Chapter 23 - Abdominal, Hematologic, Gynecologic, Genitourinary, and Renal Emergencies

Question 1

abdominal aorta

Answer 1

a portion of the descending aorta that extends from the thoracic portion of the aorta to the distal point where the aorta divides into the iliac arteries. Arteries branching from the abdominal aorta supply the abdominal organs.

Question 2

abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

Answer 2

a weakened, ballooned, and enlarged area of the wall of the abdominal aorta.

Question 3

abdominal cavity

Answer 3

the space located below the diaphragm that extends to the top of the pelvis.

Question 4

acute abdomen

Answer 4

a sharp, severe abdominal pain with rapid onset. Acute abdomen can have a number of causes. Also called acute abdominal distress.

Question 5

appendicitis

Answer 5

inflammation of the appendix.

Question 6

cholecystitis

Answer 6

inflammation of the gallbladder.

Question 7

dialysate

Answer 7

a special fluid used for dialysis.

Question 8

dialysis

Answer 8

an artificial process used to remove water and waste substances from the blood when the kidneys fail to function properly.

Question 9

dysmenorrhea

Answer 9

severe pain or cramps during menstruation.

Question 10

endometriosis

Answer 10

the condition in which endometrial tissue grown outside of the uterus.

Question 11

endometritis

Answer 11

inflammation of the endometrium.

Question 12

esophageal varices

Answer 12

bulging, engorgement, or weakening of the blood vessels in the lining of the lower part of the esophagus.

Question 13

gastroenteritis

Answer 13

inflammation of the stomach and small intestine.

Question 14

genitourinary system

Answer 14

male organ system that includes both the reproductive and the urinary structures.

Question 15

guarded position

Answer 15

a position generally assumed by patients with acute abdominal pain with knees drawn up and hands clenched over the abdomen.

Question 16

gynecology

Answer 16

branch of medicine that studies health of the female patient and her reproductive system.

Question 17

hematemesis

Answer 17

vomiting of blood.

Question 18

hematochezia

Answer 18

bright red blood in the stool.

Question 19

hematuria

Answer 19

blood in the urine.

Question 20

hernia

Answer 20

protrusion or thrusting forward of a portion of the intestine through an opening or weakness in the abdominal wall.

Question 21

intestinal obstruction

Answer 21

blockage that interrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents.

Question 22

involuntary guarding

Answer 22

abdominal wall muscle contraction caused by inflammation or the peritoneum that the patient cannot control. Also called rigidity.

Question 23

Markle test

Answer 23

a test for the presence of peritonitis in which the patent stands on his toes, then drops to his heals, or in which the heels are struck together or struck on the bottom. The jarring of the torso will elicit pain when the peritoneal linings are inflamed. Also called the heel drop test.

Question 24

melena

Answer 24

dark tarry stools containing decomposing blood normally from the upper gastrointestinal system.

Question 25

menarche

Answer 25

onset of menses.

Question 26

menses

Answer 26

menstrual period in which the endometrium is sloughed off.

Question 27

mittelschmerz

Answer 27

abdominopelvic pain during the middle of a menstrual cycle that is associated with ovulation.

Question 28

pancreatitis

Answer 28

inflammation of the pancreas.

Question 29

parietal pain

Answer 29

localized, intense, sharp, constant pain associated with irritation of the peritoneum. Also called somatic pain.

Question 30

pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Answer 30

inflammation of the female reproductive tract.

Question 31

peritoneum

Answer 31

the lining of the abdominal cavity.

Question 32

peritonitis

Answer 32

irritation and inflammation of the abdominal lining.

Question 33

referred pain

Answer 33

pain that is felt in a body part removed from a stimulus.

Question 34

renal calculi

Answer 34

kidney stones.

Question 35

rigidity

Answer 35

abdominal wall muscle contraction caused by inflammation or the peritoneum that the patient cannot control.

Question 36

somatic pain

Answer 36

pain that is felt in a body part removed from a stimulus.

Question 37

ulcers

Answer 37

open wounds or sores within the digestive tract.

Question 38

umbilicus

Answer 38

the naval.

Question 39

urology

Answer 39

branch of medicine that studies the urinary system in females and the genitourinary system in males.

Question 40

visceral pain

Answer 40

poorly localized, intermittent, cramps, dull, or aching pain associated with ischemia, tearing, or distention of an organ.

Question 41

voluntary guarding

Answer 41

a deliberate abdominal wall muscles contraction.