Med terms (GI/abdomen + excretory functions)

Question 1

dyspepsia

Answer 1

the symptoms of indigestion

Question 2

guarding

Answer 2

tensing of the muscles of the abdominal wall to protect sensitive inflammation of underlying organs upon direct pressure/palpation

Question 3

hepatomegaly

Answer 3

abnormal enlargement of the liver, typically a sign of liver disease discovered on palpation of the abdomen

Question 4

rebound

Answer 4

a sensation of pain felt when pressure is quickly removed (instead of applied) from the abdomen

Question 5

dysphagia

Answer 5

difficulty swallowing related to muscular or nervous problems (not mechanical chocking on an object such as food)

Question 6

suprapubic

Answer 6

area of the abdomen lying upon/over the urinary bladder

Question 7

hematochezia

Answer 7

the passage of fresh, red blood per anus; indicative of a lower gastrointestinal bleed

Question 8

anasarca

Answer 8

marked total body swelling due to fluid buildup, typically caused by failure of the liver, kidneys, or heart

Question 9

ascites

Answer 9

abnormal swelling in the abdominal region due to fluid buildup, typically due to severe liver failure

Question 10

adnexa

Answer 10

associated anatomic parts, typically referring to the ovaries and fallopian tubes

Question 11

ileus

Answer 11

blockage of the intestines caused by lack of peristalsis

Question 12

McBurney’s point

Answer 12

an area in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen that is concerning for acute appendicitis when tender on physical exam

Question 13

Murphy’s sigh

Answer 13

a gastrointestinal physical exam finding that involves pain in the right upper quadrant when the patient is asked to breathe in while pressure is applied in that area; if positive, this is concerning for gallbladder infection (cholecystitis)

Question 14

peritoneal signs

Answer 14

common term for rebound and guarding combined; typically addressed when inflammation exists in the abdominal cavity

Question 15

dysuria

Answer 15

difficult or painful urination, typically in the presence of irritation from infection

Question 16

melena

Answer 16

dark, tarry stool containing decomposing blood that usually indicates bleeding in the upper part of the GI tract

Question 17

nocturia

Answer 17

the need to wake int he middle of the night to urinate (typically used to refer to excessive trips to the bathroom); most common with aging and/or the use of a diuretic scubas Lasix

Question 18

polyuria

Answer 18

the excessive/frequent production and passage of urine, most often in diabetes and/or with the use of diuretics

Question 19

stenosis

Answer 19

a narrowing of the diameter of a bodily passage or orifice