Chapter 22 Abdominal Emergencies

Question 1

Key Terms

a localized, intense pain that arises from the parietal peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity

Answer 1

Parietal Pain

Question 2

Key Terms

the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (the parietal peritoneum) and covers the organs within it (the visceral peritoneum)

Answer 2

Peritoneum

Question 3

Key Terms

pain that is felt in a location other than where the pain originates

Answer 3

Referred Pain

Question 4

Key Terms

the area posterior to the peritoneum, between the peritoneum and the back

Answer 4

Retroperitoneal Space

Question 5

Key Terms

sharp pain that feels as if body tissues are being torn apart

Answer 5

Tearing Pain

Question 6

Key Terms

a poorly localized, dull, or diffuse pain that arises from the abdominal organs, or viscera

Answer 6

Visceral Pain

Question 7

Short Answer

List five signs and symptom of abdominal distress.

Answer 7

Some of the signs and symptoms seen with abdominal distress are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; pain with palpation and guarding; distention and bloating; discoloration of the abdomen; vomiting blood or coffee grounds—like emesis; black, tarry stools; tearing pain that radiates around the back; and shock.

Question 8

Short Answer

Describe the difference between visceral and parietal pain and describe a condition that may be responsible for each.

Answer 8

Visceral pain is described as dull and persistent and usually originates from the hollow organs; parietal pain is sharp and localized and may change with body position. Visceral pain may be symptomatic of a person who has a kidney stone, and parietal pain is seen with patients having internal abdominal bleeding.

Question 9

Short Answer

Describe the emergency care for a patient experiencing abdominal pain or distress.

Answer 9

Treat the ABCs, administer 15 lpm of oxygen by nonrebreather mask, place the patient in a position of comfort, and transport promptly. As part of the reassessment, you should monitor vital signs during transport.

Question 10

Short Answer

Name the four abdominal quadrants and explain how the quadrants are determined.

Answer 10

The abdominal quadrants are the right upper quadrant (RUQ), left upper quadrant (LUQ), right lower quadrant (RLQ), and left lower quadrant (LLQ). The quadrants are determined by dividing the abdomen into four equal parts with imaginary lines drawn both vertically and horizontally through the umbilicus (the navel). The right and left sides of the quadrants are the patient’s right and left.