OÆHanlon-Nichols, T. (1998, Apr). Gastrointestinal system. American Journal of Nursing, 98(4), pp. 48-53.
Summary û This article provides a step-by-step instruction for clinicians for assessing patients for gastrointestinal disease. Observing, listening, and palpating are most critical in helping the clinician make a differential diagnosis. Important for diagnosis are patient health history, chronology of symptoms, medical history, and other techniques like auscultation and tapping the patientÆs skin.
Opinion û This article is a useful step-by-step method for making a differential diagnosis for those with gastrointestinal disease. ItÆs discussion of ôlisteningö before observing is quite practical for the clinician.
Manning-Dimmitt, L. L., Dimmitt, S. G., & Wilson, G. R. (2005). Diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding in adults. American Family Physician, 71, pp. 1339-46.
Summary û This article provides a number of diagnostic tests that can be used alone or in combination to assist in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding in adults. Such evaluations depend on two factors: 1) hemodynamic status; and 2) suspected source of bleeding. Inpatient stabilization and evaluation are required for upper or massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding. For upper gastrointestinal bleeding, the tool of choice for diagnosis in all cases is esophagogastroduodenoscopy. For lower gastrointestinal bleeding there are numerous tests from colonoscopy and arteriography to barium-contrast series and enteroclysis.
Opinion û Due to the potentially serious nature of gastrointestinal bleeding and its probable complications, this article provides an excellent resource for a variety of methods to properly diagnose the cause of such bleeding across a number of pathologies.
Laird, T. W., Jr. (1999, Dec). Peptic ulcer disease. Physician Assistant, 23(12), pp. 14-26.
Summary û The large numbers of people who suffer from peptic ...