Abdominal Pain Flashcards
What differential diagnoses are possible for Abdominal Pain?
GI
- Appendicitis
- Biliary Colic
- Cholecystitis
- Constipation
- Diverticular Disease
- DKA
- Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
- Hernia/Herpes
- IBD
- Large/Small Bowel Obstruction
- Peptic Ulcers
- Pancreatitis
- Pregnancy
- UTI
What is the difference between Colicky Pain and Itis Pain
Colic: Pain is consistently there and patient tries to move
Itis: Patient tries not to move
What Lab studies are important for Abdominal Pain
- Full Blood Count
- Serum Lipase
- Urinalysis
- Blood Culture
- PT and APTT
- ABG
- Serum Lactate
- Fetal Occult Stool
Why do we take a FBC for abdominal pain?
Infection/Inflammation
Why do we check for Amylase and Lipase?
Infection/Inflammation of Pancreas
Why do we take a Fecal Calprotectin Test?
Distinguishes between IBD (high) and IBS
Why do we take Urinalysis?
Excludes UTI
Includes AAA
Why do we take a Blood Culture?
Sepsis
Herpes or C.diff
What can be seen in aPTT and PT for Chronic Liver Diseases?
Raised aPTT and PT due to lack of Factors
What does it mean if there is Normal PT and Abnormal aPTT
Intrinsic Pathway issue (Factor 8, 9, 10, 12)
What does it mean if there is Normal aPTT and Abnormal PT
Extrinsic Pathway Issue (Factor 7)
Why do we do PTT?
Tests if Heparin therapy is effective
Why do we perform Radiography for Abdominal Pain?
Detects:
- Bowel Obstruction
- Nephrolithiasis
Excludes:
1. Pneumonia
Why do we perform Ultrasound for Abdominal Pain?
Detects:
- Biliary Tract Disease
- Nephrolithiasis
- AAA (Bedside)
Why do we perform CT scan for Abdominal Pain?
Why:
- If diagnosis is unclear
Detects:
- Diverticulitis
- Appendicitis
- AAA (With IV Contrast)
- Nephrolithiasis/Urolithiasis
Why do we perform Angiography for abdominal pain?
Mesenteric Ischaemia
- Difficult to obtain on an emergency basis
What do we do in Emergencies for Abdominal Pain?
- ABCDE and Vital Signs
- IV or Heparin Lock
- Do bedside US if AAA
- Give Saline/Ringer if Volume loss
- NG Tube if Bowel Obstruction
- Morphine/Fentanyl if undifferentiated abdo pain
