Session 8 - Abdominal Catastrophe Flashcards
What is an abdominal catastrophe?
An event within the abdominal cavity which poses an imminent threat to life.
what dermatome is the umbilicus?
T10
Which dermatome is the suprapubic region?
T12
What is referred pain?
Pain perceived at a site distant to the origin of the pain
Where can you get referred gall bladder pain?
Epigastric area
Shoulder tip
How often do you get pain in small bowel colic?
Every 90 seconds
How often do you get pain in large bowel colic?
Every 4-5 minutes
How will a patient with peritonitis present?
Severe pain all over abdomen - very tender
Very rigid
Any movement painful
Early peritonitis = rebound tenderness
What is a sign in the blood that a patient has a bowel obstruction?
Raised heamatocrit and urea due to dehydration
What is the correct word for bleeding fresh blood from the rectum?
Haematochezia
which artery can a posterior duodenal artery perforate?
Gastroduodenal artery
What blood test may show whether there has been an upper GI bleed?
why?
Serum urea
Because the blood is like a ‘meal’ high in protein. which will be digested by the liver - producing urea in the blood
How can an AAA present?
Sudden death
Sudden collapse
Sudden back ./ abdominal pain
What is the commonest cause of acute gut ischaemia?
Embolism (af)
What is acute cholangitis?
Infection in the bile ducts
