abnormalities. Specific tests can help diagnose these issues by examining nutrient absorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assessment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may reveal various abnormal findings that point to conditions affecting digestion and overall health. Some abnormalities include:
- Hiatal hernia, gastritis, and peptic ulcer disease, which are more common as age increases.
- Maladies in the small intestine like duodenal ulcers, maldigestion, and malabsorption syndromes.
- Large intestine issues such as hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, and chronic constipation.
- Accessory organ dysfunctions leading to jaundice, acute pancreatitis, cirrhosis, and gallstones.
- Symptoms of infection or intoxication in the lower GI tract like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, aches, and fever, potentially leading to severe dehydration.
- Inflammatory conditions such as gastritis, enteritis, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and colitis, which may result in dysentery, characterized by diarrhea with blood and mucus.
Clinical assessments using radioactive fatty acids, iron, and vitamin B12 can provide insights into absorption functions within the GI tract. Abnormalities in these tests can indicate potential pathologies in the GI system.