Nursing Education Site
Gastrointestinal Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as gastroenteritis, peptic ulcer disease, and GI bleeding are common in NCLEX questions and med‑surg rotations because they affect fluid balance, nutrition, and patient safety.
This page gathers our gastrointestinal nursing diagnoses and care plans so you can quickly find focused assessments, priority interventions, and rationales for the most frequently encountered GI conditions.
Start with the list of individual GI care plans below (upper and lower GI, inflammatory, infectious, and bleeding conditions).
Open each care plan to review: brief disorder overview, causes, signs and symptoms, GI-focused assessment, nursing interventions with rationales, and expected outcomes.
Use these care plans as a study guide for NCLEX and a quick reference when caring for patients with GI problems in clinical or practice.
You can keep everything in one list or break it into Infection/Inflammation, Obstruction/Motility, Bleeding, and Other GI Conditions.
Gastroenteritis – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
Peptic Ulcer Disease – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
Gastritis – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis) – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plans
Appendicitis – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
Dysfunctional Gastrointestinal Motility – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
Constipation – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
Diarrhea – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
Small Bowel Obstruction – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
Bowel Incontinence (Fecal Incontinence) – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
Gastrointestinal Bleed – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan (+ video review)
Upper vs Lower GI Bleed – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plans
Esophageal Varices – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
Hemorrhoids / Lower GI Bleeding – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
Nausea and Vomiting – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
Abdominal Pain – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
Malnutrition / Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements (GI) – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume related to GI Losses – Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
Intussusception is a serious condition where one part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, similar to how a telescope collapses. This medical emergency most commonly affects infants and young children, requiring prompt nursing assessment and intervention to prevent severe complications such as bowel obstruction, necrosis, and perforation. Causes (Related to) Intussusception can result … See Nursing Diagnoses
Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection is a significant bacterial infection that can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms and potentially life-threatening complications. This nursing diagnosis focuses on the comprehensive care and management of patients affected by E. coli infections, whether community-acquired or healthcare-associated. Causes (Related to) E. coli infections can occur through various transmission routes and risk … See Nursing Diagnoses
Peritonitis is a serious inflammatory condition affecting the peritoneum, the abdominal cavity’s membrane. As a nurse, understanding the nuances of peritonitis nursing diagnosis is crucial for providing optimal patient care. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to assess, diagnose, and manage patients with peritonitis effectively. Understanding Peritonitis Peritonitis occurs … See Nursing Diagnoses
Liver cirrhosis is a chronic and progressive condition characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue, leading to impaired liver function. As a nurse, understanding the nursing diagnoses associated with liver cirrhosis is crucial for providing effective care to patients. This comprehensive guide will explore the key nursing diagnoses, interventions, and care … See Nursing Diagnoses
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine in the lower right side of the abdomen. While the exact function of the appendix remains unclear, recent research suggests it may play a role in maintaining gut health and supporting the immune system. When the appendix becomes inflamed … See Nursing Diagnoses