Peritonitis Flashcards

1
Q

Give 3 symptoms of peritonitis.

A
  1. Pain.
  2. Tenderness.
  3. Systemic symptoms e.g. nausea, chills, rigor.
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2
Q

What investigations might you do in someone who you suspect could have peritonitis?

A
  1. Blood tests: raised WCC, platelets, CRP, amylase. Reduced blood count.
  2. CXR: look for air under the diaphragm.
  3. Abdominal x-ray: look for bowel obstruction.
  4. CT: can show inflammation, ischaemia or cancer.
  5. ECG: epigastric pain could be related to the heart.
  6. B-HCG: a hormone secreted by pregnant ladies.
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3
Q

Give 5 potential complications of peritonitis.

A
  1. Hypovolaemia.
  2. Kidney failure.
  3. Systemic sepsis.
  4. Paralytic ileus.
  5. Pulmonary atelectasis (lung collapse).
  6. Portal pyaemia (pus in the portal vein).
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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.

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