Test 34 - Surgery

Question 1

What is a torus palatinus?

Answer 1

chronic growth on the hard palate in the midline. benign, congenital, usually less than 2 cm but can grow over the patient’s life.

Question 2

Difference between small bowel obstruction and paralytic ileus?

Answer 2

Patients with abdominal pain after traumatic injury or surgery get paralytic ileus. It is probably due to the disruption of the normal neuro and motor control of the SI. Symptoms: failure to pass gas or stool, abdominal distension n/v, distended abdomen with tympany.

SBO: presents similarly but has a physical obstruction that is blocking the passage of stool or gas. bowel below obstruction is not distended. hyperactive “tinkling” sounds are present.

Question 3

What simple things can be done to help prevent post surgical respiratory complications?

Answer 3

Incentive spirometry
Frequent repositioning
Early ambulation
Moving patient to a sitting position - decreases the abdominal pressure on the abdomen allowing for greater expansion of the lungs

Don’t bother with: decreasing the opiods until you have tried all of these things

Question 4

Most common cause of lower GI hemorrhage in the elderly?

Answer 4

Diverticulosis

Question 5

What is normal BUN: Cr ratio? What can the BUN: Cr ratio help you determine?

Answer 5

Normal: 10

Can help asses fluid status. Over 10 suggestion volume depletion. Bolus. Below 10 volume overload - diurese.