Peritonitis Flashcards
What is peritonitis?
Inflammation of the localized or generalize peritoneum
When someone refers to peritonitis, they are usually referring to what?
Secondary peritonitis
What is primary peritonitis?
Inflammation of peritoneal surface w/o another intra-abdominal process
What is primary peritonitis also called?
Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
What is secondary peritonitis?
Inflammation of another intra-abdominal structure or in association with another intra-abdominal disease process
What lines intra-abdominal organ?
Visceral peritoneum
What lines the interior portion of the abdominal wall?
Parietal peritoneum
What are some causes of secondary peritonitis?
Bacterial infection (sepsis)
Trauma, post surgical infection
Appendicitis
Perforation of GI tract
Localized peritonitis may be?
Appendicitis
Diffuse peritonitis may be?
Perforation of GI tract
Aka “acute abdomen” or “surgical abdomen”
What are most common causes of peritonitis?
Perforated appendicitis
Perforated diverticulitis
Pancreatitis
In female patients, always assess what?
Pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy
PUPO: Pregnant until proven otherwise
How will patients with secondary peritonitis present?
Very ill appearing
Unstable vitals
What position will patients with secondary peritonitis prefer to be in?
Fetal position or supine with legs bent
Will not want to move
What will percussion of a patient with secondary peritonitis sound like?
Dullness over liver suggests free air/perforation
