Abdominal Emergencies

Question 1

Peritoneum

Answer 1

membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (parietal peritoneum) and covers the organs within it (visceral peritoneum)

Question 2

retroperitoneal space

Answer 2

area posterior to the peritoneum between the peritoneum and the back

Question 3

Visceral Pain

Answer 3

poorly localized, dull, or diffuse pain that arises from the abdominal organs, or viscera

Question 4

Parietal Pain

Answer 4

localized, intense pain that arises from the parietal peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity

Question 5

tearing pain

Answer 5

sharp pain that feels as if body tissues are being torn apart

Question 6

referred pain

Answer 6

pain that is felt in a location other than where the pain originates

Question 7

Appendicitis

Answer 7

infection of the appendix (needs surgery)
Signs and Symptoms: nausea sometimes vomiting, pain in the area of the umbilicus (initially), followed by persistent pain in the RLQ

Question 8

Peritonitis

Answer 8

may be result of medical condition (such as inflammationof a ruptured appendix) or the result of trauma (bleeding from ruptured spleen)
Abdomen typically becomes extremely painful and rigid. rigidity is involuntary response of the muscles over the peritoneum. this is a potential life-threatening emergency

Question 9

Cholecystitis/Gallstones

Answer 9

inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones
Patient experiences severe sometimes sudden RUQ and/or Epigastric (Upper central abdomen just below the xiphoid process) pain, which may radiate to the shoulders. pain may be caused or worsened by ingestion of foods high in fat

Question 10

Pancreatitis

Answer 10

Inflammation of the pancreas common in patients with chronic alcohol problems
Pain found in epigastric area. pain may radiate to the back or shoulders and can present signs of shock

Question 11

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding

Answer 11

Bleeding occurring anywhere within the GI system
blood will eventually pass out through the rectum or the mouth
no significant or constant pain associated unless patient has perforated ulcers in the stomach

Question 12

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Answer 12

ballooning or weakening in the wall of the aorta as it passes through the abdomen. weakening results in tearing of the internal layer of the blood vessel, which allows blood to escape into the weaker, outer layers, which can gradually grow and rupture

Question 13

Hernia

Answer 13

hole in the muscle layer of the abdominal wall, allowing tissue usually intestinal to protrude up against the skin
aggravated by heavy lifting or training that causes the intestine to push through the weakened area in the abdominal wall

Question 14

Renal Colic

Answer 14

Kidney stones

Question 15

Cardiac Involvement

Answer 15

Pain from a MI may be felt as abdominal discomfort,