Chapter 23 Flashcards
Acute Abdomen
Severe abdominal pain with various causes.
Abdominal Cavity
Space below diaphragm, above pelvis.
Peritoneum
Lining of the abdominal cavity.
Visceral Peritoneum
Innermost layer, contacts abdominal organs.
Parietal Peritoneum
Outer layer of the peritoneum.
Serous Fluid
Lubricates space between peritoneum layers.
Intraperitoneal Organs
Organs enclosed by visceral peritoneum.
Retroperitoneal Space
Area behind the peritoneal space.
Abdominal Aorta
Major artery located in retroperitoneal space.
Abdominal Quadrants
Divisions of the abdomen using the umbilicus.
Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)
Contains stomach, spleen, pancreas, large intestine.
Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)
Contains liver, gallbladder, large intestine.
Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)
Contains appendix and reproductive organs.
Abdominal Regions
Nine regions for detailed abdominal assessment.
Umbilicus
Central reference point for abdominal quadrants.
Thoracic Conditions
Conditions affecting heart/lungs perceived as abdominal pain.
Trauma to Abdomen
Injuries can be serious due to organ proximity.
Hollow Organs
Organs like stomach and intestines in abdomen.
Solid Organs
Organs like liver and spleen in abdomen.
Assessment Techniques
Methods to evaluate abdominal pain causes.
Mechanisms of Injury
Understanding injury types affecting abdominal organs.
Vital Organs
Essential organs protected by body cavities.
Abdominal Pain Causes
Variety of systems can cause abdominal pain.
Appendix
Worm-shaped structure from large intestine’s beginning.
Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)
Contains part of large intestine and female organs.
Abdominal Regions
Nine regions divided by four imaginary lines.
Right Hypochondriac Region
Upper right region of the abdomen.
Epigastric Region
Upper middle region above the umbilicus.
Left Hypochondriac Region
Upper left region of the abdomen.
Right Lumbar Region
Middle right region of the abdomen.
Umbilical Region
Central region around the navel.
Left Lumbar Region
Middle left region of the abdomen.
Right Iliac Region
Lower right region of the abdomen.
Hypogastric Region
Lower middle region below the umbilicus.
Left Iliac Region
Lower left region of the abdomen.
Hollow Organs
Organs that can leak substances if injured.
Solid Organs
Vascular organs that bleed when ruptured.
Vascular Structures
Large blood vessels in the abdominal cavity.
Peritonitis
Inflammation caused by leaking substances.
Abdominal Aorta
Major artery supplying blood to abdomen.
Inferior Vena Cava
Major vein returning blood to the heart.
Stomach
Saclike organ for food digestion and absorption.
Duodenum
First part of the small intestine.
Small Intestine
Absorbs nutrients from digested food.
Large Intestine
Reabsorbs fluids and excretes solid waste.
Liver
Filters nutrients, stores glucose, and produces bile.
Gallbladder
Stores bile for fat digestion.
Spleen
Organ that filters blood and supports immune function.
Spleen
Organ aiding blood cell production and filtering.
Pancreas
Gland regulating digestion and carbohydrate metabolism.
Kidneys
Retroperitoneal organs excreting urine and regulating balance.
Urinary Bladder
Reservoir for urine from the kidneys.
Abdominal Pain
Key symptom indicating abdominal organ emergencies.
Pathophysiology of Abdominal Pain
Mechanisms include mechanical forces, inflammation, ischemia.
Mechanical Forces
Stretching causing abdominal pain.
Inflammation
Irritation leading to abdominal pain.
Ischemia
Oxygen deficiency causing severe abdominal pain.
Tearing Sensation
Rarely reported in aorta complications.
Capsule Stretching
Pain from stretched organ capsules due to inflammation.
Rapid Distention
Sudden abdominal pain from quick organ expansion.
Gradual Distention
Little pain despite significant organ size increase.
Peritoneum Stretching
Pain from distention or adhesions affecting peritoneum.
Visceral Pain
Dull, poorly localized pain from abdominal organs.
Parietal Pain
Sharp, localized pain from abdominal wall irritation.
Referred Pain
Pain perceived in a different location from origin.
Colicky Pain
Intermittent pain from hollow organ inflammation.
Steady Pain
Constant pain from solid organ stretching.
Severe Ischemic Pain
Worsening pain as organ ischemia increases.
Pregnancy Pain Sensitivity
Lower sensitivity to pain in third trimester.
Older Adult Pain Sensitivity
Reduced pain sensitivity may mask serious conditions.
Acute Onset Pain
Rapid pain indicates potential abdominal disorders.
Visceral pain
Pain from internal organs, often dull and poorly localized.
Parietal pain
Sharp, localized pain from peritoneal irritation.
Referred pain
Visceral pain felt in a different body area.
Ischemia
Insufficient blood supply to an organ.
Inflammation
Body’s response to injury, causing pain and swelling.
Mechanical obstruction
Blockage preventing normal organ function.
Assessment tips
Guidelines for evaluating types of abdominal pain.
Somatic pain
Another term for parietal pain, highly localized.
Peritoneum
Membrane lining the abdominal cavity, sensitive to pain.
Acute abdominal pain
Severe pain requiring immediate medical attention.
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum, often due to infection.
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder, causing referred pain.
Gallbladder pain location
Referred pain felt in right shoulder and scapula.
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix, causing acute pain.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas, leading to severe pain.
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Loss of blood from the digestive tract.
Gastroenteritis
Inflammation of stomach and intestines, causing pain.
Peptic ulcer disease
Ulcers in the stomach lining causing abdominal pain.
Intestinal obstruction
Blockage in the intestines, causing severe pain.
Hernia
Protrusion of an organ through the abdominal wall.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Enlargement of the aorta in the abdomen, life-threatening.
Pain assessment
Evaluating pain characteristics to determine underlying issues.
Patient positioning
Lying supine with knees flexed reduces abdominal pain.
Peritoneum
Membrane lining the abdominal cavity.
Acidic Digestive Material
Highly acidic contents from the duodenum.
Ileum
Last part of the small intestine, neutral contents.
Perforation
A hole in the wall of an organ.
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum, causing pain.
Markle Test
Heel drop test for assessing abdominal pain.
Rebound Tenderness
Pain upon release of abdominal pressure.
Heel Drop Test
Patient drops on heels to assess pain.
Heel Jar Test
Modified test for patients unable to stand.
Acute Abdomen
Sudden onset abdominal pain requiring urgent care.
Nausea
Feeling of sickness with an urge to vomit.
Vomiting
Expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
Diarrhea
Frequent, watery bowel movements.
Anorexia
Lack of appetite, often accompanying abdominal issues.
Fever
Elevated body temperature indicating infection.
Chills
Shivering sensation often accompanying fever.
Positive Markle Test
Indicates abdominal pain upon heel drop.
Abscess Formation
Local pus collection due to infection.
Shock
Critical condition from inadequate blood flow.
Pain Severity
Intensity of pain does not indicate problem severity.
Older Adults Pain Response
Less intense pain perception in elderly patients.
Peritoneal Irritation
Pain caused by irritants in the peritoneum.
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix causing pain.
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum, often from infection.
Shock
Critical condition from insufficient blood flow.
McBurney Point
RLQ pain location for appendicitis diagnosis.
Atypical Symptoms
Unusual signs of appendicitis beyond classic presentation.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas causing severe abdominal pain.
Epigastric Pain
Pain in the upper middle abdomen.
Gallstones
Solid particles in the gallbladder causing blockage.
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones.
RUQ Pain
Right upper quadrant pain associated with cholecystitis.
Nausea and Vomiting
Common symptoms in appendicitis and pancreatitis.
Abdominal Guarding
Tensing of abdominal muscles during examination.
Positive Markle Test
Heel drop test indicating abdominal irritation.
Jaundice
Yellowing of skin due to liver dysfunction.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Bleeding in the GI tract, classified as upper or lower.
Peptic Ulcers
Open sores in the stomach lining causing bleeding.
Diverticulitis
Inflammation of diverticula in the colon.
Dark Tarry Stools
Indication of upper GI bleeding.
Postural Syncope
Fainting upon standing due to low blood volume.
Sepsis
Body’s extreme response to infection, can follow pancreatitis.
Tissue Death
Necrosis due to lack of blood supply.
Hemorrhage
Excessive bleeding, can occur in pancreatitis.
Hematemesis
Vomiting blood, bright red or coffee grounds.
Hematochezia
Bright red blood in stool, rapid onset.
Melena
Dark tarry stools from decomposing blood.
Altered mental status
Changes in consciousness or awareness.
Tachycardia
Increased heart rate, often over 100 bpm.
Pale, cool clammy skin
Skin condition indicating shock or blood loss.
Abdominal pain
Discomfort or tenderness in the abdominal area.
Esophageal varices
Bulging blood vessels in the esophagus lining.
Portal hypertension
Increased pressure in liver’s venous blood supply.
Painless bleeding
Bleeding without abdominal pain, often in varices.
Jaundice
Yellowing of skin or eyes from liver disease.
Gastroenteritis
Inflammation of stomach and small intestines.
Acute gastroenteritis
Sudden inflammation, often viral or bacterial.
Chronic gastroenteritis
Long-term inflammation of digestive tract.
Ulcers
Open sores in the digestive tract lining.
Perforation
A hole through the wall of the intestine.
Abdominopelvic pain
Pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis.
Dehydration
Loss of body fluids, often from vomiting.
Signs of peritonitis
Symptoms indicating inflammation of abdominal lining.
Over-the-counter antacids
Medications used to neutralize stomach acid.
Severe acute cases
Critical situations requiring immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of shock
Indicators like rapid pulse and pale skin.
Gastric Ulcers
Wounds on the stomach lining causing pain.
Duodenal Ulcers
Wounds on the duodenal lining causing discomfort.
Abdominal Pain
Gradual or acute pain in the LUQ or epigastric area.
Hematemesis
Vomiting blood, indicating potential bleeding.
Hematochezia
Passage of fresh blood through the anus.
Melena
Dark, tarry stools indicating upper GI bleeding.
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum, causing rigidity.
Intestinal Obstruction
Blockage disrupting normal intestinal content flow.
Partial Obstruction
Incomplete blockage allowing some intestinal flow.
Complete Obstruction
Total blockage preventing all intestinal flow.
Adhesions
Scar tissue causing intestines to stick together.
Obstipation
Severe constipation with inability to pass gas.
High-Pitched Bowel Sounds
Abnormal bowel sounds indicating early obstruction.
Hernia
Protrusion of intestine through abdominal wall weakness.
Incarcerated Hernia
Hernia trapped in the abdominal wall.
Strangulated Hernia
Hernia cutting off blood supply to intestine.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Enlarged area of the abdominal aorta wall.
Aortic Dissection
Tear in aorta allowing blood to leak.
Signs of Shock
Symptoms indicating severe blood loss or injury.
Nausea and Vomiting
Common symptoms associated with gastrointestinal issues.
Abdominal Distention
Swelling of the abdomen due to obstruction.
Tender Mass
Palpable lump indicating potential hernia.
Risk Factors for Obstruction
Age and previous history of bowel obstruction.
Inferior vena cava
Vein carrying deoxygenated blood from lower body.
Aorta
Main artery supplying oxygenated blood from heart.
Aneurysm
Abnormal swelling in a blood vessel wall.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
Aortic aneurysm located in the abdomen.
Aortic dissection
Tear in the aorta’s inner layer.
Gradual onset pain
Slowly developing pain in lower lumbar region.
Sudden onset pain
Immediate severe abdominal pain indicating rupture.
Testicular pain
Pain in the testicles, often associated with AAA.
Mottled skin
Spotty skin appearance due to poor blood flow.
Cyanotic skin
Bluish skin from lack of oxygen.
Absent pulses
Lack of femoral or pedal pulse detection.
Pulsating abdominal mass
Palpable mass indicating possible AAA presence.
Rigid abdomen
Stiff abdomen indicating potential rupture.
Assessment for shock
Evaluating patient for signs of shock.
Transport without delay
Immediate transfer of patient to medical facility.
Diarrhea
Frequent loose or watery bowel movements.
Constipation
Infrequent or difficult bowel movements.
Dehydration
Loss of body fluids leading to serious conditions.
Pediatric considerations
Special attention needed for young patients.
Geriatric considerations
Increased risk for complications in older patients.
Vital signs interpretation
Assessing vital signs can be challenging in children.
Surgical intervention
Surgery required to treat abdominal pain in older adults.
Decreased abdominal pain perception
Older adults perceive abdominal pain less acutely.
Vague symptoms
Older adults may present with non-specific symptoms.
Delayed medical care
Older adults often wait longer to seek treatment.
Higher mortality rate
Older adults face increased death risk from conditions.
GI bleeding
Common, life-threatening emergency in older adults.
Occult bleeding
Hidden gastrointestinal bleeding, not immediately visible.
Upper GI tract
Includes esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
Lower GI tract
Includes intestines and rectum.
Abdominal pain
Most common finding in abdominal pathology.
Painless GI bleeding
GI bleeding often occurs without abdominal pain.
Hematemesis
Vomiting blood, indicating upper GI bleeding.
Hematochezia
Red blood in stool, indicating lower GI bleeding.
Melena
Dark tarry stool, indicating digested blood.
Dyspepsia
Indigestion, common symptom in abdominal issues.
Hepatomegaly
Enlarged liver, may indicate liver disease.
Jaundice
Yellowing of skin and eyes, liver dysfunction sign.
Shock signs
Geriatric patients may show shock from minor blood loss.
Peripheral edema
Swelling from venous congestion, often in liver disease.
Supplemental oxygen
Administered for patients with poor perfusion.
Positive pressure ventilation
Used when breathing is inadequate.
Recovery position
Position for conscious patients to maintain airway.
Immunocompromised patients
Patients with weakened immune systems due to various factors.
Immunocompromised patients
Patients with weakened immune systems, higher disease risk.
Poor inflammatory response
Reduced ability to respond to abdominal conditions.
Higher mortality rate
Increased risk of death in immunocompromised patients.
History-taking importance
Ask about fever, vomiting, diarrhea, medication changes.
Transplant patient inquiries
Inquire about surgery date and location.
Bariatric surgery patients
Patients who have undergone weight-loss surgery.
Post-bariatric surgery risks
Risk of ulcers, perforations, bowel obstruction.
Hospitalization statistics
High hospitalization rates within years post-surgery.
Acute abdomen assessment
Identify abdominal pain without isolating exact cause.
Life-threatening condition
All abdominal pain patients considered serious until proven otherwise.
Serious signs
Low blood pressure, syncope, clammy skin indicate urgency.
Severe abdominal pain
Emergency if pain lasts longer than 6 hours.
Scene size-up
Assess potential threats and take standard precautions.
Mechanism of injury
Identify trauma causes for abdominal distress.
Delayed trauma presentation
Abdominal trauma symptoms may appear later.
Use of senses
Employ all senses to assess scene conditions.
Gastrointestinal bleeding signs
Distinct smell and location clues indicate bleeding.
Vomitus examination
Note color and quantity of vomit present.
Coffee ground appearance
Old blood in vomit resembles coffee grounds.
Over-the-counter medications
Check for medications used before arrival.
General impression
Initial assessment of patient’s overall condition.
Spinal injury precautions
Take precautions if spinal injury is suspected.
Guarded position
Patient with acute abdomen often assumes protective posture.
Acute abdomen
Condition indicating serious abdominal issues requiring urgent care.
Guarded position
Knees drawn up, hands over abdomen due to pain.
Patent airway
Open airway ensuring adequate airflow for breathing.
Oxygen saturation
Measure of oxygen in blood, assessed with pulse oximeter.
Shock
Critical condition from inadequate blood flow to organs.
Hypoperfusion
Inadequate blood flow, leading to signs of shock.
Signs of shock
Indicators include rapid pulse, cool skin, low blood pressure.
Priority for transport
Criteria indicating urgent need for medical transport.
OPQRST questions
Assessment tool for pain: Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time.
Medical alert identification
Tags indicating allergies or medical conditions for emergency care.
Medication history
Record of current medications and last doses taken.
Past medical history
Relevant previous medical issues related to abdominal pain.
Dietary history
Recent food and alcohol intake affecting abdominal condition.
Nausea
Feeling of sickness with urge to vomit.
Vomitus appearance
Color and consistency indicating potential gastrointestinal bleeding.
Bowel habits
Changes in frequency or consistency of stools.
Urinary changes
Alterations in urination patterns or discomfort.
Physical exam
Assessment focusing on abdomen and related symptoms.
Palpation technique
Gentle examination to avoid aggravating abdominal pain.
Inspection of abdomen
Visual examination for scars or abnormalities.
Quadrant palpation
Systematic examination of abdominal quadrants for tenderness.
Fluid loss
Depletion of fluids due to vomiting or diarrhea.
Internal bleeding
Hemorrhage within the body, often leading to shock.
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum, often causing severe pain.
Tachycardia
Increased heart rate, often a sign of shock.
Abdominal Inspection
Visual examination of the abdomen for abnormalities.
Palpation
Gentle pressing on abdomen to assess tenderness.
Tenderness
Pain response upon palpation of abdomen.
Rigidity
Involuntary muscle contraction causing a stiff abdomen.
Involuntary Guarding
Uncontrollable muscle contraction from peritoneal inflammation.
Voluntary Guarding
Patient-controlled muscle contraction anticipating pain.
Acute Abdomen
Condition requiring urgent medical evaluation and intervention.
Distended Abdomen
Enlarged abdomen indicating possible underlying issues.
Soft Abdomen
Normal finding; indicates no underlying issues.
Nontender Abdomen
Absence of pain during abdominal examination.
Pulsating Masses
Abnormal masses that exhibit rhythmic movement.
Baseline Vitals
Initial measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, etc.
Respiratory Rate Increase
Common in patients with acute abdominal pain.
Shock Indicators
Signs include decreased BP and increased heart rate.
Pain Types
Can be diffuse, localized, crampy, or sharp.
Guarded Position
Patient position to minimize abdominal pain.
Rapid Shallow Breathing
Compensatory mechanism to reduce diaphragm movement.
Nausea and Vomiting
Common symptoms associated with abdominal pain.
Fever or Chills
Possible signs of infection or inflammation.
Hematochezia
Bright red blood in stool indicating bleeding.
Hypotension
Low blood pressure, often a shock indicator.
