ECare - Chapter 22 (Abdominal Emergencies)

Question 1

peritoneum

Answer 1

membrane that lines and cover abdominal cavity

Question 2

retroperitoneal space

Answer 2

area posterior to peritoneum

Question 3

visceral pain

Answer 3

poorly localized, dull, or diffuse pain from abdominal organs

Question 4

hollow organ vs solid organ pain

Answer 4

hollow: intermittent, crampy, or colicky
solid: dull or persistent

Question 5

parietal pain

Answer 5

localized, intense pain from parietal peritoneum

Question 6

tearing pain

Answer 6

sharp pain that feels like body tissues are being torn

Question 7

referred pain

Answer 7

pain felt in a place other than where pain originated

Question 8

signs of appendicitis

Answer 8

nausea, vomiting, pain in umbilicus (initially), persistent pain in RLQ (later)

Question 9

signs peritonitis

Answer 9

ruptured appendix, trauma, fever

Question 10

signs of cholecystitis/gallstones

Answer 10

severe and sudden RUQ or epigastric pain; may be caused by fatty foods

Question 11

signs of pancreatitis

Answer 11

patients with chronic alcohol problems, pain in epigastric area and radiate to back or shoulders

Question 12

signs of GI bleeding

Answer 12

abnormal stools (dark black/maroon), blood vomit (coffee-like) or from rectum

no pain may be present, if present might be gastric ulcers

Question 13

signs of an AAA

Answer 13

urgent; can be slow or fast bleeding

Question 14

signs of hernia

Answer 14

heavy straining causing intestine to push through weak area; sharp pain. can indicate twisting of intestine

Question 15

signs of renal colic

Answer 15

small, hard stones that descend to ureter; pain radiates to groin area, nausea and vomiting may be present

Question 16

cardiac involvement

Answer 16

indigestion or digestive discomfort in epigastric area

Question 17

ectopic pregnancy

Answer 17

pregnancy outside of uterus

Question 18

patient assessment: abdominal distress

Answer 18

scene size up, primary assessment (general impression mental status, airway breathing, and circulation; oxygen is possible, transport decision), position of comfort, history, physical exam, vital signs, and reassess very 5 min

Question 19

Patient Care: abdominal distress

Answer 19

primary assessment, oxygen, position of comfort, transport