Chapter 23: Abdominal, Hematologic, Gynecologic, Genitourinary, and Renal Emergencies Flashcards
acute abdomen
acute abdominal pain, common condition that can be severe, can arise from cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hematologic, genital, urinary, reproductive, or other body systems
abdominal cavity
located below the diaphragm, extends to the top of the pelvis
peritoneum
lines the abdominal cavity
visceral peritoneum
the innermost layer, in contact with abdominal organs
parietal peritoneum
the outermost layer
intraperitoneal organs
organs enclosed by the visceral peritoneum, such as the stomach, spleen, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, part of the large intestine
retroperitoneal space
behind the peritoneal space, some organs are here (the kidneys, ureters, pancreas, abdominal aorta)
umbilicus
naval
left upper quadrant (LUQ)
contains most of the stomach, spleen, pancreas, part of the large intestine, the left kidney is behind the abdominal lining
right upper quadrant (RUQ)
contains most of liver, gall bladder, part of large intestine, right kidney is behind abdominal lining
right lower quadrant (RLQ)
contains appendix, part of large intestine, female reproductive organs
left lower quadrant (LLQ)
contains parts of the large intestine and the female reproductive organs
9 regions of abdominal cavity
from patients right to left and top to down:
- right hypochondriac, epigastric, left hypochondriac
- right lumbar, umbilical, left lumbar
- right iliac, hypogastric, left iliac
hollow organs
contain some type of substance that might leak into the abdominal cavity if perforated or injured, can lead to bacterial/chemical peritonitis, do not have the same amount of blood supply as solid organs (bleed less)
solid organs
vascular (have many vessels and lots of blood), bleeds when ruptured
vascular structures
the large blood vessels found in the abdominal cavity, parts of the descending aorta and the inferior vena cava, rupture or injury can cause major bleeding
abdominal pain mechanisms
1) mechanical forces (stretching)
2) inflammation
3) ischemia
rapid distention of an organ causes…
…rapid onset of abdominal pain
visceral pain
occurs when an abdominal organ is involved, usually less severe, hard to localize, dull or aching or oppressive, also associated with nausea and vomiting…can still be a serious condition
parietal pain, aka somatic pain
associated with irritation with parietal lining, more severe and localized, usually on one side or the other, intense, sharp, constant, patient lies with knees flexed up towards chest, breaths shallowly
referred pain
visceral pain that is not felt in the organ itself but is felt elsewhere in the body, poorly localized but constant in the referred body part
peritonitis
inflammation and irritation to the peritoneum, occurs when blood, pus, bacteria, or chemical substances leak into the peritoneal cavity, symptoms can vary depending on the substance
common signs and symptoms of peritonitis
- abdominal pain or tenderness
- nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- fever and chills
- lack of appetite
- positive Markle test
the Markle test
assesses for rebound tenderness in the abdomen (a sign of peritonitis), have patient stand on feet with knees straight, raise onto toes, and suddenly drop down onto heels
appendicitis
inflammation of the appendix that commonly causes acute abdomen, usually caused by intestinal blockage, can lead to rupture, common in children
common signs and symptoms of appendicitis
- abdominal pain or cramping, initially dull/diffuse but later on localizes to the iliac crest
- nausea and vomiting
- low-grade fever and chills
- lack of appetite
- abdominal guarding
- positive Markle test
pancreatitis
inflammation of the pancreas, can cause severe pain in the middle of the upper quadrants, can radiate to mid/lower back, can be triggered by alcohol consumption, gallstones, or infections
common signs and symptoms of pancreatitis
- abdominal pain
- nausea and vomiting
- abdominal tenderness and distention
- mild jaundice
- severe abdominal pain with radiation from umbilicus to back and shoulders
- fever, rapid pulse, signs of shock
cholecystitis
inflammation of the gallbladder, commonly associated with gallstones, more common in women, between the ages of 30-50
common signs and symptoms of cholecystitis
- sudden onset of abdominal pain located from middle of the upper quadrants to the RUQ
- tenderness upon palpation of RUQ
- belching/heartburn
- nausea and vomiting (greenish contents)
gastrointestinal bleeding
can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, from numerous causes, usually “upper” or “lower,” upper: usually from peptic ulcer, gastric erosion, varices, more prevalent in adult males. lower: usually from diverticulitis, arteriovenous malformations, tumors, most common in women
common signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding
- abdominal pain or tenderness
- hematemesis
- hematochezia
- melena
- altered mental status, weakness, syncope
- tachycardia
- signs of shock
hematemesis
vomiting blood (bright red or looks like coffee grounds)
hematochezia
bright red blood in stool, normally signifies rapid onset
melena
dark tarry stools containing decomposing blood normally from upper gastrointestinal system
esophageal varices
bulging, engorgement, or weakening of the blood vessels in the lining of the lower part of the esophagus, common to to heavy alcohol drinkers or those with liver disease