Pediatric Abd Flashcards
Abd pain is one of the most common reasons for a visit to the ED, are most causes benign or malignant?
Benign
What are some reassuring signs/sx of abd pain?
Frequent watery diarrhea
Normal appetite
Fever onset before pain
The “JUMP TEST”
Is fever an early or a late finding in appendicitis?
Late
Beware of vomiting (with/without) diarrhea, why?
without; could be head trauma, UTI, pregnancy, or SBO
If your patient is an adolescent female c/o abd pain, what should you always order?
urine pregnancy test
Where should you always examine in male patients with abd pain? Why?
the groin
Could be referred pain from epididymitis or testicular pain or penile discharge
What are some potential causes of referred abd pain? (hint: think chest or other infxn)
lower lobe PNA (can refer pain or mimic appendicitis) or GAS infxn (generalized achy abd pain)
If a pt has _______ they will usually present c/o vomiting with diarrhea
stomach virus
T/F Bilious emesis in a neonate is a surgical emergency until proven otherwise
True
If an infant pt presents with blood in the stool and is ill appearing, what condition may they be presenting with?
intussusception
Pain before vomiting is classic for what abd pain complaint/condition?
appendicitis
If a pt presents with focal involuntary guarding, what is this considered?
an abd emergency
Is intussusception an abd emergency?
yes
If a pt has a SBO or volvulus, they may present c/o ____ and ____ _____
vomiting and abd distension
If a pt presents with bilious vomiting, what color is it? What condition might this complaint indicate?
green; obstruction
The following abd emergencies are common in what age group? Malrotation w/ volvulus Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Intestinal atresias/stenosis Hirschsprung disease (no stooling)
Neonates
If a pt presents with pyloric stenosis what type of vomiting will they have? What color? What age range is typical?
Projectile, non-bilious vomiting, 1-2 months old
If a pt presents with intussusception, how might their abd be described? What may they be doing with their legs? What is the typical age range?
Colicky abd pain, draw up legs, 6-10 months old
In adolescent females c/o abd pain, what abd emergencies are we concerned about?
Ectopic pregnancy Ovarian cyst/torsion Appendicitis STD/PID Tubo ovarian abscess
In preschool age range patients c/o abd pain, what abd emergencies should be considered as causes?
Appendicitis Intussusception Testicular/ovarian torsion Incarcerated hernia Non Accidental Trauma (NAT) w/blunt abdominal trauma
What medical condition is described as an “abnormal rotation of mesentery during embryonic development” where the cecum is in the mid-abdomen and is fixated to the right lateral wall by bands of peritoneum? What can this condition result in?
Intestinal Malrotation
Midgut suspended on narrow pedicle vs wide mesentery
Intestines can twist around the narrow pedicle resulting in volvulus
Can a pt with malrotation and volvulus have a normal PE?
Yes
What may be seen on XR of a pt with malrotation and volvulus?
Lack of distal bowel gas, without even distribution of gas throughout the belly
What is the diagnostic study of choice for a pt suspected to have malrotation and volvulus? What will be seen upon inspection of imaging result?
Upper GI series is study of choice
Trace contrast passes in corkscrew configuration and abnormal position of duodenum will be seen
What is the suggested management for a patient with malrotation and volvulus?
IV fluid resuscitation NG tube to intermittent suction Call surgeon Upper GI series Laparotomy
A patient in opioid withdrawal may present with constricted pupils. Why may a pt with intussusception also present with constricted pupils?
Pt is in so much pain, causing endogenous release of opioid-withdrawal chemicals in the body
In a pt with intussusception, what signs may be seen on XR to help confirm your dx?
intestinal obstruction with distended loops of bowel, absence of colonic gas
May also see characteristic target sign and or crescent sign