Chapter 16 Gastrointestinal and Urologic Emergencies Flashcards
What are the solid organs found in the abdominal cavity?
Liver, Spleen, Pancreas, Kidneys, and Ovaries (in women)
What are the hollow organs found in the abdominal cavity?
Gallbladder, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, and Urinary Bladder
What is the function of the liver during digestion?
It secretes bile which aids in the digestion of fats
What are the 3 sections of the small intestine?
Duodenum, Jejunum, and Ileum
What occurs in the duodenum?
This is where the digestive juices from the pancreas and liver mix together
How does the pancreas aid in digestion?
It secretes juices that contain enzymes that help break down starches, fats, and proteins. It also releases AMYLASE which is responsible for breaking down starches into sugar
What is the JEJUNUM’s role in the absorption of digestive products?
The jejunum makes up most of the surface area of the small intestine and connects the duodenum to the ileum
What happens in the Ileum?
This is where the proteins, fats, and starches are reduced to amino acids, fatty acids, and simple sugars
What happens to the food that is not broken down in the small intestine?
It then moves into the colon or large intestine and becomes waste products
What is the name of the rhythmic movement that moves the waste matter through the intestines?
This is called PERISTALSIS
Does the spleen have digestive system function?
NO. It is part of the lymphatic system and assists in the filtration of blood, aids in the development of red blood cells, and serves as a blood reservoir. It also produces antibodies
What is the location of the kidneys?
They lie on the posterior muscular wall of the abdomen behind the peritoneum in the retroperitoneal space
What is an important role of the kidneys?
They are important in the regulation of acidity and blood pressure
How is the kidney important in blood pressure regulation?
The kidney’s ability to remove sodium chloride from the body and its excess fluid
What is the most common cause of secondary hypertension?
KIDNEY DISEASE
How high is blood flow in the kidneys?
Nearly 20% of the output of blood from the heart passes through the kidneys each minute
What cone shaped collecting area connects the ureter and the kidney?
RENAL PELVIS
Where is the urethra located in males?
It passes from the anterior base of the bladder through the penis
Where is the urethra located in females?
The urethra opens at the front of the vagina
How much urine does the normal adult form daily?
1.5-2 L of urine
What lines the abdominal cavity?
PERITONEUM
What does the PARIETAL peritoneum line?
Abdominal Cavity
What does the VISCERAL peritoneum line?
It covers the ORGANS
When foreign material cause irritation of the peritoneum, this is called?
PERITONITIS
What is ACUTE ABDOMEN?
Medical term for sudden onset of abdominal pain
Peritonitis typically causes paralysis of the muscular contractions that normally propel material through the intestine and can be referred to as…
ILEUS
In the event of ILEUS, how does the stomach empty itself?
through EMESIS, or vomiting
Inflammation of the gallbladder is also known as?
DIVERTICULITIS or CHOLECYSTITIS
What are the two types of nerves that supply the peritoneum?
PARIETAL and VISCERAL
The nerves that supply the parietal peritoneum come from the same nerves of the spinal cord and therefore can perceive what sensations?
Pain, Touch, Pressure, Heat, and Cold; these nerves can easily identify and localize a point of irritation
What is the visceral peritoneum supplied by?
It is supplied by the autonomic nervous system and is stimulated when distention or contraction of the hollow abdominal organs activates the stretch receptors
What is REFERRED PAIN?
The result of connections between the body’s 2 separate nervous systems ex:pain is perceived in the shoulders or back when it actually occurs in the abdomen
What is PUD?
Peptic Ulcer Disease: protective layer in stomach and duodenum is eroded and allows acid to eat into the organ over time
Using what kind of drug is a major cause in peptic ulcers?
NSAIDs Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs
What are the symptoms of peptic ulcers?
Patients tend to feel burning or gnawing pain in the stomach that diminishes after eating and then reemerges 2-3 hours later; Pain usually starts in the upper abdomen but can be found below the sternum
What if the erosion in ulcers is severe and gastric bleeding occurs?
It will results in Hematemesis or Melena
What can form and block the outlet from the gallbladder?
GALLSTONES
What is CHOLECYSTITIS?
Gallstones can lead to severe inflammation of the gallbladder
In severe cases of cholecystitis, the gallbladder may rupture and this condition presents itself where?
This will present constant severe pain in the upper right or midabdominal region and may refer to the right upper back, shoulder area, or flank
When does Cholecystitis present itself?
Symptoms will occur 30 minutes after a fatty meal and usually at night
What causes PANCREATITIS?
It can be caused by an obstructing gallstone, alcohol abuse, and other diseases
Where are the pains of pancreatitis found?
Present in the UPPER LEFT and RIGHT quadrants and can radiate to the back
What are some signs of pancreatitis?
Nausea and vomiting, abdominal distention, and tenderness
What is APPENDICITIS?
inflammation or infection in the appendix and is a frequent cause of acute abdomen
What can appendicitis cause?
It will eventually cause the tissues to die and/or rupture, causing an abscess, peritonitis, or shock
In what location/s does appendicitis occur?
It centers in the umbilical area but can later localize to the RIGHT LOWER quadrant of the abdomen
What is a classic symptom of appendicitis?
REBOUND TENDERNESS which is a result of peritoneal irritation
Where does a gastrointestinal hemorrhage occur?
It can occur in the UPPER or LOWER gastrointestinal tract
What are common causes of bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract?
Bowel inflammation, diverticulitis, and hemorrhoids
What is Esophagitis?
This occurs when the lining of the esophagus becomes inflamed by infection or from the acids in the stomach
What will the patient complain of when suffering from esophagitis?
They may report pain with swallowing or the feeling of an object stuck in his or her throat
How do ESOPHAGEAL VARICES occur?
This happens when the amount of pressure within the blood vessels surrounding the esophagus increases
