Week 8 Flashcards
aneurysm
A localized enlargement of an artery caused by a weakness in the arterial wall, which can be found in the abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysm). It may be detected during an abdominal assessment through palpation or a bruit (abnormal sound heard over a blood vessel).
appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix, often presenting with right lower quadrant pain, fever, and rebound tenderness. A clinical sign includes a positive iliopsoas or obturator muscle test.
bruit
A swooshing sound heard over an artery during auscultation, indicating turbulent blood flow, which may be associated with an aneurysm or other vascular issues in the abdomen.
contour
The shape or profile of the abdomen. It can be flat, rounded, scaphoid (sunken), or distended, which can give clues about underlying health issues.
costovertebral angle
The area on the back between the 12th rib and the vertebrae. Tenderness here may indicate kidney issues, such as pyelonephritis.
distention
Swelling or bloating of the abdomen, often due to gas, fluid, or an obstruction in the gastrointestinal or urinary tract.
gastrostomy tube
A tube inserted through the abdominal wall directly into the stomach, used for feeding in patients who cannot swallow.
iliopsoas
the primary hip flexor and assists in external rotation of the hip joint
nasogastric tube
A tube inserted through the nose into the stomach for feeding or to remove gastric contents in cases of obstruction, distention, or other gastrointestinal issues.
obturator muscle test
A test used to assess for appendicitis. Pain during internal rotation of the right hip suggests irritation of the obturator muscle due to an inflamed appendix.
ostomy
A surgically created opening in the abdomen (such as a colostomy or ileostomy) through which waste is diverted from the intestines to an external bag.
rebound tenderness
A sign of peritoneal irritation, often associated with appendicitis or peritonitis. It is tested by pressing on the abdomen and quickly releasing; pain upon release is positive for rebound tenderness.
scaphoid
A concave or sunken appearance of the abdomen, often seen in individuals with malnutrition or dehydration.
tympany
A high-pitched, drum-like sound heard during percussion of the abdomen, indicating the presence of gas in the stomach or intestines.
umbilicus
The belly button, a central landmark in abdominal assessment, which may be displaced, herniated, or show signs of infection in certain conditions.
