Gastrointestinal Emergencies Flashcards
What is the cause of Esophageal Varices?
Portal hypertension (often due to cirrhosis)
Portal hypertension is increased blood pressure in the portal venous system, commonly associated with liver cirrhosis.
What are the symptoms of Esophageal Varices?
Vomiting bright red blood, black tarry stools, dizziness, shock signs
Symptoms indicate severe bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention.
What are the PCP treatments for Esophageal Varices?
- Airway management
- Oxygen, IV access (2 large bore)
- IV fluids if hypotensive
- Rapid transport
What causes Mallory-Weiss Syndrome?
Esophageal tear from severe vomiting (bulimia, alcohol use)
This syndrome often occurs after prolonged or severe episodes of vomiting.
What are the symptoms of Mallory-Weiss Syndrome?
Vomiting blood (streaks), epigastric pain
What are the PCP treatments for Mallory-Weiss Syndrome?
- Oxygen, IV access
- IV fluids if hypotensive
- Transport
What is the cause of GERD & Esophagitis?
Chronic acid reflux causing inflammation
What are the symptoms of GERD & Esophagitis?
Heartburn, chest pain mimicking MI, difficulty swallowing
What are the PCP treatments for GERD & Esophagitis?
- Oxygen if needed, IV access
- Transport (rule out cardiac issues)
What causes Peptic Ulcer Disease?
H. pylori infection, NSAIDs, stress
What are the symptoms of Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Epigastric burning pain, nausea, black tarry stools
What are the PCP treatments for Peptic Ulcer Disease?
- Oxygen if needed, IV access
- IV fluids if hypotensive
- Transport
What are the symptoms of Upper GI Bleeds?
Bright red vomit, coffee-ground emesis, shock signs
What are the symptoms of Lower GI Bleeds?
Bright red blood in stool, dizziness, shock signs
What are the PCP treatments for GI Bleeds?
- Oxygen, IV access
- Fluids if hypotensive
- Transport
What is the cause of Cholecystitis & Biliary Colic?
Gallbladder inflammation or gallstone blockage
What are the symptoms of Cholecystitis & Biliary Colic?
RUQ pain (radiates to back), nausea, worse after fatty meals
What are the PCP treatments for Cholecystitis & Biliary Colic?
- Oxygen if needed, IV access
- Pain control (Entonox, Advil)
- Transport
What are the symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis & Hepatitis?
Jaundice, ascites, confusion (hepatic encephalopathy)
What are the PCP treatments for Liver Cirrhosis & Hepatitis?
- Oxygen, IV access
- Transport
What is the cause of Pancreatitis?
Alcohol, gallstones
What are the symptoms of Pancreatitis?
Severe epigastric pain radiating to back, nausea, fever
What are the PCP treatments for Pancreatitis?
- Oxygen, IV access
- Transport
What are the symptoms of Appendicitis?
RLQ pain, nausea, fever, McBurney’s point tenderness
What are the PCP treatments for Appendicitis?
- Oxygen, IV access
- Transport (risk of rupture/peritonitis)
What is the cause of Diverticulitis?
Infection/inflammation of colon pouches
What are the symptoms of Diverticulitis?
LLQ pain, fever, nausea
What are the PCP treatments for Diverticulitis?
- Oxygen, IV access
- Transport
What is the cause of Gastroenteritis?
Viral, bacterial, parasitic infection
What are the symptoms of Gastroenteritis?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration
What are the PCP treatments for Gastroenteritis?
- Oxygen, IV access
- Fluids if dehydrated
- Transport
What are the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis)?
Abdominal pain, diarrhea (bloody), weight loss, fever
What are the PCP treatments for Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
- Oxygen, IV fluids if needed
- Transport
What are the symptoms of Abdominal Trauma (Penetrating/Blunt)?
Distension, rigidity, shock signs, blood in stool/urine
What are the PCP treatments for Abdominal Trauma?
- Oxygen, IV access, fluids if hypotensive
- Spinal precautions if indicated
- Transport
What is Evisceration?
Abdominal organs protruding from trauma
What are the PCP treatments for Evisceration?
- Oxygen, IV access
- Cover organs with saline-soaked dressing
- Transport to trauma center
