Peritonitis Flashcards
1
Q
Give 3 symptoms of peritonitis.
A
- Pain.
- Tenderness.
- Systemic symptoms e.g. nausea, chills, rigor.
2
Q
What investigations might you do in someone who you suspect could have peritonitis?
A
- Blood tests: raised WCC, platelets, CRP, amylase. Reduced blood count.
- CXR: look for air under the diaphragm.
- Abdominal x-ray: look for bowel obstruction.
- CT: can show inflammation, ischaemia or cancer.
- ECG: epigastric pain could be related to the heart.
- B-HCG: a hormone secreted by pregnant ladies.
3
Q
Give 5 potential complications of peritonitis.
A
- Hypovolaemia.
- Kidney failure.
- Systemic sepsis.
- Paralytic ileus.
- Pulmonary atelectasis (lung collapse).
- Portal pyaemia (pus in the portal vein).
4
Q
Explain how paralytic ileus can lead to respiratory problems.
A
Peristaltic waves stop -> dilation of bowel -> distended abdomen therefore increased pressure -> pushes on diaphragm -> respiration affected.