Chapter 19: GI 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 or infection of the appendix.

Answer 2

Appendicitis

Question 3

Inflammation of the gallbladder.

Answer 3

Cholecystitis

Question 4

Inflammation of the bladder.

Answer 4

Cystitus

Question 5

Inflammation in small pockets at weak areas in the muscle walls.

Answer 5

Diverticulitis

Question 6

Vomiting.

Answer 6

Emesis

Question 7

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

Answer 7

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Question 8

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

Answer 8

Guarding

Question 9

Vomiting blood.

Answer 9

Hematemesis

Question 10

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

Answer 10

Hernia

Question 11

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

Answer 11

Ileus

Question 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.

Answer 12

Kidney Stones

Question 13

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

Answer 13

Melena

Question 14

Inflammation of the pancreas.

Answer 14

Pancreatitis

Question 15

The membrane lining the abdominal cavity.

Answer 15

Parietal Peritoneum

Question 16

Inflammation of the peritoneum.

Answer 16

Peritonitis

Question 17

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

Answer 17

Referred Pain

Question 18

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

Answer 18

Strangulation

Question 19

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

Answer 19

Uremia

Question 20

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

Answer 20

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Question 21

The membrane covering the abdominal organs.

Answer 21

Visceral Peritoneum

Question 22

How is pain fellt differently between the parietal peritoneum and visceral peritoneum?

Answer 22

If a problem exists with the parietal peritoneum, pain is localized while pain is generalized if there is an issue with the visceral peritoneum.

Question 23

Signs/Symptoms of Appendicitis

Answer 23

• Localized pain lower right quadrant
• Referred pain umbilical area
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Rebound Tenderness

Question 24

Signs/Symptoms of Cholecystitis

Answer 24

• Localized pain upper right quadrant
• Referred pain right shoulder, right upper back, right flank
• Commonly produces symptoms ~30 min post fatty meal / at night
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Bloating/Gas
• Belching
• Pain may be steady or come in waves

Question 25

Signs/Symptoms of Ulcer

Answer 25

* Burning/gnawing pain in stomach that subsides post meal & reemerges 2-3 hours later * Localized pain in upper abdomen or upper part of back * Nausea/Vomiting * Belching * Heartburn * Hematemesis * Melena

Question 26

Signs/Symptoms of Diverticulitis

Answer 26

* Localized pain left lower quadrant * Fever * Malaise * Body Aches/Chills * Nausea/Vomiting

Question 27

Signs/Symptoms of Cystitis

Answer 27

* Tenderness just above pubic bone * Midline lower abdominal pain * Hematuria * Urgency/Frequent Urinatiion * Burning Urination

Question 28

Why are UTI's more common in people who have a uterus?

Answer 28

The urethra is shorter and the opening is closer to the anus.

Question 29

Signs/Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Answer 29

* Localized flank pain that can radiate to groin * Nausea/Vomiting * Hematuria * Difficulty urinating (blockage)

Question 30

Signs/Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

Answer 30

* Malaise * Altered Mental Status * Nausea * Headache * Cramps * Edema

Question 31

Signs/Symptoms of Pancreatitis

Answer 31

* Severe localized pain in upper quadrants radiating to back * Nausea/Vomiting * Abdominal distention * Tenderness

Question 32

Signs/Symptoms of Esophagitis

Answer 32

* Heartburn * Pain swallowing * Nausea/Vomiting * Mouth sores * Hematemesis

Question 33

Signs/Symptoms of Esophageal Varices

Answer 33

* Fatigue * Weight loss * Jaundice * Anorexia * Abdominal edema * Abdominal pain * Nausea/Vomiting * Difficulting swallowing * Hematemesis

Question 34

A tear in the junction between the esophagus and the stomach, causing severe bleeding and potentially death.

Answer 34

Mallory-Weiss Tear

Question 35

Signs/Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

Answer 35

* Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea * Abdominal cramping * Fever * Anorexia * Dehydration

Question 36

Signs/Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Answer 36

* Bright red blood during defecation * Rectal itching * Small rectal mass

Question 37

A procedure to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly.

Answer 37

Dialysis

Question 38

GERD

Answer 38

**G**astro**e**sophageal **R**eflux **D**isease (GERD)

Question 39

UTI

Answer 39

**U**rinary **T**ract **I**nfection (UTI)