CH 26 Abdominal Emergencies Flashcards
H-1) The purpose of the spleen is to:
A. filter nutrients from the blood and store glucose.
B. hold bile that aids in the digestion of fats.
C. aid in digestion and regulate carbohydrate metabolism.
D. filter blood and aid in the immune response.
D. filter blood and aid in the immune response.
(Page 727)
The spleen is an elongated, oval, solid organ located in the left upper quadrant behind and to the side of the stomach. It aids in the immune response as well as filtering the blood.
H-2) Which of the following organs helps to regulate carbohydrate levels and detoxify the blood? A. Liver B. Pancreas C. Stomach D. Kidney
A. Liver
Page 727
The liver has many functions, including regulation of carbohydrate levels and detoxification of the blood.
H-3) Absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract is performed in the: A. stomach. B. large intestine. C. transverse colon. D. small intestine.
D. small intestine.
(Page 728 - Table 26-1)
The small intestine is a tube-like structure that begins at the distal end of the stomach and ends at the beginning of the large intestine. Its digestive function is to absorb nutrients from intestinal contents.
H-4) "Tearing" abdominal pain is most likely caused by an emergency involving the: A. aorta. B. gallbladder. C. pancreas. D. large intestine.
A. aorta.
(Page 727)
Most abdominal structures cannot sense “tearing” pain. The exceptions are the aorta and the stomach
H-5) Abdominal pain that is sharp, constant, and localized is called: A. radiating. B. visceral. C. parietal. D. diffuse.
C. parietal
(Page 730)
Parietal pain arises from the parietal peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity), and is typically sharp, constant, and localized.
H-6) The mechanism behind tearing pain in an abdominal aortic aneurysm is:
A. an injury that occurs to the inner layer of the aorta, causing leaking of blood to the outer layers.
B. a tearing of the parietal peritoneum near the aorta.
C. the pulling away of the aorta from its supporting structures.
D. pressures imposed on the aorta from outside the abdominal cavity.
A. an injury that occurs to the inner layer of the aorta, causing leaking of blood to the outer layers
(Page 730)
In cases of an expanding abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), the inner layer of the aorta is damaged and blood leaks from the inner portions of the vessel to the outer layers. This causes a tearing of the vessel lining, and causes pockets of blood that rest in a weak area of the vessel. Much like a balloon, the area of collected blood creates an expanding pouch in the blood vessel wall. This is often sensed as a “tearing” pain in the back.
H-7) Pain that may be described as intermittent, crampy, or colicky often comes from: A. hollow organs of the abdomen. B. solid organs of the abdomen. C. the epigastric region. D. the peritoneum.
A. hollow organs of the abdomen
(Page 730)
Pain that may be described as intermittent, crampy, or colicky often comes from the hollow organs of the abdomen. It is known as visceral pain.
H-8) Referred pain from cholecystitis typically presents as:
A. radiating pain to the shoulder.
B. pain in the left upper region of the abdomen after eating a meal.
C. pain felt in the left upper region of the abdomen.
D. pain that radiates down the right leg.
A. radiating pain to the shoulder.
(Page 731)
The patient with this condition will experience severe and sometimes sudden right upper quadrant (RUQ) and/or epigastric (upper central abdomen just below the xiphoid process) pain, which may radiate to the shoulder.
H-9) A pain in the shoulder that is a common complaint associated with ectopic pregnancies is called: A. visceral pain. B. parietal pain. C. referred pain. D. tearing pain.
C. referred pain.
The term referred pain describes pain that is referred to a region other than the one where the source of the pain lies. Referred pain into the shoulder is a common complaint associated with ectopic pregnancies.
H-10) You respond to the scene of a 22-year-old male who was squatting "heavy weights" when he experienced sudden and severe lower midabdominal pain. While assessing the patient, he denies any radiating pain, stating that most of his pain "is near his groin." Based on these findings, from what is the patient most likely suffering? A. A hernia B. GI bleeding C. Appendicitis D. An abdominal evisceration
A. A hernia
Rapid onset of abdominal pain while heavy lifting may cause the intestines to push through a weakened area in the abdominal wall, creating a hernia.
H-11) The pain from a myocardial infarction is often described as: A. shoulder pain. B. severe heart pain. C. indigestion or digestive discomfort. D. right upper quadrant pain.
C. indigestion or digestive discomfort
The pain from a myocardial infarction is often described as indigestion or digestive discomfort because it is commonly felt in the epigastric region.
H-12) Your patient is a 58-year-old male who is complaining of a sudden onset of severe, constant abdominal pain, radiating to the lower back. He describes the pain as "tearing." When you palpate the area, you note a pulsating abdominal mass. You suspect: A. esophageal varices. B. an intestinal obstruction. C. an ulcer. D. an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
D. an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a weakened, ballooned, and enlarged area of the wall of the abdominal aorta. The aneurysm may eventually rupture, and is one of the most lethal causes of abdominal pain.
H-13) You respond to a scene where a 67-year-old male presents as pale, cool, and diaphoretic. He states he has severe midabdominal pain that began “about an hour ago.” What assessment finding would lead you to suspect a large arterial GI bleed?
A. Dark, tarry stools
B. Right upper quadrant abdominal pain
C. Bright red vomitus
D. Rebound tenderness in right lower quadrant
C. Bright red vomitus
Patient suffering from GI bleeds may present in different ways. The difference in presentation of signs and symptoms depends largely on which vessel is the source of hemorrhage. Small bleeds may resolve themselves or result in chronic gastrointestinal hemorrhage, with associated signs and symptoms appearing over a longer period of time. Large arterial GI bleeds are acute and associated with severe pain as well as bright red blood from the rectum or in the vomit.
H-14) You are treating a patient who has sudden-onset stomach pain. The 56-year-old male patient states he was mowing his yard when he began having sharp, stabbing pain in his epigastric region. He feels it may be from the lunch he ate 15 minutes prior to your arrival. What is the best way to manage this patient? A. Treat for abdominal aortic aneurysm B. Treat for hernia C. Treat for renal colic D. Treat for myocardial infarction
D. Treat for myocardial infarction
All patients with epigastric abdominal pain should be considered cardiac in nature until proven otherwise. Contact medical direction to treat for possible myocardial infarction.
H-15) After exposing the abdomen of a patient experiencing abdominal pain, you would: A. conduct a primary assessment. B. palpate the abdominal quadrants. C. perform a scene size-up. D. obtain the patient's history.
B. palpate the abdominal quadrants.
After exposing the abdomen of a patient experiencing abdominal pain, you would proceed by palpating the abdominal quadrants and conducting any other necessary physical examinations.
H-16) A patient with abdominal pain and experiencing airway problems should be transported in: A. the left lateral recumbent position. B. a supine position. C. a position of comfort. D. a prone position.
A. the left lateral recumbent position
A patient with abdominal pain and experiencing airway problems should be transported in the left lateral recumbent position
H-17) What is a potential problem of asking a patient directly if she is pregnant? A. She almost certainly is not. B. She most likely will not answer. C. She most likely will lie. D. She may not know.
D. She may not know
A potential problem of asking a patient directly if she is pregnant is that she may not know. Some patients may not even be fully aware of how one becomes pregnant. Some may not realize that even if they have used birth control devices or techniques, they could be pregnant
H-18) For a female of childbearing age who is experiencing abdominal pain, you should:
A. only ask questions related to pregnancy if the patient looks pregnant.
B. hint that you think the problem is because of pregnancy without directly asking anything related to it.
C. ask questions regarding menstruation or pregnancy while assuring the patient’s privacy.
D. respect the patient’s privacy and not ask invasive questions about menstruation or pregnancy.
C. ask questions regarding menstruation or pregnancy while assuring the patient’s privacy
The questions you will need to ask of a female in her childbearing years who is suffering abdominal pain are highly personal but important to include in the history. Ask the questions directly, with the terminology taught in class. If the patient senses you are not at ease asking the questions, she will be uneasy answering them. Assuring privacy for the patient while you ask these questions may help communication. Remember, this is important assessment information.
PT-1) Dull, achy abdominal pain that is difficult to locate is called: A. tearing pain. B. referral pain. C. visceral pain. D. parietal pain.
C. visceral pain.
PT-2) What type of bleeding is most likely associated with dark, tarry stool? A. External bleeding B. Esophageal varices C. GI bleeding D. Cholecystitis
C. GI bleeding
PT-3) Pancreatitis is common in: A. asthma patients. B. younger patients. C. chronic alcoholics. D. vegetarians.
C. chronic alcoholics
PT-4) Pain from appendicitis begins:
A. in the right shoulder, and is followed by persistent pain in the umbilicus.
B. in the right lower quadrant, and is followed by persistent pain in the left lower quadrant.
C. in the area of the umbilicus, and is followed by persistent pain in the right lower quadrant.
D. in the area of the right shoulder, and is followed by persistent pain in the right lower quadrant.
C. in the area of the umbilicus, and is followed by persistent pain in the right lower quadrant.
PT-5) Why does referred pain occur?
A. Because the nerve endings near the origin of the pain have been destroyed
B. Because nerve pathways are shared by more than one body part
C. Because adjacent visceral structures are also involved in the disease process
D. Because of patient misperception, because it is not true pain
B. Because nerve pathways are shared by more than one body part
PT-6) Your patient complains of epigastric pain. He tells you he thinks his problem is indigestion, but he took several antacids before your arrival, and they provided no relief. You should suspect: A. expired antacids. B. a diabetic problem. C. a cardiac problem. D. stomach flu.
C. a cardiac problem.
PT-7) Why is visceral pain more difficult to locate than parietal pain?
A. Because nerve pathways from the viscera do not enter the spinal cord
B. Because visceral pain can be stimulated only by inflammation of the organ
C. Because abdominal organs cover a greater area than the peritoneum
D. Because organs do not have a large number of nerve endings to detect pain
D. Because organs do not have a large number of nerve endings to detect pain
(Page 730)
PT-8) A patient with an ectopic pregnancy:
A. will be unwilling to answer questions concerning pregnancy.
B. will be in her third trimester.
C. will not look pregnant.
D. will not experience abdominal pain.
C. will not look pregnant.
These pregnancies occur at the beginning of the pregnancy. She will not have an abdomen that appears outwardly pregnant
PT-9) Pancreatitis pain would most likely not be felt in the: A. flanks. B. shoulders. C. epigastric area. D. back.
A. flanks.
The pain is found in the epigastric area, and radiates to the back and/or shoulders
PT-10) The membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the organs within it is the: A. viscera. B. peritoneum. C. stomach. D. abdomen.
B. peritoneum
PT-11) A patient with an expanding abdominal aortic aneurysm would most likely complain of: A. altered mental status B. diffuse abdominal pain. C. tearing back pain. D. palpitations.
C. tearing back pain.
PT-12) You are assessing a 23-year-old female patient complaining of abdominal pain. Which of the following questions should you ask the patient?
A. Could the pain be caused by ruptured ovarian cysts?
B. Are you experiencing ectopic pregnancy?
C. Where are you in your menstrual cycle?
D. Do you have pelvic inflammatory disease?
C. Where are you in your menstrual cycle?
PT-13) Fever is most likely to be found in patients with: A. GI bleeding. B. hernia. C. abdominal aortic aneurysm. D. peritonitis.
D. peritonitis.
PT-14) The colon is also known as the: A. gallbladder. B. small intestine. C. large intestine. D. stomach.
C. large intestine.
PT-15) Cholecystitis pain is often confused with: A. hernia. B. GI bleeding. C. chest pain. D. shock.
C. chest pain.
PT-16) Which of the following statements is true?
A. There are few serious causes of abdominal pain.
B. EMTs should not delay transport to determine the specific cause of abdominal pain.
C. Abdominal complaints are typically easy to diagnose.
D. EMTs should determine the cause of abdominal pain before recommending transport.
B. EMTs should not delay transport to determine the specific cause of abdominal pain.