Chapter 26: Abdominal Emergencies

Question 1

Pain that originates in the walls of the hollow organs is called:

Answer 1

Visceral

Question 2

The mnemonic used to help remember questions to ask regarding pain for a patient with an abdominal complaint is:

Answer 2

OPQRST

Question 3

Pain that is felt in a place other than where it originates is called:

Answer 3

Referred

Question 4

Which of the following conditions in females is a life-threatening emergency?
- 1. Mittelschmer
- 2. Ectopic pregnancy
- 3. Premenstrual syndrome
- 4. Cramps

Answer 4

Ectopic pregnancy

Question 5

Which of the following signs indicates internal bleeding?
- 1. Greenish emesis
- 2. Sweet smell to emesis
- 3. Mucous in emesis and feces
- 4. Coffee-ground-like emesis

Answer 5

Coffee-ground-like emesis

Question 6

Which type of medication can cause bleeding in the stomach?

Answer 6

Aspirin

Question 6

What term is used to indicate voluntary or involuntary protecting of the abdomen to prevent further pain upon palpation?

Answer 6

Guarding

Question 7

The best position in which to place a conscious patient with acute abdominal pain is:

Answer 7

A position of comfort

Question 8

A patient with pain in the right lower quadrant (RLQ) is most likely suffering from which of the following?
- 1. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
- 2. Pancreatitis
- 3. Gallstones
- 4. Appendicitis

Answer 8

Appendicitis

Question 9

The retroperitoneal space contains which of the following organs?
- 1. Kidneys
- 2. Liver
- 3. Spleen
- 4. Gallbladder

Answer 9

Kidneys

Question 10

The 4 quadrants of the abdomen are:

Answer 10

• Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)
• Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)
• Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)
• Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)

Question 11

Most organs of the abdomen are enclosed in the [__________].

Answer 11

Peritoneum

Question 11

The 4 classic patterns of abdominal pain are:

Answer 11

• Visceral
• Parietal
• Tearing
• Referred

Question 12

The OPQRST mnemonic for assessing pain/distress stands for:

Answer 12

• Onset
• Provocation/ Palliation
• Quality
• Region/ Radiation
• Severity
• Time

Question 13

Tearing pain that is felt in the back is a symptom of what serious medical problem?

Answer 13

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Question 14

When a patient draws their arms across the abdomen in response to pain, this is called:

Answer 14

Guarding

Question 15

Patients experiencing severe flank pain are most likely suffering from:

Answer 15

Renal Colic (Kidney stones)

Question 16

TRUE/FALSE: Upper quadrant abdominal pain can be signs of a myocardial infarction or other cardiac problem.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

TRUE/FALSE: “Crampy and colicky” is a description of parietal pain.

Answer 17

False

Question 18

TRUE/FALSE: The T in OPQRST mnemonic stands for tenderness.

Answer 18

False

Question 19

TRUE/FALSE: Tearing pain is a sign of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Answer 19

True

Question 20

TRUE/FALSE: Ectopic pregnancy should always be considered as a potential problem when the woman of childbearing age has abdominal pain.

Answer 20

True

Question 21

TRUE/FALSE: A coffee-ground-like substance in vomitus is a sign of internal bleeding.

Answer 21

True

Question 22

TRUE/FALSE: Elderly people have no decreased ability to perceive pain.

Answer 22

False

Question 23

TRUE/FALSE: During the assessment, palpate the abdomen before you inspect it.

Answer 23

False

Question 24

TRUE/FALSE: Whenever possible, a patient with abdominal pain should be transported in a position of comfort.

Answer 24

True

Question 25

TRUE/FALSE: The EMT can be confident that there is no serious problem with the abdomen if the assessment shows no abnormal findings.

Answer 25

False