Abdomen Flashcards
Order of exam for abdomen
Inspect
Auscultate
Percuss
Palpate
What does esophagus connect
Pharynx to stomach
What valve between ileum and large intestine that prevents backflow
Iliocecal valve
Putrefaction. What is is and what does it?
Live bacteria decompose undigestion food, I absorbed AA, cell debris and dead bacteria.
Large intestine
Exocrine and endocrine function of pancreas
Exocrine: produce digestive juices
Endocrine: produce hormone to regulate body’s level of glucose
Function of white pulp and red pulp of spleen
White: lymphoid tissue that filters blood and produces lymphocytes/monocytes (WBCs)
Red: storage and release of blood
Location of kidneys
T12-L3
Retroperitoneal
Function of kidney
Rids body of water solvable waste
- produce renin, erythropoietin, and biologically active vitamin D
- synthesize prostaglandins
Aka for inguinal ligament
Poupart ligament
In infant…pancreatic islet cells are developed by when? And do what?
12 weeks of gestation and begin producing insulin
Spleen and infants
Spleen active in blood FORMATION during development and first year of life
After aids in destruction of blood cells and acts as lymphatic organ
When can fetus begin to produce urine
12 weeks
What may happen to skin/muscle postpartum when they separate?
Diastasis recti
How to differentiate a minor umbilical hernia from an outie belly button?
Does it get worse with valsalva maneuver? If so, hernia.
If limited movement of abdomen during respiration what may it be indicative of?
Peritonitis
Respiratory problems
Pain
Indicate what if peristalsis is seen as a rippling movement?
Bowel obstruction
Auscultation findings of abdomen
Heard as irregular clicks and gurgles 5-35/minute
Long prolonged gurgles
Borborygmi
Increased bowel sounds occur with?
Gastroenteritis
Early intestinal obstruction
Hunger
High-pitched tinkling sound suggests
Intestinal fluid and air under pressure
Early obstruction
Decreased bowel sounds with?
Peritonitis Paralytic ileus (paralyzed intestines—not just ileum)
Absense of bowel sounds can be determines after how long of listening?
5 minutes
What side of stethoscope do you use over liver adn spleen?
Diaphragm
Use diaphragm over what organs to listen
Spleen and liver
Bell or diaphragm to listen for bruits and where
Bell
Aortic
Renal
Iliac
Femoral arteries
Where and when is venous hum heard
Epigastric region and around umbilicus as soft, low-pitched, continuous sound
With increased collateral circulation between portal and systemic venous systems (HTN)
Predominant sound during percussion in abdomen
Tympany due to stomach and intestines
Greater tympani in small intestines or large?
Small
Where do you usually percuss lower boarder of liver? And if percuss below expected?
Normal: inferior costal margin
Abnormal: more than 1 inch below costal margin
-hepatomegaly or downward displacement due to depressed diaphragm
Normal upper boarder of liver where?
5th intercostal space
What may cause liver to shift up? Down?
Up: abdominal mass/fluid
Down: diaphragm depressed
Usually size of liver at midclavicular? At mid sternal?
6-12 cm
4-8cm
Who usually has a larger liver span?
Males and tall people
How much should liver move descend during inspiration?
2-3cm
Where should splenic dullness be heard?
6-9th/10th intercostal spaces
What may produce a false positive for splenomegaly?
Full stomach
Feces-filled intestine
Left sided pleural effusion
Alternate method to percuss the spleen
Percuss at lowest costal interspace at left anterior axillary line. Should be tympanic. Have patient inhale and hold. Sound should still be tympanic.
Determine whether mass is superficial or deep mass
Palpate while patient does partial sit-up. If you can’t feel it its deep
Tender gallbladder indicates
Cholecystokinin
A non tender but palpable gallbladder indicates
Bile duct obstruction
Murphy’s sign
If suspected cholecystitis (tender and palpable)
Hook left thumb under costal margin and have patient take deep breath. Positive if pain and halt in inspiration
What kidneys usually not palpable
Left
Why is right kidney more palpable
Due to the liver
Aorta is where
Left of midline
Detect ascites
Percuss for tympany and dullness when supine and then recumbent. Boarder of dullness shifts to dependent side (aka approaches midline)
Fluid wave
Fluid wave for what and how
Ascites
Supine patient. Patients knife edge upright and middle of tummy. Doctors hands on each side. And hit one side. Will feel impulse of fluid wave if adipose.
Stats on fluid wave tactic
If positive its highly likely fluid. If negative, may still have fluid
Appendicitis
MC 2nd decade of life
Initial periumbilical pain that then migrates to RLQ
+Pisa’s sign and rebound tenderness
Rebound tenderness. What when
Appendicitis
Push deep in area of abdomen and retract hand quick at area other than issue. Pain at McBurney’s point in RLQ = appendicitis
Pain at area of compression = + Blumberg sign = peritoneal inflammation
Iliopsoas muscle test
Place hand on thigh and have patient raise straight leg
Pain= irritation of ilipsoas (and inflamed appendix irritates ilipsoas)
Obturator muscle test
When and what
Suspect ruptured appendix or pelvic abcess
Flex right leg and hip at 90 degrees and then doctor grabs above knee and at ankle and rotates leg laterally and medically
+ pain in R hypogastric region indicates irritation of obturator (ruptured appendix or pelvic abscess irritates)
Aaron sign
Pain in area of heart of stomach on palpation of McBurney’s point
Appendicitis
+ Aaron test
Appendicitis
Ballance sign
Fixed dullness to percussion in left flank and dullness in right flank that disappears on change of position
Peritoneal irritation
+ ballance sign
Peritoneal irritation
Blumberg sign
Rebound tenderness
Peritoneal irritation
Appendicitis
+ Blumberg sign
Perritoneal irritation
Appendicitis
Cullen sign
Ecchymosis around umbilicus
Hemoperitoneum
Pancreatitis
Ectopic pregnancy
Cullen sign +
Hemoperitoneum
Pancreatitis
Ectopic pregnancy
Dance sign
Absence of bowel sounds in RLQ
Intussusception (ilium goes into cecum)
+dance sign
Intussusception
Grey turner sign
Ecchymosis of flanks
Hemoperitoneum
Pancreatitis
+ grey turner
Hemoperitoneum
Pancreatitis
Kehr sign
Abdominal pain radiating to left shoulder
Spleen rupture
Renal calculus
Ectopic pregnancy
+ Kehr sign
Spleen rupture
Renal calculi
Ectopic pregnancy
Markle sign
Raise up on toes and relaxes that causes abdominal pain
Peritoneal irritation
Appendicitis
+ markle sign
Peritoneal irritation
Appendicitis
McBurney sign
Rebound tenderness and sharp pain when McBurney’s point palpated
Appendicitis
+ McBurney sign
Appendicitis
Murphy sign
Abrupt cessation of inspiration on palpation of GB
Cholecystitis
+ Murphy sign
Cholecystitis
Romberg-Howship sign
Pain down medial aspect of thigh to knees
Strangulated obturator hernia
+ Romberg-Howship sign
Strangulated obturator hernia
Rovsing sign
RLQ pain intensified by LLQ palpation
Peritoneal irritation
Appendicitis
+ Rovsing sign
Peritoneal irritation
Appendicitis
Burning
Peptic ulcer
Cramping
Biliary colic/gastroenteritis
Colicky
Appendicitis with impacted feces
Aching
Appendiceal irritation
Knifelike
Pancreatitis
Ripping/tearing
Aortic dissection
Gradual onset
Infection
Sudden onset
Duodenal ulcer
Acute pancreatitis
Obstruction
Perforation
In infants scaphoid (concave) abdoment and respiratory distress may indicate what?
Diaphragmatic hernia
Other s/s: bowel sounds in chest
Enlarged spleen in infancy may indicate what
Hemolytic disease or sepsis
Usually spleen is palpable in infant a few weeks after birth
Hepatomegaly present in infants when liver is where
3 or more cm below right costal margin
Duration of acute diarrhea
Less than 4 weeks
Tenesmus
Feeling of incomplete defecation
GERD cause
Backward flow of gastric contents into esophagus due to relaxation/incompetence of lower esophageal sphincter
**delayed gastric emptying is predisposing factor
**difficulty swallowing
Risk factors for GERD
Obesity
Hiatal hernia
Pregnancy
CT disorders (scleroderma)
GERD has an association with what other issue(s)
Asthma
75% of asthma patients experience GERD
People with asthma 2x likely to have GERD
And diabetes
IBS
Disorder of intestinal motility
Late adolescence and early adulthood (rarely over 50 onset)
Alternating constipation and diarrhea is a good indicator of what disease
IBS
Hiatal hernia
Part of stomach passes through the esophageal hiatus into chest cavity
Women 50+
Two types of hiatal hernias
Sliding and PEH (paraesophageal)
Sliding hernia
More common, less dangerous
Esophagus pulled upwards
PEH (paraesophageal hernia)
Part of esophagus and stomach through esophageal hiatus
Causes of hiatal hernias
MC 50+ females
Weakened muscle allows stomach to bulge through
Injury
Congential Ly large hiatus
Persistent and intense pressure on surrounding muscles (coughing, straining excessive lifting etc)
Peptic ulcer causes
Helicobacter pylori infection Long term aspirin/NSAIDS Smoking Alcohol Men
S/s of peptic ulcer
A
Localized epigastric pain (burning) when stomach empty
Hematemesis
Crohn’s where does it affect
Can inflect any part of GI
Terminal ileum and colon MC
What might give RLQ pain
Crohn’s or appendicitis
S/s of crohn’s
RLQ pain Perianal skin tags Cobblestone appearance of mucosa on colonoscopy Fistulas Ulcers
Risk factors for crohns
- white/Jewish
- history
- cigarette smoking (MC risk factor)
- urban/industrialized country
Ulcerative colitis issues where
Large intestine and rectum
How to differentiate crohns and ulcerative colitis
UC: NO fistulae or perianal disease
S/s of UC
Bloody, frequency watery diarrhea
How long is the alimentary tract? And each part
27 feet Esophagus 10 inches Stomach SI-21 feet LI-4.5-5 feet
What does the stomach secrete to do what
HCL and enzymes to break down fats and proteins
Two functions of LI
Water absorption
Putrefaction (live bacteria decompose undigested food etc)
What synthesizes, concentrates and stores bile
Liver synthesizes
GB: concentrates and stores
Path of bile release
Into cystic duct—> C. Bile duct —> duodenum
When is meconium first produced?
17 weeks
When is GI tract capable of adapting to extrauterine life
36-38 weeks
Elasticity, musculature, and control mechanisms continue to develop, reaching adult functioning levels when
2-3 years
What organ is large at birth
Liver
Heaviest organ in the body
When can a fetus produce urine
12 weeks
When does development of new nephrons stop
36 weeks
What are some things seen with pregnancy
Heartburn Gallstones (MC in 2/3rd tri) Urinary stasis/urgency Constipation/flats Hemorrhoids Linea nigra (was linea alba but when stretched turns dark)
Things seen with older adults
-motility slows
-secretion/absorption slows
-digestive ability declines —> food intolerances
-increase in biliary lipids—> gallstones
No change in pancreas
Inspection of abdoment procedure
Look at contour (concave/scaphoid, flat, convex/round) from side and head of table
- have pt. Take deep breath and hold
- pt raise head from table (hernias?)
During auscultation of abdomen, what abnormal sounds are heard with bell and diaphragm
Bell: bruits and venous hum
Diaphragm: friction rubs
What does friction rub heard with diaphragm in stomach indicate
Inflammation of peritoneal surface of organ from tumor, infection or infarct
Where are the upper and lower boards typically of the liver
5th intercostal space to inferior costal margin
Determining if mass or distended structure (felt as resistance) is voluntary or involuntary
Palpate while patient breathes slowly through mouth.
If resistance remains, probably involuntary
Rebound tenderness over site that was compressed. Sign? Indicates?
Blumberg
Peritoneal inflammation
Rebound tenderness over RLQ. Sign? Indicates?
McBurney’s sign
Appendicitis
If scaphoid abdomen in infant what may it indicate
Diaphragmatic hernia
Who has more tympany in abdomen?
Infants and children because they swallow air when feeding
When may an enlarged liver be found in infants
Mother with poorly controlled insulin-dependent DM or gestational diabetes
Is spleen usually palpable within the first few weeks after birth
Yes
1-2cm below left costal margin
Bacteria associated with acute diarrhea and travel? Camping/well water?
E.coli/samonella/shigella
Giardia/campylobacter
What is a predisposing factor for GERD
Delayed gastric emptying
Stats on IBS
1 in 5 Americans
What is IBS
Disorder of intestinal motility
What may a large hernia lead to
Allow food and acid backup into the esophagus and causes heartburn
Demographics of MC people with hiatal hernia
MC in women and 50+
Hiatal hernias associated with?
Obesity
Pregnancy
Ascites
Tight fitting belts/clothing
What causes hiatal hernia with esophagitis
Weakened muscles allow stomach to bulge through
Age related
Injury
Congenitally large hiatus
Persistent/intense pressure on surround muscles (coughing/vomiting/straining during bowel)
Two types of peptic ulcers
Gastric-inside stomach
Duodenal-inside duodenum
Hematemesis
Vomiting blood
Complications of peptic ulcer
- Internal bleeding (anemia/black bloody stool/vomit)
- Infection (perforate stomach/SI wall)
- obstruction (swelling/inflammation/scarring)
What does Crohn’s disease cause
Ulceration, fibrosis and malabsorption
Risk factors for Crohn’s disease
- before 30
- whites/Jewish
- family history (1/5)
- cigarette smoking (Most controllable)
- environmental factors-urban/industrialized —high fat/refined
Complications of crohns
Bowel obstruction Ulcers (anywhere in Dig. Tract) -fistulas -anal fissure (when ulcer extend through intestinal wall Mc: perianal) -malnutrition (B12/Iron) -colon CA (due to inflammation/scarring)
What is a fistula
When ulcer extend through intestinal wall
MC perianal
Tx for crohns
None
Diet and stress aggravate
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Immunosuppressants
Nearly 1/2 have 1 surgery at least
S/s of Ulcerative Colitis
- Frequent bloody/watery diarrhea
- NO fistulae/perianal disease
- abdominal pain/cramping
- rectal pain/bleeding
- urgency to defecate
- inability to defecate despite urgency
- fever
Risk factors for ulcerative colitis
- family
- before 30
- whites
Complications of ulcerative colitis
- bleeding
- perforated colon (infection)
- severe dehydration
- osteoporosis (decreased absorption of VitD/Ca plus meds they take decrease bone density)
- inflammation of skin/joints/eyes
- increased risk fo colon CA
- rapid swelling colon (toxic megacolon)
- increased risk of blood clots
Tx of ulcerative colitis
Anti-inflammatory drugs Immunosuppressants AB Anti-diarrheal medications -pain relievers -iron supplements -surgery
Where stomach CA usually found
Lower half
S/s of stomach CA
- decreased appetite
- feeling full
- weight loss
- dysphasia
- persistent epigastric pain
- severe,persistent heartburn
Risk factors for stomach CA
- GERD
- high salt/smoked food. Low fruit and veggies
- family history
- infection with Helicobacter pylori
- long term stomach inflammation
- smoking
Diagnose stomach CA upon exam
- mid-epigastric tenderness
- hepatomegaly
- enlarged supraclavicular nodes (VIRCHOWS)
- ascites
Diverticular disease/ diverticulitis
Saclike mucosal outpouchings that form in a lining of digestive system
When is diverticulitis MC?
After 40
What is affected in diverticulitis
Sigmoid colon
S/s of diverticulitis
LLQ Anorexia Nausea/vomit Constipation Decreased bowel sounds Pain localized to site of inflammation Abdominal distinction Tympany with percussion Lower GI bleeding
Risk factors for diverticulitis
- increased age
- obesity
- smoking
- lack of exercise
- high fat, low fiber diet
- medications
S/s of colon cancer
Change in bowel habits Blood in stool *** Abdominal cramps Fatigue Weight loss Early stage may have no s/s RIBBON/PENCIL like stool
Risk factors for colon cancer
AA Age History Inflammatory conditions Low fiber, high fat Sedentary Diabetes Obesity Smoking Alcohol
Screening recommendations for colon CA
Average risk: at 45
Increased risk: before 45
Cause of hepatitis
Viral infection
Alcohol, drugs, toxins
Hepatitis
Diffuse or patchy hepatocellular necrosis
S/s of hepatitis
A Anorexia Fatigue Abd pain Jaundice (skin and sclera) Clay colored stools Tea colored urine
Cirrhosis causes
Hepatitis C
Chronic alcoholism etc
Exam findings with cirrhosis
Jaundice Prominent abd vascular Spider angiomas Liver enlargement with non-tender boarder Liver size decrease with scarring Portal HTN/ascites Muscle wasting
Primary hepatocellular carcinoma
Arises in the setting of cirrhosis 20-30 years after injury/disease
High mortality
S/s of primary hepatocellular carcinoma
A Fatigue Fullness Clay colored stool Tea colored urine Jaundice Hepatomegaly with HARD IRREGULAR BOARDER ***** -nodules present and palpable (tender or non)
*cirrhosis has large liver with hard non-tender boarder recall
Cholelithiasis
Gallstones
Cholelithiasis s/s
Murphy’s sign + Colic RUQ pain Pain in back and right shoulder Nausea/vomit
White with black center on X-ray
(Kidney stones are solid white stones)
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of gallbladder
MC cause of cholecystitis
Obstruction of cystic duct from cholelithiasis
Acute or chronic
Acute cholecystitis
90% have stone formation that causes obstructoin and inflammation
Chronic cholecystitis
Repeated attacks of acute cholecystitis in GB that is scarred and contracted
Cholecystitis s/s
Acute and chronic
RUQ pain that radiates to right scapula Fiber Jaundice Anorexia Pain abrupt for 2-4 hours
Chronic: may have fat intolerance, flatulence, nausea, anorexia and non-specific abdominal pain
nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Spectrum ranging from steatosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma
Too much fat stored in liver cells
Hepatic cell inflammation and injury thought o arise from accumulation of triglycerides in the liver
MC cause of chronic liver disease in US
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Thought to be cause of NAFLD
Inflammation and injury arise from accumulation of triglycerides in liver
Insulin resistance important factor
S/s of NAFLD
A RUQ Fatigue Malaise Jaundice Physical exam unremarkable 1/2 patients have hepatomegaly
Acute pancreatitis causes what
Release of pancreatic enzymes that leave to auto digestion
Causes of acute pancreatitis
- Biliary disease (cholelithiasis)
- Chronic alcohol abuse
S/s of acute pancreatitis
- Sudden onset of persistent epigastric pain
- RADIATES TO BACK 50%
- Constant/dull
- abd distention
- fever
- anorexia
- diffuse abd. Pain
- decreased bowel sounds
- Cullen/grey turner signs
- tachycardia
- dyspnea
Complications of acute pancreatitis
- pseudocyst
- infection
- kidney failure
- breathing issues
- diabetes
- malnutrition
- pancreatic CA