Abdomen, Perioperative Care, Burns & Wounds Flashcards
Define an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Localized weakness of blood vessel wall with dilation
Where are abdominal aortic aneurysms most commonly found?
Infrarenally
A 61 yo male patient comes in with abdominal/flank/back pain. He reports he smokes. On exam, you auscultate an abdominal bruit. What is the most likely diagnosis? How would you treat it?
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Tx:
Immediate surgery if symptomatic/ruptured.
Beta-blockers
A patient comes in with hypotension. He reports he had a syncopal event prior to coming in. On exam, you notice a flank ecchymosis. What is the next best step in management and what is the most likely diagnosis?
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
If hemodynamically stable + symptomatic: Contrast CT
If hemodynamically unstable OR asymptomatic: bedside U/S
What patient population meets the requirement for an abdominal aortic aneurysm screening?
One time screening via abdominal U/S in men 65-75 yo who ever smoked
You screen a 67 yo male smoker for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. On abdominal U/S, you notice focal aortic dilation that is greater than/equal to 5.5 cm. What is the next best step in managing this patient?
Immediate surgical repair–even if asymptomatic
You screen a 67 yo male smoker for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. On abdominal U/S, you notice focal aortic dilation that increased by 0.5 cm. What is the next best step in managing this patient?
Immediate surgical repair–even if asymptomatic
You screen a 67 yo male smoker for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. On abdominal U/S, you notice focal aortic dilation that is >4.5 cm. What is the next best step in managing this patient?
Vascular surgeon referral
You screen a 67 yo male smoker for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. On abdominal U/S, you notice focal aortic dilation that is 4-4.5 cm. What is the next best step in managing this patient?
Monitor by U/S q 6 months
A patient comes post abdominal surgery. She complains of abdominal pain and vomiting. On exam, you note abdominal distension and visible peristalsis. What is the most likely diagnosis and how would you treat it?
Small bowel obstruction
NPO, IVF, NG suction (bowel decompression)
If strangulated: surgery
A patient comes in with a history of Crohn disease. She reports abdominal pain and obstipation. What are you most likely to hear on auscultation of the abdomen?
Small bowel obstruction
High pitched tinkles
A patient comes in with a current incarcerated hernia. You determine she has a small bowel obstruction with obstipation being a huge giveaway. What would best help you to definitively determine this diagnosis?
Abdominal XR - multiple air-fluid levels in a step ladder appearance/string of pearls sign. Dilated bowel loops.
CT: most sensitive.
- transition zone from dilated loops of bowel with contrast to an area of bowel with no contrast
A patient comes in with abdominal pain and a low-grade fever. They describe having changes in their bowel habits. PE is normal while labs show leukocytosis. What is the most likely diagnosis and how would you treat it.
Diverticulitis
Sigmoid colon MC area
Metronidazole + Cipro/Levofloxacin
A patient comes in with epigastric pain that is exacerbated by fatty and large meals. On exam, the patient demonstrates a positive Boas sign. What is this sign and what is the most likely diagnosis?
Acute cholecystitis
Boas sign: referred pain to the R shoulder/subscapular area
A patient comes in with nausea and fever. You note a positive Murphy’s sign and determine this patient has acute cholecystitis. What is the most likely causative microorganism? What is the initial test of choice and how would you treat it?
Microbe: E. coli
U/S - initial
HIDA scan - most accurate
Tx: NPO, IVF, Ceftriaxone + Metro –> cholecystectomy
A patient comes in complaining of epigastric gnawing pain. He notes he has been taking ASA for 3 months daily for his R knee pain. What is the most likely diagnosis and how would you treat it?
Peptic ulcer disease
Tx: Bismuth subsalicylate + Tetracycline + Metro + PPI x 14 days
A patient comes in with an upper GI bleed. On exam, you notice the patient lays extremely still. You note rebound tenderness, guarding and rigidity on palpation. What is your next best step in managing this patient?
Peptic ulcer disease
Upper endoscopy + bx - testing for H. pylori
What is a complication of portal vein hypertension?
Esophageal varices
A patient comes in with hematemesis, melena, and hematochezia. The patient notes he has alcohol use disorder. What is the next best step in managing this patient?
Esophageal varices
Upper endoscopy - both diagnostic and therapeutic
A patient comes in to the ED with a massive upper GI bleed. How would you best stabilize this patient?
Esophageal Varices
2 large bore IVs and IVF
Endoscopy
Octreotide
Nadolol/Propranolol (nonselective beta blockers) for prevention of a rebleed
A patient comes in with GERD. What is the pathology of this disease?
Incompetent lower esophageal sphincter
A patient comes in complaining of chest pain. She notes the pain increases when she is lying down. She also reports hoarseness. What is the most likely diagnosis and how would you treat it?
GERD
Tx:
- Lifestyle modifications: elevate head of bed, avoid laying down for 3 hours after eating, avoid fatty/spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine
- If <2 episodes/week (mild or intermittent) Antacids and H2 receptor antagonists
- If severe or moderate (>2 episodes/week): PPI
A patient comes in with dysphagia, odynophagia, weight loss and bleeding. What are you most concerned for? How would you diagnose it?
GERD
Concerned for Barrett’s esophagus –> esophageal adenocarcinoma
Clinical diagnosis. If confirmation needed: 24-hr ambulatory pH monitoring
A patient comes in with epigastric pain hat radiates to the back. It is worsened when she is laying down and is relieved when she leans forward. What signs should you look out for on your exam? Tx?
Acute pancreatitis
Cullen’s sign (periumbilical ecchymosis) + Grey Turner Sign (flank ecchymosis)
Tx: NPO, IVF
A patient comes in with acute pancreatitis. What are you looking for in labs/imaging?
Labs:
- Increased lipase>amylase
- Hypocalcemia
Imaging:
- abd CT
- XR: sentinel loop
What’s the sequence of preoperative care?
Diagnostic workup
Preoperative eval
Preoperative prep
What’s the sequence of postoperative care?
Postanesthetic observation
Intensive care
Intermediate care
Convalscent care
A patient comes in to the ED. You determine they require surgery ASAP. What are the most important questions you should ask them prior to them starting surgery?
AMPLE
A: allergies M: meds P: past medical history L: last meal E: events preceding the emergency
What would make someone have delayed wound healing, thus increasing their postsurgical risks?
use of corticosteroids
severe anemia
diabetes
smoking
decreased perfusion