Chapter 16

Question 1

acute abdomen

Answer 1

A condition of sudden onset of pain within the abdomen, usually indicating peritonitis; immediate medical or surgical treatment is necessary

Question 2

appendicitis

Answer 2

Inflammation of the appendix

Question 3

cholecystitis

Answer 3

Inflammation of the gallbladder

Question 4

cystitis

Answer 4

Inflammation of the bladder

Question 5

diverticulitis

Answer 5

Inflammation in small pockets at weak areas in the muscle walls

Question 6

emesis

Answer 6

Vomiting

Question 7

guarding

Answer 7

Involuntary muscle contractions (spasm) of the abdominal wall; an effort to protect the inflamed abdomen

Question 8

hernia

Answer 8

The protrusion of a loop of an organ or tissue through an abnormal body opening

Question 9

ileus

Answer 9

Paralysis of the bowel, arising from any one of several causes; stops contractions that move material through the intestine

Question 10

kidney stones

Answer 10

Solid crystalline masses formed in the kidneys resulting from an excess of insoluble salts or uric acid crystallizing in the urine; may become trapped anywhere along the urinary tract

Question 11

pancreatitis

Answer 11

Inflammation of the pancreas

Question 12

peritoneum

Answer 12

The membrane lining the abdominal cavity (parietal peritoneum) and covering the abdominal organs (visceral peritoneum)

Question 13

peritonitis

Answer 13

Inflammation of the peritoneum

Question 14

referred pain

Answer 14

Pain felt in an area of the body other than the area where the cause of pain is located

Question 15

strangulation

Answer 15

Complete obstruction of blood circulation in a given organ as a result of compression or entrapment; an emergency situation causing death of tissue

Question 16

uremia

Answer 16

Severe kidney failure resulting in the buildup of waste products within the blood. Eventually brain functions will be impaired.

Question 17

urinary tract infection (UTI)

Answer 17

An infection, usually of the lower urinary tract (urethra and bladder) that occurs when normal flora bacteria enter the urethra and grow