Chapter 22: Abdomen Flashcards
Aneurysm
Defect of sac formed by dilation in artery wall due to atherosclerosis, trauma, or congenital defect
Anorexia
Loss of appetite for food
Ascites
Abnormal accumulation of serous fluid within the peritoneal cavity, associated with heart failure, cirrhosis, cancer, or portal hypertension
Borborygmi
Loud, gurgling bowel sounds signaling increased motility or hyper-peristalsis; occurs with early bowel obstruction, gastroenteritis, diarrhea
Bruit
Blowing, swooshing sound heard through a stethoscope when an artery is partially occluded
Cecum
First or proximal part of large intestine
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder
Costal margin
Lower border of rib margin formed by the medial edges of the 8th, 9th, and 10th ribs
Costovertebral angle (CVA)
Angle formed by the 12th rib and the vertebral column on the posterior thorax, overlying the kidney
Diastasis recti
Midline longitudinal ridge in the abdomen, a separation of abdominal rectus muscles
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing
Epigastrium
Name of abdominal region between the costal margins
Hepatomegaly
Abnormal enlargement of liver
Hernia
Abnormal protrusion of bowel through weakening in abdominal musculature
Inguinal ligament
Ligament extending from pubic bone to anterior superior iliac spine, forming lower border of abdomen
Linea alba
Midline tendinous seam joining the abdominal muscles
Paralytic ileus
Complete absence of peristaltic movement that may follow abdominal surgery or complete bowel obstruction
Peritoneal friction rub
Rough grating sound heard through the stethoscope over the site of peritoneal inflammation
Peritoneum
Double envelope of serous membrane that lines the abdominal wall and covers the surface of most abdominal organs
Peritonitis
Inflammation of peritoneum
Pyloric stenosis
Congenital narrowing of pyloric sphincter, forming outflow obstruction of stomach
Pyrosis
Heartburn; burning sensation in upper abdomen due to gastric reflux of gastric acid
Rectus abdominis muscles
Midline abdominal muscles extending from rib cage to pubic bone
Scaphoid
Abnormally sunken abdominal wall, as with malnutrition or underweight
Splenomegaly
Abnormal enlargement of the spleen
Striae
(Linea albicantes) silvery white or pink scar tissue formed by stretching abdominal skin as with pregnancy or obesity
Suprapubic
Name of abdominal region just superior to pubic bone
Tympany
High-pitched, musical, drumlike percussion note heard when percussing over the stomach and intestine
Umbilicus
Depression on the abdomen marking site of entry of umbilical cord
Viscera
Internal organs
Describe the proper positioning and preparation of the patient for the abdominal examination
Supine with head on pillow, knees bent, and arms at their side or across their chest.
Warm room, hands, and stethoscope.
Discuss the inspection of the abdomen, including findings that you should note.
Contour, color, symmetry, umbilicus, skin, pulsation/movement, hair distribution, and demeaner.
Note: bulges, masses, unusual movement, and colors.
State the rationale for performing auscultation of the abdomen before palpation or percussion.
Palpation and percussion may stimulate peristalsis - can cause hyperactive bowel sounds.
Describe the procedure for auscultation of bowel sounds.
Start in the RLQ at ileocecal valve (sounds are normally present here).
Continue clockwise.
Differentiate the following abdominal sounds: normal, hyperactive, and hypoactive bowel sounds; succession splash; bruit
Normal: high-pitched, gurgling, cascading.
Hyperactive: loud, high-pitched, rushing, tinkling, borborygmus (stomach growling).
Hypoactive: reduction in loudness, tones, or regularity.
Succession splash: sloshing sounds.
“Thrill”: turbulent blood flow.
List 4 conditions that may alter normal percussion notes heard over the abdomen
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Ascites
- Air/gas distention
- Tumor
- Fecal - intestinal blockage