acute abdomen Flashcards
time range of gangrene and bowel perforation that causes symptoms from interruption of intestinal blood supply secondary to strangulation or arterial embolus
time range of gangrene and bowel perforation that causes symptoms from interruption of intestinal blood supply secondary to strangulation or arterial embolus
visceral pain
from abd viscera innervated by autonomic nerve fibers; caused by distention, inflammation, or ischemia by stimulating the receptor neurons or by direct involvement (tumor infiltration) of sensory nerves
slow onset, vague, dull, nauseating, poorly localized
visceral pain
somatic (parietal) pain
from parietal peritoneum which is innervated by somatic nerves; caused by direct irritation of parietal peritoneum by pus, bile, urine, or gi secretions from infx, chemical or inflammatory process
more acute and sharp, well localized
somatic (parietal) pain
referred pain
pain perceived distant from its source; results from convergence of nerve fibers at the spinal cord
peritonitis
results from any abdominal condition that causes marked inflammation
cc of peritonitis
acute perf, appendicitis, diverticulitis, intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, PID, acute mesenteric ischemia, ectopic pregnancy
causes of infectious peritonitis
ascitic fluid or indwelling shun, drain, or catheter in peritoneal cavity
effects of peritonitis
causes fluid to shift into peritoneal cavity causing severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances; ARDS can develop rapidly; liver failure, kidney failures and DIC often follow, death can occur within days
BS for ileus vs obstruction
ileus has dec and obstruction being normal then inc to loud borborygmi
signs of shock
tachycardia, hypotension, diaphoresis, confusion
severe pain, silent abdomen, pt lying as still as possible
suggests peritonitis
ecchymosis of CVA (grey turner) or umbilicus (cullen)
suggests hemorrhagic pancreatitis
back pain w shock
suggests ruptured AAA; helpful if tender pulsatile abdominal mass
shock and vaginal bleeding
may suggest ruptured ectopic pregnancy
test of choice
ct
mesenteric ischemia
interruption of intestinal blood flow by embolism, thrombosis, or low flow state; leads to mediator release, inflammation, and ultimately infarction
abdominal pain out of proportion to PE
mesenteric ischemia
tx mesenteric ischemia
embolectomy, revascularization of viable segments or resection; sometimes vasodilators helpful; high mortality
acute perforation
any part of GI tract; can release gastric or intestinal contents into peritoneal space
symptoms are sudden w severe pain quickly followed by peritonitis and sings of shock
acute perforation
dx of acute perforation
imaging study showing free air in abdomen
tx acute perforation
fluid resuscitation, abx, surgical repair; mortality is high
abd pain, tenderness, and anorexia
appendicitis; acute inflammation of vermiform appendix
dx appendicitis
ct or us
tx appendicitis
surgical removal
hernias
protrusion of abd contents through acquired or congenital area of weakness or defect in abd wall
gradually inc pain, n/v, tender at site; guarding, rebound
incarcerated hernias that can’t be reduced
tx incarcerated or strangulated hernia
urgent surgical repair
temporary arrest of intestinal peristalsis
ileus; mc after abd surgery; peritoneal inflammation, metabolic disturbances, drugs
n/v, vague abd discomfort, minimal peristalsis, nontender
ileus
dx ileus
xray; may need contrast ct to differentiate from obstruction
tx ileus
NGT and IVFs, NPO, replace electrolytes
what is someone dx w an ileum has it for >1wk
more likely to be mechanical obstruction and should undergo laparoscopy
intestinal obstruction
mechanical impairment or complete arrest of passage of intestinal contents
cramping pain, vomiting, obstipation and not passing flatus
intestinal obstruction
dx intestinal obstruction
abd xray