Gastrointestinal Flashcards
Abd
Abdomen
BM
bowel movement
BS
bowel sounds- caused by the muscular contractions of peristalsis
BRB
Bright red blood
GI
Gastrointestinal
N/V/D
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Emesis
Vomiting
Post-Tussive Emesis
Vomiting after coughing
Hematemesis
Vomiting blood
Hematochezia
Blood in stool
Melena
Black, tarry stool
Lithiasis
Formation of mineral concretions (stones) in the body
Peritoneal Cavity
Space between the parietal peritoneum and visceral peritoneum, which are the two membranes that separate the organs in the abdominal cavity from the abdominal wall
GI Cocktail
Generic term for a mixture of liquid antacid, viscous lidocaine, and an anticholinergic primarily used to treat indigestion
McBurney’s Point Tenderness
Site of extreme sensitivity in acute appendicitis, situated in the normal area of the appendix midway between the umbilicus and the anterior iliac crest in the RLQ of the abdomen
Rovsing’s Sign
Indication of acute appendicitis in which pressure on the LLQ of abdomen causes pain in the RLQ
Obturator Sign
Indication of appendicitisin which the internal rotation of the RLE at the hip and knee causes abdominal discomfort
Psoas Sign
Indication of appendicitis in which passive extension of the thigh of a patient lying on his side with knees extended causes abdominal pain
Murphy’s Sign
Finding associated with acute cholecystitis which causes pain on inspiration when the examiner’s fingers are placed on the RUQ at the location of the gallbladder
Alvarado Score
Used to assess the likelihood of acute appendicitis
Distention
Sensation of elevated abdominal pressure and volume
Guarding
Tensing of the abdominal wall muscles to guard inflamed organs within the abdomen from the pain of pressure upon palpation; can be voluntary or involuntary
Rebound
Pain upon removal of pressure rather than application of pressure to the abdomen
Rigidity
Stiffness of the muscles in the belly area, which can be felt when touched or pressed
Hepatomegaly
Enlargement of the liver
Hepatosplenomegaly
Enlargement of liver and spleen
Caput Medusae
Dilated veins seen on the abdomen of a patient with cirrhosis of the liver