Chapter 19: Gastrointestinal & Urologic Emergencies Flashcards
Peritoneum
The membrane lining abdominal cavity & covering abdominal organs
Peritonitis
Inflammation of peritoneum (by foreign material)
Acute abdomen
Sudden onset of abdominal pain (usually indicating peritonitis; immediate medical treatment is necessary)
Ileus
Paralysis of the bowel (arising from several causes including peritonitis), stops contractions that move material through intestine
Emesis
Vomiting
Diverticulitis
Inflammation in small pockets at weak areas in muscle walls of intestines
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder
Referred Pain
Pain felt in area of body other than area where cause of pain is located
Hematemesis
Vomiting blood
Melena
Black, foul-smelling, tarry stool containing digested blood
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas
Appendicitis
Inflammation or infection of the appendix
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Condition in which sphincter btwn esophagus & stomach opens, allowing stomach acid to move into esophagus, resulting in burning sensation within chest (acid reflux)
Cystitis
Inflammation of the bladder
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
An infection (usually of the lower urinary tract; urethra & bladder) that occurs when normal flora bacteria enter the urethra and grow
Uremia
Severe kidney failure resulting in buildup of waste products within blood (Eventually brain functions will be impaired)
Kidney Stones
Solid crystalline masses formed in kidney from excess of insoluble salts/uric acid crystallizing in urine (may become trapped anywhere along urinary tract)
Hernia
The protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal body opening
Strangulation
Complete obstruction of blood circulation in a given organ as a result of compression or entrapment (emergency can cause death of tissue)
Guarding
Involuntary muscle contractions (spasm) of abdominal wall to minimize pain of abdominal movement
