This course provides an in-depth review of gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatobiliary disorders for nursing students and practicing nurses preparing for NCLEX. It covers cholecystitis and biliary drainage, including T-tube and cholecystostomy care, and explores hepatitis types A–E with symptoms, causes, treatment, and nursing interventions. Pancreatitis (acute and chronic) and cirrhosis of the liver are reviewed with pathophysiology, symptoms, management, and patient care. The course addresses common GI disorders including GERD, peptic ulcer disease, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and diverticulitis, highlighting dietary considerations, pathophysiology, and treatment strategies. Practical skills such as abdominal assessment, bowel and vascular sounds, colostomy and ostomy care, ostomy irrigation, stoma cleaning, and ostomy bag changes are included. Nursing care for appendicitis and postoperative management, including appendectomy and peritonitis care, is also reviewed. Tube feeding techniques, safe medication crushing, and administration via feeding tubes are discussed. By the end of this course, nurses will be able to assess, plan, and implement care for GI and hepatobiliary disorders, provide patient education, and apply critical thinking for NCLEX questions and clinical practice.
