Chapter 19: Gastrointestinal & Urologic Emergencies

Question 1

Peritoneum

Answer 1

The membrane lining abdominal cavity & covering abdominal organs

Question 2

Peritonitis

Answer 2

Inflammation of peritoneum (by foreign material)

Question 3

Acute abdomen

Answer 3

Sudden onset of abdominal pain (usually indicating peritonitis; immediate medical treatment is necessary)

Question 4

Ileus

Answer 4

Paralysis of the bowel (arising from several causes including peritonitis), stops contractions that move material through intestine

Question 5

Emesis

Answer 5

Vomiting

Question 6

Diverticulitis

Answer 6

Inflammation in small pockets at weak areas in muscle walls of intestines

Question 7

Cholecystitis

Answer 7

Inflammation of the gallbladder

Question 8

Referred Pain

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Hematemesis

Answer 9

Vomiting blood

Question 10

Melena

Answer 10

Black, foul-smelling, tarry stool containing digested blood

Question 11

Pancreatitis

Answer 11

Inflammation of the pancreas

Question 12

Appendicitis

Answer 12

Inflammation or infection of the appendix

Question 13

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Answer 13

Condition in which sphincter btwn esophagus & stomach opens, allowing stomach acid to move into esophagus, resulting in burning sensation within chest (acid reflux)

Question 14

Cystitis

Answer 14

Inflammation of the bladder

Question 15

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Uremia

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Kidney Stones

Answer 17

Solid crystalline masses formed in kidney from excess of insoluble salts/uric acid crystallizing in urine (may become trapped anywhere along urinary tract)

Question 18

Hernia

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Strangulation

Answer 19

Complete obstruction of blood circulation in a given organ as a result of compression or entrapment (emergency can cause death of tissue)

Question 20

Guarding

Answer 20

Involuntary muscle contractions (spasm) of abdominal wall to minimize pain of abdominal movement