Module 7 terms Flashcards
A lost or decreased interest and desire for food
anorexia
Excessive accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity
ascites
Rumbling or gurgling noises produced by movement of gas, fluid, or both in the alimentary canal, and audible at a distance; in the plural, it is called borborygmi
borborygmus
Angle formed by the lateral and downward curve of the lowest rib and the vertical column of the spine itself; the space over the kidneys
Costovertebral angle
Tenderness to percussion over the costovertebral angle; a common finding in pyelonephritis and other infections of the kidney and adjacent structures; Acronym: CVAT.
Costovertebral angle tenderness
A separation of the two halves of the rectus abdominis muscles in the midline at the linea alba
diastasis recti
Painful urination
dysuria
Epigastric region, the upper middle region of the abdomen
epigastrium
Belching, the act of drawing up air from the stomach with a characteristic sound through the mouth
eructation
Air or gas in the intestine that is passed through the rectum
flatus
A sign of free fluid in the abdominal cavity; tapping on one side of the abdomen transmits a wave that is felt on the opposite side
fluid wave
Enlargement of the liver
hepatomegaly
The lower central region of the abdomen below the umbilical region and superior to the mons pubis
hypogastrium
Abdominal splinting, a rigid contraction of the abdominal wall muscles usually occurring as an involuntary reaction to the pain of a visceral disease or disorder or postoperative discomfort
guarding
A yellowish discoloration of the skin and sclera, often related to liver problems such as hepatitis
jaundice
The alternating contraction and relaxation of the intestinal musculature producing movement of air and feces
peristalsis
Friction between roughened peritoneal surfaces causing rough grating sounds heard over the liver and spleen; heard as a creaking or grating noise during respiration
peritoneal friction rub
Inflammation of the membrane which lines the inside of the abdomen and all of the internal organs
peritonitis
Pertaining to the area around the umbilicus
periumbilical
Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest that can extend to the neck, throat, and face
pyrosis
A sign of inflammation of the peritoneum in which increased pain is elicited by the sudden release of the fingertips pressing on the abdomen
Rebound tenderness
When the location of the pain is different than the actual location of the pathology causing the pain
referred pain
An abnormal enlargement of the spleen, as is associated with portal hypertension, hemolytic anemia, Niemann-Pick disease, or malaria
splenomegaly
Lines, white to pink or gray, that occur on the abdomen, buttocks, breasts, and thighs; common in pregnancy; AKA Stretch marks
striae
