2 - Gastrointestinal Review Flashcards
Name all 7 areas of the abdomen.
Epigastric, RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ, suprapubic, periumbilical (Right/ Left flank)
What is the layman’s name for GERD?
“Heartburn’ or Acid Reflux
What might someone with GERD complain of?
Epigastric pain “burning”
For older patients with GERD symptoms, what life-threatening disease may also need to be ruled out?
MI
What does bile do? Where is it stored?
Bile emulsified the fats in foods. It is stored in the gallbladder and made in the liver.
What is the difference between cholelithiasis and cholecystitis?
Cholelithiasis is gall stones. Cholecystitis is acute gallbladder inflammation/ infection
What might be the chief complaint of a person with gallstones?
RUQ abdominal pain
What physical exam finding is closely associated with cholecystitis?
Murphy’s signs
How are gallstones diagnosed?
Abdominal ultrasound of the RUQ
Name associated symptoms of appendicitis.
Fever, N/V, decreased appetite (anorexia)
Note: RLQ pain - gradual, constant, worse w/ movements is the CC (not associated sx)
How is appendicitis diagnosed?
CT A/P with PO contrast
What would someone with pancreatitis c/o?
LUQ or epigastric abdominal pain, N/V, fever
How is pancreatitis diagnosed?
Elevated Lipase (or amylase which is less specific)
Name four possible for a GI bleed pt.
Hematemesis, coffee ground emesis, hematochezia, melena
How is GI bleed diagnosed in the ED
Guaiac positive or heme + stool, gastroccult
