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GI System > The Acute Abdomen > Flashcards

The Acute Abdomen Flashcards

1
Q

What is the acute abdomen?

A

A combination of signs and symptoms, including abdominal pain, which results in a patient being referred for an urgent general surgical opinion

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2
Q

What should you consider when a patient appears with an acute abdomen?

A

Peritonitis
Intestinal obstruction
Abdominal pain

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3
Q

How type of membrane does the peritoneum have?

A

Semi-permeable

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4
Q

What are the infection route for peritonitis?

A

Perforation of GI/biliary tract
Female genital tract
Abdominal wall penetration
Haematogenous spread

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5
Q

How might psychiatric patients get obstruction?

A

Hair chewing

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6
Q

What are the features of intestinal obstruction?

A 
Pain
Vomiting
Distension
Constipation
Borborygmi sounds
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7
Q

What three types of pain can arise from abdominal pain?

A

Generalised - Visceral
Localised - Parietal
Referred

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8
Q

What type of muscle are visceral pain receptors found in?

A

Smooth muscle

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9
Q

In parietal and referred pain what nerves are affarent signals sent along?

A

Segmental nerves

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10
Q

Where might pain be felt if the diaphragm is sending signals?

A

The shoulder as C3, 4 & 5 keep the diaphragm alive but the nerve connects near the shoulder

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11
Q

What is visceral pain associated with?

A

Systemic upset

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12
Q

What is parietal pain associated with?

A

Localised pain - May have injured themselves

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13
Q

What is the pain like for peritonitis?

A

The pain will come in waves but overall it will get worse over time

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14
Q

What can occur as a result of peritonitis and obstruction?

A

Dehydration

Bacteraemia/Sepsis

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15
Q

What steps should be taken when managing a patient who is classed as having an acute abdomen?

A 
Assess
Resuscitate
Investigate
Observe
Treat
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16
Q

In term of treating, what does resuscitation mean?

A

Stabilising the patient from a critical condition

17
Q

What does resuscitation involve?

A 
Restoring circulation fluid colume
Ensure tissue perfusion
Enhance tissue oxygenation - SATS
Treat sepsis
Decompress gut
Ensure adequate pain relief
18
Q

What investigations should be done?

A

Urine
FBC, U+E’s & LFTs
Radiology
Laparoscopy vs Laparotomy

19
Q

When is active obeservation useful?

A

When risk of diagnosis is uncertain and risk of alternative intervention is greater

20
Q

What is the treatment for an acute abdomen case?

A

Definitive surgery

Be tough on sepsis and its causes

GI System (38 decks)

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