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.