Emergency Medicine - Abdominal Pain

Question 1

Normal size of abdominal aorta? Size of aneurysm? What section of the aorta is most commonly involved?

Answer 1

2cm. 3cm or greater. Infrarenal Aorta.

Question 2

Classic triad of AAA? Signs of leakage into retroperitoneum?

Answer 2

Abdominal Pain, hypotension, and syncope.

Tremendous back and flank pain.

Question 3

A history of Atrial Fibrillation can often lead to which abdominal complication?
Presentation?
What lab value may be elevated (late finding)?

Answer 3

Acute Mesenteric Ischemia (embolic).
Abdominal pain out of proportion to exam and blood in the lumen (guaiac positive stool).
Lactate.

Question 4

Diagnostic test for Acute Mesenteric Ischemia (embolic)? Treatment?

Answer 4

Angiography.

Laparotomy.

Question 5

Diagnostic test for Acute Mesenteric Ischemia (thrombotic)?

Treatment?

Answer 5

Angiography.

Heparin.

Question 6

Most common cause of upper GI bleed?

Most common presentation?

Answer 6

Peptic Ulcers. Melena.

Question 7

What solution should be used for NG lavage.

Answer 7

Warm tap water.

Question 8

Contraindication to NG lavage placement?

Answer 8

Previous Gastric bypass surgery?

Question 9

Most common cause of lower GI bleed?

Answer 9

Diverticulosis.

Question 10

What is never allowed to be diagnosed via CT Scan?

Answer 10

Pregnancy.