Ch.4 Abdominal

Question 1

Questions to assess abdominal pain (OPQRST)

Answer 1

1. Onset - sudden or gradual
2. Provokes/Palliates - What mades the complaint worse
3. Quality: What words describe the complaint
4. radiation/region/referred: where is the complaint located, does it move anywhere?
5. severity: how does it rate on a scale 1-10
6. Time/Trend: how long has it been going on? is it getting better or worse?

Question 2

Questions about signs and symptoms

Answer 2

1. Blood? fever?
2. other people with similar symptoms?
3. nausea? vomiting? diarrhea? constipation?
4. recent changes in diet or water intake?
5. shock? orthostatic vitals might be helpful
6. stress level change?
7. stage in menstrual cycle
8. history of similar pain

Question 3

Physical Exam for abdominal pain

Answer 3

1. pain on palpation? rebound pain? pain on foot strike?
2. rigidity? guarding? distention?
3. bruising?
4. open wounds?
5. scars

Question 4

What is Gastroenteritis ?

Answer 4

inflammation of the gastrointestinal system

Question 5

signs and symptoms of mild gastroenteritis

Answer 5

1. gradually increasing diffuse abdominal discomfort, often worse in lower quadrants
2. intermittent cramping, frequent loose stool
3. hyperactive bowel sounds
4. nausea, vomiting, occasional low grade fever
5. flu-like symptoms that last from days to weeks

Question 6

signs and symptoms of severe gastroenteritis

Answer 6

1. persistent or worsening pain over 24 hours
2. inability to tolerate fluids
3. stool with blood and mucus
4. signs and symptoms of shock
5. fever above 102

Question 7

treatment principles for gastroenteritis

Answer 7

1. place patient of position of comfort
2. hydrate
3. eat a bland diet
4. consider anti-emetic and/or anti-diarrheal medication
5. consider antibiotics

Question 8

evacuation guidelines

Answer 8

1. for non-evacuated patient, monitor and maintain hydration .
2. for evacuation, if transport is short, give nothing by mouth.
3. if transport is delayed and patient is alert, clear fluids are acceptable. transport in position of comfort
4. evacuate any patient who has pain inconsistent with a simple UTI or gastroenteritis
5. signs and symptoms of possible pregnancy
6. persistent or worsening gastroenteritis over 24 hours
7. spiking fever and bloody diarrhea or dehydration
8. inability to tolerate any oral fluids in more than 24 hours

Question 9

rapid evacuation guidelines

Answer 9

1. persistent for 12 hours, especially if constant, localized or worsening
2. accompanied by guarding, tenderness, distention, rigidity
3. produced or aggravated by movement, jarring or foot strike
4. accompanied by blood in the urine, vomit or feces
5. accompanied by a fever higher than 102
6. signs and symptoms of shock