Acute Abdominal Pain Flashcards
Is involuntary guarding concerning and what does it suggest?
- Yes it is concerning
- Suggest peritonitis
How do you perform a psoas sign?
Roll onto left side, extend leg back
How do you perform a obturator sign?
Flex and externally rotate right leg
How do you perform a Rovsing’s sign?
Push in LLQ, pain in RLQ
How do you perform a Reverse Rovsing’s? and what diagnosis do we think when this test is positive?
- Push in RLQ, pain in LLQ
- Diverticulitis
How do you perform a Murphy’s sign? What diagnosis do we think if this test is positive?
- Pt takes a deep breath, push in RUQ, positive if pt stops inhaling due to pain
- Cholecystitis
What exam should be done in all males?
Testicular test - do not want to miss a testicular torsion
What lab test should you get on every female?
UA/HCG for females
Why do you get a CBC?
- Consultants want them, up to 30% of appys have normal WBC
What do you look at when getting a CMP?
- Liver Enzymes
- Renal fxn: Creatine for CT
- Electrolytes: hypokalemia can cause an ileus
- Low bicarb = acidosis
What COAGs do you want to order? and why do you order COAGS?
- INR/PTT
- Standard pre-op lab
- Liver disease elevates coags before LFTs
What lab do you order to see pancreatic function?
- Lipase to look for pancreatitis
- Amylase is unnecessary- not sensitive or specific
What type of pts do you order VBG + Lactate? what does the high lactate indaicte?
- Older patients
- High lactate = mesenteric ischemia
Why is a CRP useful?
- Will be increased with appy, helps to differentiate esp. if CBC is normal
What medication is a good option for pain control?
Morphine
What is the average loading dose of Morphine?
0.1 mg/kg
What dose of morphine do you generally want to start with?
4 mg IV
What medication and dose is typically given with Morphine to help with nausea?
4 mg IV of Zofran
What is the max dose of morphine in older pts?
4mg
What medication and dose can be given if pt is experiencing itching from the Morphine medication?
12.5 - 25 mg IV Benadryl
What are considered true allergic rxns to Morphine?
- Swelling of lips, tongue and SOB
What imaging is effective for LUQ pain? and what are you looking for?
Rarely requires imaging unless you have a:
- Rigid abdomen
OR
- Suspect a bowel obstruction
What imaging is effective for epiastric pain? and what are you looking for?
Rarely requires imaging.
- May get it for pancreatitis to check for pseudocyst
- If you find pancreatitis, check a RUQ US for gallstone pancreatitis
What imaging is effective for RUQ pain? and what are you looking for?
- RUQ US
- Cholecystitis
What imaging is effective for RLQ pain? and what are you looking for?
CT w/ contrast or US
- Appendicitis.
What imaging is effective for LLQ pain? and what are you looking for?
CT w/ contrast
- Diverticulitis
What imaging is effective for flank pain? and what are you looking for?
CT without contrast
- kidney stones