Common GI Disorders

There are a number of common GI disorders that you may see as you care for your clients.  These include:

Nausea & Vomiting: Encourage rest and small frequent sips of clear liquids  Monitor for dehydration and fever.

Heartburn: Encourage smaller meals and avoid trigger foods.  Avoid lying down after eating, or raise the head of the bed. 

Ulcers: Avoid foods that worsen symptoms. 

Gas: Encourage eating slower.  Take client for a short walk after eating. 

Diarrhea: Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.  Help with perianal cleanliness, if necessary, observing carefully for skin breakdown. 

Constipation: Increase fluids and fiber.  Encourage regular exercise. 

Gallstones: Encourage weight loss.  Serve low-fat, high fiber foods with plenty of fluids. 

Appendicitis: Appendicitis is a medical emergency!  Report complaints of lower, right-sided abdominal pain immediately. 

Irritable Bowel Disease: Include fiber in the diet and skip high fat foods.  Suggest smaller, frequent meals instead of big “feasts”. 

Hemorrhoids: Serve high fiber foods with plenty of fluids to prevent difficult bowel movements.   Help them with a sitz or warm tub bath, if ordered.   

Pruritus Ani: Avoid using irritating, perfumed soaps to clean the anal area.  Gently blot the area rather than scrubbing it.  If allowed, lightly powder the anal area to keep it dry.