The Abdomen Flashcards
What is the lines alba
Jointing point of the abdominal muscles
-midline seam
What are solid viscera
Organs that maintain a characteristic shape
What are examples of solid viscera
Liver, pancreas, spleen, adrenal glands, kidneys, ovaries and uterus
What are the hollow viscera
Organs in which shape depends on the contents within
Examples of hollow viscera
Stomach, gallbladder, small intestine, colon
What is the width of the spleen along the ribs?
Extends 7cm from the ninth to eleventh rib
Where are the kidneys located
The left- at eleventh and twelfth ribs
The right- 1 to 2cm lower than the left kidney, and sometimes palpable
What is within the right upper quadrant
-liver
-gallbladder
-head of pancreas
-right kidney and adrenal gland
-parts of ascending and transverse colon
What is within the left upper quadrant
-stomach
-spleen
-left lobe of liver
-splenic flexure of colon
-parts of transverse and descending colon
What is within right lower quadrant
-cecum
-appendix
-right ovary and fallopian tube
-right ureter
-right spermatic cord
What is within left lower quadrant
-part of descending colon
-sigmoid colon
-left ovary and
In newborns where does the umbilical cord show
Prominently on the abdomen
Infants: umbilical cord contains
Two arteries and one vein
Infants: liver
Takes up proportionately more space in the abdomen at birth than later in life
Infants: can palpate lower edge of the liver
0.5 to 2.5cm below right costal margin
Infants: urinary bladder
Located higher in the abdomen
-between symphysis and umbilicals
Infants: abdominal wall
Less muscular, organs are easier to palpate
Children: gastroenteritis
<1 increased risk for dehydration due to small body weights, and higher turnover of water/electrolytes
Children: clinical dehydration signs
Increased risk for progression to shock
-altered responsiveness (irritability, lethargy)
-sunken eyes
-tachycardia
-tachypnea
-reduced skin turbot
Pregnant women: morning sickness
Nausea and vomiting, early sing of pregnancy
-first and second missed periods
-related to change in hormones
Pregnant women: hormones causing morning sickness
-human gonadroptin
Pregnant women: acid ingestion
Heartburn caused by esophageal reflux
Pregnant women: constipation
elevated levels of progesterone relax all smooth muscle leading to decrease in gastrointestinal motility and emptying
-more water reabsorbed from colon
Pregnant women: hemorrhoids
Constipation and increased venous pressure in lower pelvis, may lead to hemorrhoids
Pregnant women: bowel sounds
Enlarging uterus displaces intestines upwards and posteriorly
-bowel sounds diminished
Pregnant women: appendicitis
Pain experienced in RLQ
Pregnant women: skin
Skin changes on abdomen, striae and linea nigra
Older adults: appearance
-fat accumulation in suprapubic area (women due to estrogen decreased)
-fat deposits in abdominal area lifestyle related
Older adults: salivation
Decreases, causing dryness of the mouth and decrease in sense of taste
Older adults: esophageal emptying
Delayed, feeding in supine position increases risk for aspiration
Older adults: gastric acid secretion
Decreases, absorption of PO medication can be impaired or delayed
-pernicious anemia, iron deficiency, or malabsorption of calcium
Older adults: dehydration
Ability to conserve water is reduced, including temperature and thirst adaptation
Older adults: liver
Size decreased with age
-metabolism decreases
-predictability of adverse/beneficial effects of drugs are less
Older adults: renal function
Decreases, inc risk for AE or toxic med effects
Older adults: gallstones
Increase
Older adults: constipation
Decreased mobility, pathological conditions (hypothyroidism, AE med effects, poor dietary habits), lifestyle problems, poly pharmacy
Medications associated with constipation include
Opioids, NSAIDs, antacids with aluminum or calcium, anticholinergics, diuretics, CCBs, Ca, Fe
Pyrosis
Burning sensation in esophagus and stomach caused by reflux of gastric acid
-heartburn
Excessive bleaching
May occur with food intolerance, or hiatal hernia
Different types of abdominal pain
Visceral - internal organ, dull/generalized/poorly localized
Pariepetal - inflammation, sharp/localized/aggravated by movement
Referred - disorder in another site
Hematesis
Blood in vomit
-occurs with stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal varies
Black and tarry stools
Occult blood from GI bleed
Black but not tarry - iron medications
Grey stools
Hepatitis
Red blood in stools
GI bleeding, localized bleeding around the anus
