Chapter 23: Abdominal, Hematologic, Gynecologic, Genitourinary, and Renal Emergencies Flashcards
(92 cards)
acute abdomen
acute abdominal pain, common condition that can be severe, can arise from cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hematologic, genital, urinary, reproductive, or other body systems
abdominal cavity
located below the diaphragm, extends to the top of the pelvis
peritoneum
lines the abdominal cavity
visceral peritoneum
the innermost layer, in contact with abdominal organs
parietal peritoneum
the outermost layer
intraperitoneal organs
organs enclosed by the visceral peritoneum, such as the stomach, spleen, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, part of the large intestine
retroperitoneal space
behind the peritoneal space, some organs are here (the kidneys, ureters, pancreas, abdominal aorta)
umbilicus
naval
left upper quadrant (LUQ)
contains most of the stomach, spleen, pancreas, part of the large intestine, the left kidney is behind the abdominal lining
right upper quadrant (RUQ)
contains most of liver, gall bladder, part of large intestine, right kidney is behind abdominal lining
right lower quadrant (RLQ)
contains appendix, part of large intestine, female reproductive organs
left lower quadrant (LLQ)
contains parts of the large intestine and the female reproductive organs
9 regions of abdominal cavity
from patients right to left and top to down:
- right hypochondriac, epigastric, left hypochondriac
- right lumbar, umbilical, left lumbar
- right iliac, hypogastric, left iliac
hollow organs
contain some type of substance that might leak into the abdominal cavity if perforated or injured, can lead to bacterial/chemical peritonitis, do not have the same amount of blood supply as solid organs (bleed less)
solid organs
vascular (have many vessels and lots of blood), bleeds when ruptured
vascular structures
the large blood vessels found in the abdominal cavity, parts of the descending aorta and the inferior vena cava, rupture or injury can cause major bleeding
abdominal pain mechanisms
1) mechanical forces (stretching)
2) inflammation
3) ischemia
rapid distention of an organ causes…
…rapid onset of abdominal pain
visceral pain
occurs when an abdominal organ is involved, usually less severe, hard to localize, dull or aching or oppressive, also associated with nausea and vomiting…can still be a serious condition
parietal pain, aka somatic pain
associated with irritation with parietal lining, more severe and localized, usually on one side or the other, intense, sharp, constant, patient lies with knees flexed up towards chest, breaths shallowly
referred pain
visceral pain that is not felt in the organ itself but is felt elsewhere in the body, poorly localized but constant in the referred body part
peritonitis
inflammation and irritation to the peritoneum, occurs when blood, pus, bacteria, or chemical substances leak into the peritoneal cavity, symptoms can vary depending on the substance
common signs and symptoms of peritonitis
- abdominal pain or tenderness
- nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- fever and chills
- lack of appetite
- positive Markle test
the Markle test
assesses for rebound tenderness in the abdomen (a sign of peritonitis), have patient stand on feet with knees straight, raise onto toes, and suddenly drop down onto heels