CH. 19 Gastrointestinal & Urologic Emergencies

Question 1

As an EMT, you NEED to determine the exact cause of a patient’s abdominal pain. True or False?

Answer 1

FALSE! You do not need to determine the exact cause
-recognize a problem, treat the symptoms if need and transport

Question 2

As an EMT, you should be able to recognize a life-threatening problem and act. True or False?

Answer 2

TRUE

Question 3

What structures does the abdominal cavity contain?

Answer 3

• gastrointestinal system
  -genital system
  -urinary system

Question 4

The abdominal cavity is made up of which two types of organs?

Answer 4

• solid organs (bleed)
  -hollow organs (leak)

Question 5

Solid organs include which specific organs?

Answer 5

• liver
• spleen
• pancreas
• kidneys
• orvaries

Question 6

Hollow organs include which specific organs?

Answer 6

• gall bladder
• stomach
• intestines
• bladder
• uterus

Question 7

What is the gastrointestinal system responsible for?

Answer 7

digestion process

Question 8

What are some of the functions of the liver?

Answer 8

• secrete bile to aid in digestion of fats
• filter toxic substances
• create glucose stores

Question 9

What is the responsibility of the urinary system?

Answer 9

control discharge of waste materials filtered from blood by kidneys

Question 10

Where is the bladder located?

Answer 10

behind the pubic symphysis

Question 11

What does the parietal peritonium line?

Answer 11

lines the walls of the abdominal cavity

Question 12

The visceral peritonium covers what?

Answer 12

the organs

Question 13

What is peritonitis?

Answer 13

inflammation of the peritoneum
- can cause ileus

Question 14

What are some symptoms of peritonitis?

Answer 14

• acute abdominal pain
• diffuse/widespread pain

Question 15

What is ileus?

Answer 15

paralysis of the muscular contractions

Question 16

How does the stomach empty during the condition of ileus?

Answer 16

stomach empties by emesis (vomitting)

Question 17

What is Diverticulitis?

Answer 17

inflammation of the small pockets at weak areas in the muscle walls

Question 18

What is cholecystitis?

Answer 18

inflammation of the gallbladder

Question 19

What is an ulcer?

Answer 19

when protective layers of mucus erode , allowing acid to eat into the skin

Question 20

What is pancreatitis and what is it caused by?

Answer 20

• inflammation of the pancreas
• caused by obstructing gallstones, alcohol abuse

Question 21

What are some signs and symptoms of pancreatitis?

Answer 21

• pain in upper L and R quadrants
• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal distention

Question 22

What is appendicitis?

Answer 22

inflammation or infection in the appendix

Question 23

What are some signs and symptoms of appendicitis?

Answer 23

• nausea
• vomiting
• anorexia,
• fever & chills *
• rebound tenderness *
• lower R quadrant pain *
• pain in belly bottom *
• pain with heel drop *

Question 24

What is a gastrointestinal hemorrhage?

Answer 24

bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract

Question 25

What is esophagitis?

Answer 25

inflammation of the lining of the esophagus due to infection or stomach acid

Question 26

What are some signs and symptoms of esophagitis?

Answer 26

- pain swallowing - heartburn - nausea - vomitting - sores in mouth

Question 27

What is esophageal varices?

Answer 27

when capillary network in esophagus leaks due to wearing down of the lining of the throt

Question 28

What are some symptoms of esophageal varices?

Answer 28

- fatigue - weight loss - jaundice - anorexia - edema - abdominal pain

Question 29

Most patients with acute abdomen present with

Answer 29

- tachycardia - tachypnea (rapid & shallow breathing) due to the severe pain - tense and distended abdomen - restlessness - diarrhea

Question 30

What are the symptoms of AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm)?

Answer 30

- tearing abdominal pain radiating to the back - occurs in older patients (mostly hypertensive patients)

Question 31

What are the treatments for AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm)

Answer 31

- high flow O2 - rapid transport - signs of shock = lay patient supine

Question 32

What should you not do when assessing a patient presenting signs and symptoms of AAA?

Answer 32

DO NOT palpate the patient's abdomen = aneurysm may rupture