Chapter 18 - Gastrointestinal And Urologic Emergencies

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 or infection 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 and small pockets at weak areas in the muscle walls.

Question 6

Emesis

Answer 6

Vomiting.

Question 7

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Answer 7

A condition in which the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach opens, allowing stomach acid to move up into the esophagus, usually resulting in a burning sensation within the chest; also called acid reflux.

Question 8

Guarding

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Hematemesis

Answer 9

Vomiting blood.

Question 10

Hernia

Answer 10

The protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal body opening.

Question 11

Ileus

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Kidney stones

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Melena

Answer 13

Black, foul-smelling, tarry stool containing digested blood.

Question 14

Pancreatitis

Answer 14

Inflammation of the pancreas.

Question 15

Peritoneum

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Peritonitis

Answer 16

Inflammation of the peritoneum.

Question 17

Referred pain

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Strangulation

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Uremia

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Answer 20

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