Acute abdomen

Question 1

Differential diagnosis for acute abdomen (9)

Answer 1

Acute appendicitis
Acute cholecystitis 
Peptic ulcer perforation
Urinary retention
Acute pancreatitis
Small/large bowel obstruction
Acute diverticulitis 
Malignancy
Peritonitis

Question 2

What is an acute abdomen

Answer 2

combination of symptoms and signs, including abdominal pain, which RAPIDLY results in a patient being referred for an urgent general surgical opinion

Question 3

Ways that peritonitis can spread (3)

Answer 3

Perforation of GI tract
Penetration of abdo wall
Blood spread

Question 4

Complications of peritonitis (2)

Answer 4

Fluid loss
Possible sepsis
–> circulatory collapse

Question 5

Peritonitis usually caused by infection from what 2 things

Answer 5

Bacteria

Fungi

Question 6

Investigations of acute abdomen/acute abdo pain (7)

Answer 6

Urinalysis
FBC
U&Es
LFTs
AXR
Abdo USS
CT abdo

Question 7

Resuscitation of someone presenting with acute abdomen may include doing what (7)

Answer 7

	Restore circulating fluid volume
	Ensure tissue perfusion
	Enhance tissue oxygenation
	Treat sepsis
	Decompress gut
	Ensure adequate pain relief