Assessment of the Abdomen - Unit 3 Flashcards
Kidney’s are located near the…
Costovertebral angle! (It’s tested…if there is pain, instead of a thud….that could be bad!)
What is some subjective data for the abdominal assessment?
Appetite (Anorexia?), Dysphagia (difficult swallowing), food intolerance, pyrosis (heartburn), eructation (belching), pain, nausea or vomitting, bowel habits, past abdominal history, medication and smoking history, nutritional assessment, etc.
What are two types of abdominal pain?
Pain from organs (hollow viscera) and Pain from the lining (peritoneum.)
Organ (Hollow viscera) pain - info
Crampy, paroxismal (stops + starts), often poorly localized, related to peristalsis, patient writhing on exam table.
Pain from the lining (Peritoneum) - info
Steady/constant, often localized, patient lies still with knees up.
Some abdominal pain can radiate to the back. T/F?
True!
What happens with acute appendicitis pain?
Appendicitis is inflammation and the filling of puss - of the Appendix!
Diffuse periumbilical pain and anorexia early, pain localized to RLQ as peritonitis develops, low grade fever, nausea and vomiting, X-Rays and other tests are often NEGATIVE.
Describe Acute Cholecystitis -
Mostly caused by stones in the bileducts. Localized or diffuse RUQ pain. Radiation to right scapula. Vomiting and constipation. Low grade fever. CLAY STOOL (no bile.)
Acute Renal Colic - info
Severe flank pain, radiation to groin, vomiting and urinary symptoms, blood in the urine.
What is some of the equipment needed?
Warm hands and short fingernails, good light, a quiet room and a stethoscope.
Should a patient go to the bathroom before an abdominal exam?
YES!!!!
Preparation for an abdominal exam - the bed should be ___, the patient should be ____ with small pillow under head, and a drape should be present so only the __ is exposed.
elevated.
supine.
abdome.
What organs are located in the RUQ?
Liver, gallbladder, hepatic flexure of the colon, duodenum, head of the pancreas, right kidney/adrenal gland.
What organs are located in the RLQ?
Appendix, Cecum, Right Ovary/Fallopian tube, Right Spermatic Cord, Right ureter, lower pole of kidney.
What organs are located in the LUQ?
Stomach, spleen, left body of pancreas, kidney + adrenal gland, splenic flexure of colon.
What organs are located in the LLQ?
Left ovary + left fallopian tube, Left ureter/spermatic cord, sigmoid colon, left lower kidney pole.
The urethra + urinary bladder are ____.
Midline!