Chapter 18: Gastrointestinal and Urologic Emergencies

Question 1

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

Answer 1

acute abdomen

Question 2

Inflammation of the appendix

Answer 2

appendicitis

Question 3

inflammation of the gallbladder

Answer 3

cholecystitis

Question 4

inflammation of the bladder

Answer 4

cystitis

Question 5

Inflammation in small pockets at weak areas in the muscle walls

Answer 5

diverticulitis

Question 6

vomiting

Answer 6

emesis

Question 7

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

Answer 7

guarding

Question 8

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

Answer 8

hernia

Question 9

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

Answer 9

ileus

Question 10

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

Answer 10

kidney stones

Question 11

inflammation of the pancreas

Answer 11

pancreatitis

Question 12

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

Answer 12

peritoneum

Question 13

inflammation of the peritoneum

Answer 13

peritonitis

Question 14

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

Answer 14

referred pain

Question 15

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

Answer 15

strangulation

Question 16

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

Answer 16

uremia

Question 17

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

Answer 17

urinary tract infection (UTI)