GI/Abdomen Flashcards
(21 cards)
medical term for the symptoms of indigestion
dyspepsia
difficulty swallowing related to muscular or nervous problems (not mechanical choking on an object such as food)
dysphagia
a medical term for vomiting
emesis
referring to the area of the abdomen lying upon/over the stomach; the region at the top middle if a “hashtag” were drawn on the abdominal wall
epigastric
tensing of the muscles of the abdominal wall to protect sensitive inflammation of underlying organs upon direct pressure/palpation
guarding
abnormal enlargement of the liver, typically a sign of liver disease discovered on palpation of the abdomen
hepatomegaly
a sensation of pain felt when pressure is quickly removed (instead of applied) from the abdomen
rebound
referring to the area of the abdomen lying upon/over the urinary bladder; the region at the bottom-middle if a “hashtag” were drawn on the abdomen wall
suprapubic
the vomiting of blood from an upper gastrointestinal bleed which may appear frankly red or dark like coffee grounds. This can be found in patients with ulcers, liver failure, and patients on blood thinners.
note: hemoptysis is COUGHING up blood and is associated with tuberculosis, pneumonia, and patients on blood thinners.
hematemesis
the passage of fresh, red blood per anus; indicative of a lower gastrointestinal bleed
hematochezia
marked total body swelling due to fluid buildup, typically caused by failure of the liver, kidneys, or heart.
anasarca
abnormal swelling in the abdominal region due to fluid buildup, typically due to severe liver failure
ascites
the act of examining something by touch
palpation
a pain response to physician’s touch, typically an objective finding during the PE
tenderness
a general term used to describe the bulge or protrusion of an organ through the structure or muscle that usually contains it
hernia
associated anatomic parts, typically referring to the ovaries and fallopian tubes in the ER
adnexa
blockage of the intestines caused by lack of peristalsis (contraction)
ileus
a modern surgical technique in which operations on the abdomen are performed through small incisions; also known as minimally invasive surgery
laparoscopy
an area in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen that is concerning for acute appendicitis when tender on PE
McBurney’s Point
a gastrointestinal PE finding that involves pain in the right upper quadrant when the patient is asked to breathe in while pressure is applied in that area; if positive, this is concerning for gallbladder infection (cholecystitis)
Murphy’s Sign
common term for rebound and guarding combined; typically addressed when inflammation exists int he abdominal cavity
peritoneal signs
