Abdomen and bowel elimination Flashcards
Right Upper Quadrant
Liver
Gallbladder
Right kidney
portions of the stomach
Portions of the small intestine
Colon
Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ):
Stomach
Spleen
Left kidney
Pancreas
Portions of the liver
Portions of the small intestine
colon
Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)
Appendix
Cecum (beginning of the large intestine)
Portions of the small intestine
Right ovary and fallopian tube (in females)
Right ureter
Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)
Most of the small intestine
Sigmoid colon (part of the large intestine)
Left ovary and fallopian tube (in females)
Left ureter
correct sequence of examining technique for abdominal ( IPPA )
Inspection: Begin by visually inspecting the abdomen. Look for any visible abnormalities, scars, distension, masses, or discoloration of the skin.
Palpation: Palpation involves using your hands and fingers to feel the abdomen. There are two types of palpation:
Light Palpation: Gently press down with your fingers to assess for tenderness, muscle guarding, and superficial masses.
Deep Palpation: Press more firmly to feel the deeper organs, such as the liver and kidneys. Note any masses, tenderness, or enlarged organs.
Percussion: Percussion is tapping the abdomen and listening for sounds. It helps in detecting the presence of fluid, air, or solid masses. There are two types of sounds:
Tympanic: A high-pitched, drum-like sound over gas-filled structures.
Dull: A flat, muffled sound over solid organs or fluid-filled areas.
Auscultation: Auscultation involves listening to the abdomen using a stethoscope. Pay attention to bowel sounds, which are the gurgling noises produced by the movement of the intestines. Absence or abnormal bowel sounds can indicate gastrointestinal issues.
Techniques to enhance abdominal wall relaxation
Define referred pain
Referred pain is a phenomenon in which pain is felt in an area of the body that is different from the actual source of the pain. This occurs because the nerves from various parts of the body can share the same neural pathways in the spinal cord, leading to confusion in the brain about the origin of the pain signals.
Describe sounds heard with percussion and auscultation of the abdomen
Define the functions of the large intestine
Absorption of Water: One of the primary functions of the large intestine is to absorb water and electrolytes from the undigested food residue (chyme) that enters from the small intestine. This absorption process helps in forming solid stools and prevents dehydration.
Formation and Storage of Feces: The large intestine compacts the remaining undigested food particles, absorbing water and forming feces. Feces are stored in the rectum until they are eliminated from the body during a bowel movement.
Fermentation: Beneficial bacteria in the large intestine, known as gut microbiota, help ferment certain indigestible carbohydrates and fibers. During this fermentation process, these bacteria produce essential vitamins (such as vitamin K and some B vitamins) and short-chain fatty acids, which provide additional nutrients to the body.
Bacterial Flora Balance: The large intestine houses a diverse community of bacteria, playing a vital role in maintaining a healthy balance of the gut microbiome. This balance is important for digestion, immune function, and protection against harmful bacteria.
Immune Function: The large intestine contains specialized lymphoid tissue that contributes to the body’s immune system. It helps defend against harmful pathogens and supports the body’s overall immune response.
Elimination of Waste: The large intestine is responsible for the final stages of digestion, absorbing water and forming feces. When the feces reach a certain consistency and the rectum is full, the muscular walls of the colon contract, leading to a bowel movement and the elimination of waste from the body.