Gastrointestinal System Assessment Tips for Home Health Nurses

   • HOME HEALTH MANAGEMENT  

Learn how to complete a full gastrointestinal (GI) assessment in home health, including bowel sounds, abdominal exam, ostomy care, tube feeding care, nutrition, hydration, and red flag symptoms. This video is designed for home health nurses, clinicians, and students who want reliable training and compliant documentation tips.

A proper gastrointestinal assessment is essential in home health nursing. In this video, we break down exactly what to assess, how to document bowel sounds, abdominal findings, stool characteristics, nutrition, hydration, ostomy care, tube feedings, and more.

When assessing the gastrointestinal system in a home health setting, the approach should be holistic, patient-centered, and functional, with a strong focus on observation, patient interview, and safety within the home environment. Assessing the gastrointestinal system effectively, is crucial for identifying GI issues, managing existing conditions, and promoting overall digestive health. This video provides great tips and a clear breakdown on how to perform your G.I. Assessment like a pro!

Whether you're a home health nurse, LVN/LPN, RN, case manager, QA reviewer, or new clinician, this detailed GI assessment guide will help you provide safe, accurate, patient-centered home health care.

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00:00 – Introduction
00:18 – Purpose of GI Assessment in Home Health
00:40 – GI History, Surgeries & Diagnoses
01:05 – Current GI Symptoms & Red Flags
01:40 – Oral Assessment & Swallowing
02:00 – Nutrition, Diet & Hydration
02:25 – Medication Review & GI-Related Medications
02:55 – Bowel Habits & Last BM
03:20 – Bowel Sounds: How to Assess & Document
03:55 – Abdominal Exam (Inspection, Palpation, Percussion)
04:30 – Liver & Gallbladder Symptoms
05:00 – Nutrition, Weight, Appetite Changes
05:35 – Dentures, Diet Prep & Social Work Needs
06:00 – Hydration Status & Dehydration Signs
06:25 – Ostomy Care & Patient Teaching
07:00 – Tube Feeding Assessment (PEG/G-tube)
07:40 – Red Flags & When to Notify MD
08:10 – Closing & Final Tips
08:25 – Outro

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