Chapter 16 Gastrointestinal and Urologic Emergencies Flashcards
Pain felt in an area of the body other than the area where the cause of the pain is located.
Referred pain
The membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs.
Peritoneum
The protrusion of a loop of an organ or tissue through an abnormal body opening.
Hernia
Inflammation of the bladder.
Cystitis
Inflammation of the pancreas.
Pancreatitis
A condition of sudden onset of pain within the abdomen, usually indicating peritonitis; immediate medical or surgical treatment is necessary.
Acute abdomen
Solid crystalline masses formed in the kidney, resulting from an excess of insoluble salts or uric acid crystallizing in the urine; may become trapped anywhere along the urinary tract.
Kidney stones
Inflammation of the peritoneum.
Peritonitis
Vomiting.
Emesis
Inflammation of the gallbladder.
Cholecystitis
Bulging out of the intestinal rings in small pockets at weak areas in the muscle walls, creating abdominal discomfort.
Diverticulitis
Involuntary muscle contractions (spasms) of the abdominal wall in an effort to protect an inflamed abdomen; a sign of peritonitis.
Guarding
Paralysis of the bowel, arising from any one of several causes; stops contractions that move material through the intestine.
Ileus
Inflammation of the appendix.
Appendicitis
Complete obstruction of blood circulation in a given organ as a result of compression or entrapment; an emergency situation causing death of tissue.
Strangulation
