Chapter 23 Flashcards
1
Q
Acute Abdomen
A
Severe abdominal pain with various causes.
2
Q
Abdominal Cavity
A
Space below diaphragm, above pelvis.
3
Q
Peritoneum
A
Lining of the abdominal cavity.
4
Q
Visceral Peritoneum
A
Innermost layer, contacts abdominal organs.
5
Q
Parietal Peritoneum
A
Outer layer of the peritoneum.
6
Q
Serous Fluid
A
Lubricates space between peritoneum layers.
7
Q
Intraperitoneal Organs
A
Organs enclosed by visceral peritoneum.
8
Q
Retroperitoneal Space
A
Area behind the peritoneal space.
9
Q
Abdominal Aorta
A
Major artery located in retroperitoneal space.
10
Q
Abdominal Quadrants
A
Divisions of the abdomen using the umbilicus.
11
Q
Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)
A
Contains stomach, spleen, pancreas, large intestine.
12
Q
Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)
A
Contains liver, gallbladder, large intestine.
13
Q
Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)
A
Contains appendix and reproductive organs.
14
Q
Abdominal Regions
A
Nine regions for detailed abdominal assessment.
15
Q
Umbilicus
A
Central reference point for abdominal quadrants.
16
Q
Thoracic Conditions
A
Conditions affecting heart/lungs perceived as abdominal pain.
17
Q
Trauma to Abdomen
A
Injuries can be serious due to organ proximity.
18
Q
Hollow Organs
A
Organs like stomach and intestines in abdomen.
19
Q
Solid Organs
A
Organs like liver and spleen in abdomen.
20
Q
Assessment Techniques
A
Methods to evaluate abdominal pain causes.
21
Q
Mechanisms of Injury
A
Understanding injury types affecting abdominal organs.
22
Q
Vital Organs
A
Essential organs protected by body cavities.
23
Q
Abdominal Pain Causes
A
Variety of systems can cause abdominal pain.
24
Q
Appendix
A
Worm-shaped structure from large intestine’s beginning.
25
Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)
Contains part of large intestine and female organs.
26
Abdominal Regions
Nine regions divided by four imaginary lines.
27
Right Hypochondriac Region
Upper right region of the abdomen.
28
Epigastric Region
Upper middle region above the umbilicus.
29
Left Hypochondriac Region
Upper left region of the abdomen.
30
Right Lumbar Region
Middle right region of the abdomen.
31
Umbilical Region
Central region around the navel.
32
Left Lumbar Region
Middle left region of the abdomen.
33
Right Iliac Region
Lower right region of the abdomen.
34
Hypogastric Region
Lower middle region below the umbilicus.
35
Left Iliac Region
Lower left region of the abdomen.
36
Hollow Organs
Organs that can leak substances if injured.
37
Solid Organs
Vascular organs that bleed when ruptured.
38
Vascular Structures
Large blood vessels in the abdominal cavity.
39
Peritonitis
Inflammation caused by leaking substances.
40
Abdominal Aorta
Major artery supplying blood to abdomen.
41
Inferior Vena Cava
Major vein returning blood to the heart.
42
Stomach
Saclike organ for food digestion and absorption.
43
Duodenum
First part of the small intestine.
44
Small Intestine
Absorbs nutrients from digested food.
45
Large Intestine
Reabsorbs fluids and excretes solid waste.
46
Liver
Filters nutrients, stores glucose, and produces bile.
47
Gallbladder
Stores bile for fat digestion.
48
Spleen
Organ that filters blood and supports immune function.
49
Spleen
Organ aiding blood cell production and filtering.
50
Pancreas
Gland regulating digestion and carbohydrate metabolism.
51
Kidneys
Retroperitoneal organs excreting urine and regulating balance.
52
Urinary Bladder
Reservoir for urine from the kidneys.
53
Abdominal Pain
Key symptom indicating abdominal organ emergencies.
54
Pathophysiology of Abdominal Pain
Mechanisms include mechanical forces, inflammation, ischemia.
55
Mechanical Forces
Stretching causing abdominal pain.
56
Inflammation
Irritation leading to abdominal pain.
57
Ischemia
Oxygen deficiency causing severe abdominal pain.
58
Tearing Sensation
Rarely reported in aorta complications.
59
Capsule Stretching
Pain from stretched organ capsules due to inflammation.
60
Rapid Distention
Sudden abdominal pain from quick organ expansion.
61
Gradual Distention
Little pain despite significant organ size increase.
62
Peritoneum Stretching
Pain from distention or adhesions affecting peritoneum.
63
Visceral Pain
Dull, poorly localized pain from abdominal organs.
64
Parietal Pain
Sharp, localized pain from abdominal wall irritation.
65
Referred Pain
Pain perceived in a different location from origin.
66
Colicky Pain
Intermittent pain from hollow organ inflammation.
67
Steady Pain
Constant pain from solid organ stretching.
68
Severe Ischemic Pain
Worsening pain as organ ischemia increases.
69
Pregnancy Pain Sensitivity
Lower sensitivity to pain in third trimester.
70
Older Adult Pain Sensitivity
Reduced pain sensitivity may mask serious conditions.
71
Acute Onset Pain
Rapid pain indicates potential abdominal disorders.
72
Visceral pain
Pain from internal organs, often dull and poorly localized.
73
Parietal pain
Sharp, localized pain from peritoneal irritation.
74
Referred pain
Visceral pain felt in a different body area.
75
Ischemia
Insufficient blood supply to an organ.
76
Inflammation
Body's response to injury, causing pain and swelling.
77
Mechanical obstruction
Blockage preventing normal organ function.
78
Assessment tips
Guidelines for evaluating types of abdominal pain.
79
Somatic pain
Another term for parietal pain, highly localized.
80
Peritoneum
Membrane lining the abdominal cavity, sensitive to pain.
81
Acute abdominal pain
Severe pain requiring immediate medical attention.
82
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum, often due to infection.
83
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder, causing referred pain.
84
Gallbladder pain location
Referred pain felt in right shoulder and scapula.
85
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix, causing acute pain.
86
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas, leading to severe pain.
87
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Loss of blood from the digestive tract.
88
Gastroenteritis
Inflammation of stomach and intestines, causing pain.
89
Peptic ulcer disease
Ulcers in the stomach lining causing abdominal pain.
90
Intestinal obstruction
Blockage in the intestines, causing severe pain.
91
Hernia
Protrusion of an organ through the abdominal wall.
92
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Enlargement of the aorta in the abdomen, life-threatening.
93
Pain assessment
Evaluating pain characteristics to determine underlying issues.
94
Patient positioning
Lying supine with knees flexed reduces abdominal pain.
95
Peritoneum
Membrane lining the abdominal cavity.
96
Acidic Digestive Material
Highly acidic contents from the duodenum.
97
Ileum
Last part of the small intestine, neutral contents.
98
Perforation
A hole in the wall of an organ.
99
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum, causing pain.
100
Markle Test
Heel drop test for assessing abdominal pain.
101
Rebound Tenderness
Pain upon release of abdominal pressure.
102
Heel Drop Test
Patient drops on heels to assess pain.
103
Heel Jar Test
Modified test for patients unable to stand.
104
Acute Abdomen
Sudden onset abdominal pain requiring urgent care.
105
Nausea
Feeling of sickness with an urge to vomit.
106
Vomiting
Expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
107
Diarrhea
Frequent, watery bowel movements.
108
Anorexia
Lack of appetite, often accompanying abdominal issues.
109
Fever
Elevated body temperature indicating infection.
110
Chills
Shivering sensation often accompanying fever.
111
Positive Markle Test
Indicates abdominal pain upon heel drop.
112
Abscess Formation
Local pus collection due to infection.
113
Shock
Critical condition from inadequate blood flow.
114
Pain Severity
Intensity of pain does not indicate problem severity.
115
Older Adults Pain Response
Less intense pain perception in elderly patients.
116
Peritoneal Irritation
Pain caused by irritants in the peritoneum.
117
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix causing pain.
118
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum, often from infection.
119
Shock
Critical condition from insufficient blood flow.
120
McBurney Point
RLQ pain location for appendicitis diagnosis.
121
Atypical Symptoms
Unusual signs of appendicitis beyond classic presentation.
122
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas causing severe abdominal pain.
123
Epigastric Pain
Pain in the upper middle abdomen.
124
Gallstones
Solid particles in the gallbladder causing blockage.
125
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones.
126
RUQ Pain
Right upper quadrant pain associated with cholecystitis.
127
Nausea and Vomiting
Common symptoms in appendicitis and pancreatitis.
128
Abdominal Guarding
Tensing of abdominal muscles during examination.
129
Positive Markle Test
Heel drop test indicating abdominal irritation.
130
Jaundice
Yellowing of skin due to liver dysfunction.
131
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Bleeding in the GI tract, classified as upper or lower.
132
Peptic Ulcers
Open sores in the stomach lining causing bleeding.
133
Diverticulitis
Inflammation of diverticula in the colon.
134
Dark Tarry Stools
Indication of upper GI bleeding.
135
Postural Syncope
Fainting upon standing due to low blood volume.
136
Sepsis
Body's extreme response to infection, can follow pancreatitis.
137
Tissue Death
Necrosis due to lack of blood supply.
138
Hemorrhage
Excessive bleeding, can occur in pancreatitis.
139
Hematemesis
Vomiting blood, bright red or coffee grounds.
140
Hematochezia
Bright red blood in stool, rapid onset.
141
Melena
Dark tarry stools from decomposing blood.
142
Altered mental status
Changes in consciousness or awareness.
143
Tachycardia
Increased heart rate, often over 100 bpm.
144
Pale, cool clammy skin
Skin condition indicating shock or blood loss.
145
Abdominal pain
Discomfort or tenderness in the abdominal area.
146
Esophageal varices
Bulging blood vessels in the esophagus lining.
147
Portal hypertension
Increased pressure in liver's venous blood supply.
148
Painless bleeding
Bleeding without abdominal pain, often in varices.
149
Jaundice
Yellowing of skin or eyes from liver disease.
150
Gastroenteritis
Inflammation of stomach and small intestines.
151
Acute gastroenteritis
Sudden inflammation, often viral or bacterial.
152
Chronic gastroenteritis
Long-term inflammation of digestive tract.
153
Ulcers
Open sores in the digestive tract lining.
154
Perforation
A hole through the wall of the intestine.
155
Abdominopelvic pain
Pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis.
156
Dehydration
Loss of body fluids, often from vomiting.
157
Signs of peritonitis
Symptoms indicating inflammation of abdominal lining.
158
Over-the-counter antacids
Medications used to neutralize stomach acid.
159
Severe acute cases
Critical situations requiring immediate medical attention.
160
Symptoms of shock
Indicators like rapid pulse and pale skin.
161
Gastric Ulcers
Wounds on the stomach lining causing pain.
162
Duodenal Ulcers
Wounds on the duodenal lining causing discomfort.
163
Abdominal Pain
Gradual or acute pain in the LUQ or epigastric area.
164
Hematemesis
Vomiting blood, indicating potential bleeding.
165
Hematochezia
Passage of fresh blood through the anus.
166
Melena
Dark, tarry stools indicating upper GI bleeding.
167
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum, causing rigidity.
168
Intestinal Obstruction
Blockage disrupting normal intestinal content flow.
169
Partial Obstruction
Incomplete blockage allowing some intestinal flow.
170
Complete Obstruction
Total blockage preventing all intestinal flow.
171
Adhesions
Scar tissue causing intestines to stick together.
172
Obstipation
Severe constipation with inability to pass gas.
173
High-Pitched Bowel Sounds
Abnormal bowel sounds indicating early obstruction.
174
Hernia
Protrusion of intestine through abdominal wall weakness.
175
Incarcerated Hernia
Hernia trapped in the abdominal wall.
176
Strangulated Hernia
Hernia cutting off blood supply to intestine.
177
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Enlarged area of the abdominal aorta wall.
178
Aortic Dissection
Tear in aorta allowing blood to leak.
179
Signs of Shock
Symptoms indicating severe blood loss or injury.
180
Nausea and Vomiting
Common symptoms associated with gastrointestinal issues.
181
Abdominal Distention
Swelling of the abdomen due to obstruction.
182
Tender Mass
Palpable lump indicating potential hernia.
183
Risk Factors for Obstruction
Age and previous history of bowel obstruction.
184
Inferior vena cava
Vein carrying deoxygenated blood from lower body.
185
Aorta
Main artery supplying oxygenated blood from heart.
186
Aneurysm
Abnormal swelling in a blood vessel wall.
187
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
Aortic aneurysm located in the abdomen.
188
Aortic dissection
Tear in the aorta's inner layer.
189
Gradual onset pain
Slowly developing pain in lower lumbar region.
190
Sudden onset pain
Immediate severe abdominal pain indicating rupture.
191
Testicular pain
Pain in the testicles, often associated with AAA.
192
Mottled skin
Spotty skin appearance due to poor blood flow.
193
Cyanotic skin
Bluish skin from lack of oxygen.
194
Absent pulses
Lack of femoral or pedal pulse detection.
195
Pulsating abdominal mass
Palpable mass indicating possible AAA presence.
196
Rigid abdomen
Stiff abdomen indicating potential rupture.
197
Assessment for shock
Evaluating patient for signs of shock.
198
Transport without delay
Immediate transfer of patient to medical facility.
199
Diarrhea
Frequent loose or watery bowel movements.
200
Constipation
Infrequent or difficult bowel movements.
201
Dehydration
Loss of body fluids leading to serious conditions.
202
Pediatric considerations
Special attention needed for young patients.
203
Geriatric considerations
Increased risk for complications in older patients.
204
Vital signs interpretation
Assessing vital signs can be challenging in children.
205
Surgical intervention
Surgery required to treat abdominal pain in older adults.
206
Decreased abdominal pain perception
Older adults perceive abdominal pain less acutely.
207
Vague symptoms
Older adults may present with non-specific symptoms.
208
Delayed medical care
Older adults often wait longer to seek treatment.
209
Higher mortality rate
Older adults face increased death risk from conditions.
210
GI bleeding
Common, life-threatening emergency in older adults.
211
Occult bleeding
Hidden gastrointestinal bleeding, not immediately visible.
212
Upper GI tract
Includes esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
213
Lower GI tract
Includes intestines and rectum.
214
Abdominal pain
Most common finding in abdominal pathology.
215
Painless GI bleeding
GI bleeding often occurs without abdominal pain.
216
Hematemesis
Vomiting blood, indicating upper GI bleeding.
217
Hematochezia
Red blood in stool, indicating lower GI bleeding.
218
Melena
Dark tarry stool, indicating digested blood.
219
Dyspepsia
Indigestion, common symptom in abdominal issues.
220
Hepatomegaly
Enlarged liver, may indicate liver disease.
221
Jaundice
Yellowing of skin and eyes, liver dysfunction sign.
222
Shock signs
Geriatric patients may show shock from minor blood loss.
223
Peripheral edema
Swelling from venous congestion, often in liver disease.
224
Supplemental oxygen
Administered for patients with poor perfusion.
225
Positive pressure ventilation
Used when breathing is inadequate.
226
Recovery position
Position for conscious patients to maintain airway.
227
Immunocompromised patients
Patients with weakened immune systems due to various factors.
228
Immunocompromised patients
Patients with weakened immune systems, higher disease risk.
229
Poor inflammatory response
Reduced ability to respond to abdominal conditions.
230
Higher mortality rate
Increased risk of death in immunocompromised patients.
231
History-taking importance
Ask about fever, vomiting, diarrhea, medication changes.
232
Transplant patient inquiries
Inquire about surgery date and location.
233
Bariatric surgery patients
Patients who have undergone weight-loss surgery.
234
Post-bariatric surgery risks
Risk of ulcers, perforations, bowel obstruction.
235
Hospitalization statistics
High hospitalization rates within years post-surgery.
236
Acute abdomen assessment
Identify abdominal pain without isolating exact cause.
237
Life-threatening condition
All abdominal pain patients considered serious until proven otherwise.
238
Serious signs
Low blood pressure, syncope, clammy skin indicate urgency.
239
Severe abdominal pain
Emergency if pain lasts longer than 6 hours.
240
Scene size-up
Assess potential threats and take standard precautions.
241
Mechanism of injury
Identify trauma causes for abdominal distress.
242
Delayed trauma presentation
Abdominal trauma symptoms may appear later.
243
Use of senses
Employ all senses to assess scene conditions.
244
Gastrointestinal bleeding signs
Distinct smell and location clues indicate bleeding.
245
Vomitus examination
Note color and quantity of vomit present.
246
Coffee ground appearance
Old blood in vomit resembles coffee grounds.
247
Over-the-counter medications
Check for medications used before arrival.
248
General impression
Initial assessment of patient's overall condition.
249
Spinal injury precautions
Take precautions if spinal injury is suspected.
250
Guarded position
Patient with acute abdomen often assumes protective posture.
251
Acute abdomen
Condition indicating serious abdominal issues requiring urgent care.
252
Guarded position
Knees drawn up, hands over abdomen due to pain.
253
Patent airway
Open airway ensuring adequate airflow for breathing.
254
Oxygen saturation
Measure of oxygen in blood, assessed with pulse oximeter.
255
Shock
Critical condition from inadequate blood flow to organs.
256
Hypoperfusion
Inadequate blood flow, leading to signs of shock.
257
Signs of shock
Indicators include rapid pulse, cool skin, low blood pressure.
258
Priority for transport
Criteria indicating urgent need for medical transport.
259
OPQRST questions
Assessment tool for pain: Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time.
260
Medical alert identification
Tags indicating allergies or medical conditions for emergency care.
261
Medication history
Record of current medications and last doses taken.
262
Past medical history
Relevant previous medical issues related to abdominal pain.
263
Dietary history
Recent food and alcohol intake affecting abdominal condition.
264
Nausea
Feeling of sickness with urge to vomit.
265
Vomitus appearance
Color and consistency indicating potential gastrointestinal bleeding.
266
Bowel habits
Changes in frequency or consistency of stools.
267
Urinary changes
Alterations in urination patterns or discomfort.
268
Physical exam
Assessment focusing on abdomen and related symptoms.
269
Palpation technique
Gentle examination to avoid aggravating abdominal pain.
270
Inspection of abdomen
Visual examination for scars or abnormalities.
271
Quadrant palpation
Systematic examination of abdominal quadrants for tenderness.
272
Fluid loss
Depletion of fluids due to vomiting or diarrhea.
273
Internal bleeding
Hemorrhage within the body, often leading to shock.
274
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum, often causing severe pain.
275
Tachycardia
Increased heart rate, often a sign of shock.
276
Abdominal Inspection
Visual examination of the abdomen for abnormalities.
277
Palpation
Gentle pressing on abdomen to assess tenderness.
278
Tenderness
Pain response upon palpation of abdomen.
279
Rigidity
Involuntary muscle contraction causing a stiff abdomen.
280
Involuntary Guarding
Uncontrollable muscle contraction from peritoneal inflammation.
281
Voluntary Guarding
Patient-controlled muscle contraction anticipating pain.
282
Acute Abdomen
Condition requiring urgent medical evaluation and intervention.
283
Distended Abdomen
Enlarged abdomen indicating possible underlying issues.
284
Soft Abdomen
Normal finding; indicates no underlying issues.
285
Nontender Abdomen
Absence of pain during abdominal examination.
286
Pulsating Masses
Abnormal masses that exhibit rhythmic movement.
287
Baseline Vitals
Initial measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, etc.
288
Respiratory Rate Increase
Common in patients with acute abdominal pain.
289
Shock Indicators
Signs include decreased BP and increased heart rate.
290
Pain Types
Can be diffuse, localized, crampy, or sharp.
291
Guarded Position
Patient position to minimize abdominal pain.
292
Rapid Shallow Breathing
Compensatory mechanism to reduce diaphragm movement.
293
Nausea and Vomiting
Common symptoms associated with abdominal pain.
294
Fever or Chills
Possible signs of infection or inflammation.
295
Hematochezia
Bright red blood in stool indicating bleeding.
296
Hypotension
Low blood pressure, often a shock indicator.
297
