Abdominal Pain Flashcards
What is Gastroenteritis?
Inflamed gastrointestinal tract due to infection, usually a virus
Signs and Symptoms of Gastroenteritis
- Cramping intermittent pain in epigastric region
- Nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Pyrexia, fever
Clinical Findings of Gastroenteritis
- Pyrexia
- Epigastric tenderness
- Symptoms usually last between 24-48 hours
- Mild to moderate dehydration
What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Occurs when plaque build up eventually bursting the wall.
Signs and Symptoms of Triple A
- Sudden onset of intense abdo pain/lower back pain
- Pain can radiate to buttocks/pelvis/legs
- SOB
- Faints, dizziness, LOC
Clinical Findings for Triple A
- Pulsating mass in umbilical region on palpation
- Pale, clammy skin
- Hypotension
- Tachypnoea
- Tachycardia
- Reduced SpO2
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
When a fertilised egg implant and grows outside the main cavity
Signs and Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy
- Sharp waves of pain in the abdomen pelvis, shoulder or neck
- PV bleeding
- Syncope episodes
- Dizziness and shoulder tip pain
- History of pelvic inflammatory disease
Clinical Findings for Ectopic Pregnancy
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- Tachypnoea
- Increased rerspiratoy rate
- Global abdominal tenderness
What is Appendicitis?
Inflammatory of the appendix. Most likely cause due to blockage in the lining of the appendix.
Signs and Symptoms of Appendicitis
- nitially cramping umbilical abdominal pain
- Pain radiates into right iliac fossa over time
- Fever
- Nausea/vomiting
Clinical Findings for Appendicitis
- Pyrexia
- Right lower quadrant tenderness
- Umbilical tenderness
- Positive McBurney sign
What is Acute Gastritis/Peptic Ulcers?
Gastritis is a general term for a group of conditions, all with stomach lining inflammation. Gastritis mostly caused by infection
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Gastritis
- Burning pain in epigastric abdominal region
- Fever nausea, vomiting
- Risk Factors - smoking, alcohol, recreational drug misuse, long term anti-inflammatory drug use
Clinical Findings of Acute Gastritis
- Umbilical and epigastric tenderness
- Complications may lead to GI bleeding causing melena *black, tarry stool) and hematemesis (vomiting blood)
- GI bleedings may hypovolemia including tachycardia, tachypnoea and hypotension
What is Cholecystitis (Gall Bladder)?
Inflammation of the gallbladder mostly caused by gallstones blocking the tubes leading out your gall bladder. This causes build up causing inflammation. Other causes include bile duct issues, tumours and infection. If untreated will rupture.
Signs and Symptoms of Cholecystitis
- Severe right upper quadrant abdominal pain
- Described as dull cramp/sharp pain
- Can radiate into shoulders shoulders/back
- Fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating
Clinical Findings of Cholecystitis
- Pyrexia
- Upper right quadrant tenderness
- Positive Murphy’s test
What is Pacreatitis?
Inflammation of the pancreas. When enzymes irritate the cells. Repeated bouts can lead to chronic pancreatitis where scar tissue limits function causing digestive problems.
Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatitis
- Upper right quadrant or global abdominal pain
- Dull ache that radiates from abdomen to the back like a band
- Risk Factors - alcoholism, smoking, obesity + family history
Clinical Findings of Pancreatitis
- Global abdominal tenderness
- Blue tinged colouring of the skin on the abdominal right flank
- Bloated abdomen
What is Diverticulitis?
Gastrointestinal disease characterised by inflammation of abnormal pouches called diverticula. Develops when weak parts of the colon are put under pressure. Diverticulitis is where a tear results in inflammation/infection
Signs and Symptoms of Diverticulitis
- Lower left quadrant abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea/constipation
- Abdominal bloating
- PR bleedin
Clinical Findings of Diverticulitis
- Lower distended abdomen
- Lower left quadrant tenderness
- Streaks of blood in stools
