Module 14: Gastrointestinal and Urologic Emergencies

Question 1

Name the three systems that make up the abdominal cavity

Answer 1

gastrointenstinal, genital, urinary

Question 2

Name the solid organs in the abdominal cavity

Answer 2

liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, ovaries

Question 3

What are the hollow organs in the abdominal cavity

Answer 3

gallbladder, ureter, stomach, intestines, fallopian tubes, bladder, uterus

Question 4

The stomach converts __ into __using hydrochloric acid

Answer 4

solids liquids

Question 5

The small intestine __ food and medication

Answer 5

absorbs

Question 6

The liver secretes __ which is stored by the __

Answer 6

bile, gallbladder

Question 7

The pancreas secretes __

Answer 7

three digestive enzymes

Question 8

Name the three parts of the large intestine

Answer 8

ascending, transverse, descending

Question 9

Where is the spleen located? What is it’s function?

Answer 9

left upper quadrant. Releases RBCs into bloodstream when pt is injured, and acts as filter for blood

Question 10

Puncturing hollow organs results in __ while solid organs often results in __

Answer 10

infection, blood bursting

Question 11

What is ileus?

Answer 11

paralysis of muscular contractions
retained gas and feces cause distention
stomach empties by emesis

Question 12

What is diverticulitis?

Answer 12

inflammation of small pockets at weak areas in muscle walls

Question 13

What is cholecystitis?

Answer 13

formation of stones in the gallbladder

Question 14

What might RLQ pain indicate? describe this condition

Answer 14

appendicitis. infection in the appendix which is diagnosed with a CT.

Question 15

Compare upper bleeds to lower bleeds

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

What is esophageal varices? What condition does it typically present with?

Answer 16

bleeding of veins inside the esophagus, can lead to life threatening hemorrhage, vomiting blood
often present with liver failure and alcoholism

Question 17

What is Mallory-Weiss syndrome? What conditions typically associate with it?

Answer 17

tear between the stomach and esophagus
causes bleeding, vomiting blood, can lead to life threatening hemorrhage
alcohlics, bulimics, others w EDS

Question 18

What is gastroenteritis?

Answer 18

Inflammation caused by bacteria or virus.
Presents with diarrhea, vomiting, fever, fatigue

Question 19

What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm? What is unique about palpation with this case?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

What is cystitis? Who is more at risk?

Answer 20

Bladder infection, most often result of UTI and can spread to kidneys
(older) women, uncircumcised males, people w catheters

Question 21

Kidney failure results in ___

Answer 21

uremia, crystals left behind in pts w kidney failure.

Question 22

Should you take BP on patients with AV fistulas?

Answer 22

Not on the arm with the fistula, as it may burst. However, this rupture can be stopped with pressure

Question 23

How should assessment of a pt with abdominal pain go?

Answer 23

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?

Question 24

What are the treaments for acute abdominal pain?

Answer 24

O2 (if needed)
any position of comfort
maintain body temp

Question 25

In the presence of ileus, the only way the stomach can empty itself is by:
-spontaneous rupture
-diarrhea
-vomiting
-muscular contraction

Answer 25

-vomiting

Question 26

Which of the following organs assists in the filtration of blood, serves as a blood
reservoir, and produces antibodies?
-liver
-spleen
-pancreas
-kidney

Answer 26

spleen

Question 27

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

Answer 27

-acute cholecystitis