Gastrointestinal nursing

An overview of the gastrointestinal tract -- The oesophagus -- The stomach -- The small intestine -- The large intestine -- The liver -- The biliary system -- The pancreas -- Diagnostic procedures and tests in gastroenterology -- Gastrointestinal emergencies -- Pharmacology in gastroenterology -- The role of psychosocial factors in gastroenterology -- Quality of life in gastroenterology.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Many nurses work as specialist practitioners within several areas of gastrointestinal medicine, including inflammatory bowel disease, stoma care, nutrition, endoscopy and counselling. There has been a steady increase in nurse-led services and gastrointestinal nursing is an expanding area. This comprehensive text lays the foundation by reviewing the anatomy and physiology underlying common conditions before covering the pathophysiology of clinical features, causes, investigation and management. Underlying this approach will be the specific nursing aspects of caring for patients with gastrointestinal conditions, covering psychosocial factors and issues such as the measurement of health related quality of life.