GI H&P Flashcards
Peritoneum
the membrane covering the viscera and lining the walls of the abdominal and pelvic cavities
Visceral Pain
originates from the organs
poorly localized dull, achy pain often in the midline
parietal pain
AKA somatic pain
sharp and well localized pain
Retroperitoneum
space that lies behind the abdominal cavity
Colic
describes painful peristaltic movement
may be intestinal, biliary or urinary
rhythmic pain
Acute abdomen
an abdominal condition that requires immediate surgical attention
Acute abdominal pain
Onset over minutes but may last for days
Denotes onset, not severity
Nonspecific abdominal pain
Present for at least 6 months without a diagnosis despite appropriate evaluation
Nonspecific abdominal pain
poorly localized and often inadequately explained by a specific diagnosis
diagnosis of exclusion
Referred pain
experienced different from the site of origin
experienced because abdomen has non-specific somatic nerve fibers
Draping and Inspection
Pt should be supine, flat
Draping should allow exposure from the xiphoid to the top fo the pubic hair
Tips for making the pt more relaxed and the GI exam easier
Hands should be by their side, with their head resting on a pillow
Pts can bend their knees
Keep room as warm as possible
