Acute Abdomen Flashcards
What is appendicitis
luminal obstruction of appendix causing periumbilical pain, which develops into RLQ pain over 24 hr.
What are associated Sx of appendicitis
anorexia, N/V
not likely to be ruptured at time of removal
What will your PE findings be for appendicitis
Rovsing's sign (pain in RLQ when palpating LLQ) Iliopsoas sign (pain when flexing R hip w straight knee) Obturator sign (pain w/ flex knee 90 and rotate hip int/ext)
What is the Alvarado score
grades Sx, signs, and labs of appendicitis (iliac fossa pain,
7-8 is probable, >9 is highly probably
What are possible lab findings in appendicitis
Leukocytosis w/ left shift
How do you treat appendicitis
TOC: Appendectomy
Fluid resuscitation
antibiotics (more intense if perforated)
What is Cholecystitis
Inflammation and infection of the gallbladder (stores bile)
Causes intermittent RUQ pain out of proportion to exam findings
-Referred pain to R scapula/shoulder
What are associated symptoms in cholecystitis
N/V after a fatty meal or large meal after fasting
fever, chills, increased temp
What are your PE findings in cholecystitis
Murphy’s sign (inspiratory arrest when palpating RUQ)
How should you work cholecystitis up
**HIDA scan to diagnose (if GB not clearly outlined in 1 hr, CD obstructed)
US to show stones, thick GB wall, pericholecystic fluid
How do you treat cholecystitis
Fluid resuscitation
Antibiotics
What is cholangitis and how do you treat it
infection of bile duct caused by gram - bacteria
100% fatal if not Tx w/ aggressive IVF, IV abx, and surgery
What is charcot’s triad
Fever + Jaundice + RUQ pain
indicative of Cholangitis
-Reynolds pentad is the above triad + confusion + shock
What is Mesenteric ischemia due to
Arterial embolism to SMA from mural thrombus, associated with MI
Causes poorly localized, intermittent pain out of proportion to exam findings
What are RF for mesenteric ischemia
>60 AFib CHF recent MI hypotension hypercoagulable
What symptoms are associated with Mesenteric Ischemia
vomiting
diarrhea
intestinal angina (pain after large meal, relief w/ vomiting)
Mesenteric Ischemia workup will show
increased WBC, amylase, and phosphate Metabolic acidosis (lac>10=bad)
How do you treat mesenteric ischemia
Arteriograph
heparin
antibiotics
What is an ectopic pregnancy
Pregnancy outside the uterus (MC isthmus of fallopian tube) Causes triad (Pain in RLQ/LLQ + vaginal bleeding + amenorrhea)
What is a common PE finding in ectopic pregnancy
Kern’s sign: referred left shoulder pain
US will show empty fundus and endometrial stripe
How do you treat ectopic pregnancy
Fluid resuscitation
Pre-op labs
OB/GYN for surgery
What is a Perforated gastric ulcer
mucosal break >3mm (mostly duodenal)- caused by H. Pylori
Causes burning, gnawing pain to epigastrum <2 hours after eating
What symptom are associated with perforated gastric ulcer
anorexia belching bloating nausea heart burn \+/- hematesis and melena
How do you treat a perforated gastric ulcer
Fluid resuscitation
H2 blocker/ppi (zantac, pepcid)
Surgery consult for repair
What is a small bowel obstruction due to
*adhesions from prior surgery/ incarcerated hernia prevent fluid from flowing into colon
Causes proximal bowel distention and edema, bacterial overgrowth in stagnant bowel, hemorrhagic necrosis, gangrene, sepsis, and death
What should your work up include for SBO
CBC
CMP
CT abdomen
How do you treat a SBO
antiemetics
pain meds
NG tube decompression
IV fluid resuscitation