Aortic Aneurysms, Acute Abdo Pain, AAAs Flashcards
What are aortic aneurysms?
Permanent, localized outpouching or dilation of vessel wall. Occurs in men. Most occur in abdomen. Caused by atherosclerosis.
What is a true aneurysm?
Wall of artery forms aneurysm w/ one layer still intact.
What is a fusiform aneurysm?
True, circumferential/ uniform in shape.
What is a saccular aneurysm?
Pouchlike w/ narrow neck connecting the buldge to one side of arterial wall.
What is a false aneurysm?
Not an aneuyrsm, disruption of all layers of the arterial wall, results in bleeding contained by surrounding strucutres.
What are the complications of aneurysms?
Rupture, death, severe back pain.
What diagnostic studies can be used to diagnose anuerysm?
CX, abdo X, ultrasound, CT scan, angiograph.
What are some of the causes of acute abdo pain?
Penetrating trauma, ischemic bowel injury, appendicitis, blunt trauma, bowel obstruction w/ perf, cholecytitis, crohns, diverticulitis, perf, gastritis, gastro-enteritis, pancreatitis, etc.
What diagnostic studies are used to diagnose abdo pain?
Rectal/ pelvic exam, CBC, ECG.
What are some common abdo traumas?
Lacerated liver, ruptured spleen, pancreatic trauma, mesenteric artery tears, diaphragmatic rupture, urinary bladder rupture, great vessel tears, renal injury, stomach/ intestinal rupture.
What are the CM of abdo. trauma?
Guarding, splinting, distention, decreased/ absent bowel sounds, contusions, severe abdo pain, hematemesis, hypovolemic shock.
What is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome- associated w/ alteration on bowel function.
What is appendicitis?
Inflammation of the appendix, caused by occlusion of the appendiceal lumen and intramural thickening by hypergrowth of lymphoid tissue.
What are the CM of appendicitis?
periumbilical pain, anorexia, NV, RLQ pain, low grade fever.
What is peritonitis?
Localized or generalized inflammatory process of peritoneum, acute and chronic forms caused by rupture, trauma, chemical irritants, bacteria.
