Module 14: Gastrointestinal and Urologic Emergencies Flashcards
Name the three systems that make up the abdominal cavity
gastrointenstinal, genital, urinary
Name the solid organs in the abdominal cavity
liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, ovaries
What are the hollow organs in the abdominal cavity
gallbladder, ureter, stomach, intestines, fallopian tubes, bladder, uterus
The stomach converts __ into __using hydrochloric acid
solids liquids
The small intestine __ food and medication
absorbs
The liver secretes __ which is stored by the __
bile, gallbladder
The pancreas secretes __
three digestive enzymes
Name the three parts of the large intestine
ascending, transverse, descending
Where is the spleen located? What is it’s function?
left upper quadrant. Releases RBCs into bloodstream when pt is injured, and acts as filter for blood
Puncturing hollow organs results in __ while solid organs often results in __
infection, blood bursting
What is ileus?
paralysis of muscular contractions
retained gas and feces cause distention
stomach empties by emesis
What is diverticulitis?
inflammation of small pockets at weak areas in muscle walls
What is cholecystitis?
formation of stones in the gallbladder
What might RLQ pain indicate? describe this condition
appendicitis. infection in the appendix which is diagnosed with a CT.
Compare upper bleeds to lower bleeds
upper bleeds are digested blood, blood mixing with food “black, tar-like, coffee grounds.” also called melena
lower bleeds are nondigested blood. Also called Hematochezia.
What is esophageal varices? What condition does it typically present with?
bleeding of veins inside the esophagus, can lead to life threatening hemorrhage, vomiting blood
often present with liver failure and alcoholism
What is Mallory-Weiss syndrome? What conditions typically associate with it?
tear between the stomach and esophagus
causes bleeding, vomiting blood, can lead to life threatening hemorrhage
alcohlics, bulimics, others w EDS
What is gastroenteritis?
Inflammation caused by bacteria or virus.
Presents with diarrhea, vomiting, fever, fatigue
What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm? What is unique about palpation with this case?
usually very subtle, pt complains of abdominal pain, ruptures are catastrophic. If you feel a pulsating mass, DO NOT PALPATE. Also present with unequal pulses
What is cystitis? Who is more at risk?
Bladder infection, most often result of UTI and can spread to kidneys
(older) women, uncircumcised males, people w catheters
Kidney failure results in ___
uremia, crystals left behind in pts w kidney failure.
Should you take BP on patients with AV fistulas?
Not on the arm with the fistula, as it may burst. However, this rupture can be stopped with pressure
How should assessment of a pt with abdominal pain go?
ABCs
visual inspection: distention, abnormal swelling, or bruising
physical exam: ask pt to point to where they are having the most pain. Then palpate each quadrant with wave-like motion. Palpate area of pain LAST, and watch for pain response in face
Interviews: Nausea? Vomiting? What color? Blood? BMs?
What are the treaments for acute abdominal pain?
O2 (if needed)
any position of comfort
maintain body temp
In the presence of ileus, the only way the stomach can empty itself is by:
-spontaneous rupture
-diarrhea
-vomiting
-muscular contraction
-vomiting
Which of the following organs assists in the filtration of blood, serves as a blood
reservoir, and produces antibodies?
-liver
-spleen
-pancreas
-kidney
spleen
A 35-year-old mildly obese woman is complaining of localized pain in the right upper
quadrant with referred pain to the right shoulder. The MOST likely cause of her pain
is:
-acute cystitis
-pancreatitis
-acute cholecystitis
-appendicitis
-acute cholecystitis
