Colic Flashcards
1
Q
What is colic?
A
most common emergencies, any condition causing abnormal pain
2
Q
Two categories of colic:
A
- will resolve with minimal or no treatment
- will not resolve with treatment
3
Q
Causes of colic:
A
- distention of the gut
- ischemia (inadequate blood supply)
- infarction (obstruction of blood supply)
- enteritis
- ulcers
4
Q
Clinical signs of colic:
A
- standing & lying down repeatedly
- rolling
- looking at the abdomen or kicking at the abdomen
- pawing
- grunting
- sweating
- distention of abdomen
- straining to urinate or defecate
- decreased gut sounds
- rapid breathing &/or flared nostrils
- lack of appetite
5
Q
Assessment for colic:
A
- pain
- attitude
- TPR, mm/CRT
- gastrointestinal motility
6
Q
How do you diagnose colic?
A
physical examination & history
7
Q
Treatment for colic:
A
- pain medication
- hand walking
- passing nasogastric tube to ensure fluid hasn’t built-up in stomach
- if minimal fluid, give mineral oil, laxatives (both relieve impaction), or water (rehydration) through the tube
8
Q
Is GI pain responsive?
A
Unresponsive to treatment and is a potentially life-threatening condition.
9
Q
Signs of severe pain with colic:
A
- throws self on ground
- bangs side of head on ground
- sedation: no effect
- history of severe pain
- abrasions (shown)
- dirt, hay, & mud in coat
10
Q
What does nasogastric intubation used for?
A
used to relieve accumulation of gas & fluid & to prevent gastric rupture
