Abdominal Overview

Question 1

fibers located in the walls and capsules; slow in onset, dull, poorly localized and protracted.

Answer 1

visceral pain

Question 2

acute, sharp, better localized pain sensation

Answer 2

parietal pain

Question 3

if a patient is lying still, what is likely occurring?

Answer 3

peritonitis

Question 4

if a patient is restless, what is likely occurring?

Answer 4

obstruction

Question 5

what does a tensely distended abdomen with an old surgical scare indicate?

Answer 5

adhesions; small bowel obstruction

Question 6

what does a scaphoid contracted abdomen indicate?

Answer 6

perforated ulcer

Question 7

what does visible peristalsis indicate?

Answer 7

advanced bowel obstruction

Question 8

what does soft doughy fullness indicate?

Answer 8

early paralytic ileus or mesenteric thrombosis

Question 9

what does an everted umbilicus indicate?

Answer 9

increased abdominal pressure

Question 10

what is the most informative aspect of the physical exam?

Answer 10

palpation

Question 11

what imaging is essential in all cases of an acute abdomen?

Answer 11

upright chest xray