Pathology: Signs + Symptoms Flashcards
anorexia
lack of appetite
ascites
abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen
occurs when fluid passes from the bloodstream and collects in the peritoneal cavity
sign of neoplasm, inflammatory disorders of the abdomen, venous HTN caused by liver disease, heart failure
treatment: diuretics, paracentesis
borborygmi
rumbling or gurgling noises produced by the movement of gas, fluid, or both in the GI tract
hyperactive bowel sounds are seen with gastroenteritis and diarrhea
constipation
difficulty passing stools
slow peristalsis causes hard, dry stools
treatment: laxatives and cathartics
diarrhea
frequent passage of loose, watery stools
abrupt onset after eating suggests acute infection or toxin in GI tract
may cause dehydration if untreated
treatment: antidiarrheals
dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
lump in the throat sensation because of physical obstruction
may be caused by a motor disorder
excrutation
gas expelled from the stomach through the mouth; burping
flatus
dad expelled through the anus; farting
hematochezia
passage of fresh, bright red blood from the rectum
usually from hemorrhoids, colitis, ulcers, polyps, cancer
jaundice (icterus)
yellow-orange color of the skin and whites of eyes caused by high bilirubin levels (hyperbilirubinemia)
from excessive RBC destruction, liver dysfunction/disease, obstruction of bile flow
melena
black, tarry stools; feces containing digested blood
from upper GI bleeding
positive stool guaiac testing indicates blood in stool
nausea
unpleasant sensation in the stomach with a tendency to vomit
causes
- motion sickness
- early pregnancy
- viral gastroenteritis
- perforation of an abdominal organ
- obstruction of bile duct/stomach/intestine
- exposure to poison
steatorrhea
fatty stools
frothy, foul-smelling, floats in toilet
from improper digestion of fats
causes
- pancreatitis
- some intestinal diseases
