Quiz #3 Abdomen Flashcards
(57 cards)
Solid viscera
liver, pancreas, spleen, adrenal glands, kidneys, ovaries, uterus
Hollow viscera
stomach, gallbladder, small intestine, colon, bladder
Where can you palpate aortic pulsations?
the upper anterior abdominal wall
Abdomen in the infant
Abdominal wall thinner—easier to palpate organs
Liver takes up more abdominal space.
Bladder higher in abdomen.
Abdomen in the Pregnant Woman
Decreased motility of GI tract.
Intestines displaced upward and posterior by enlarging uterus.
Abdomen in the Aging Adult
Esophageal emptying delayed.
Gastric acid secretions decreased.
Incidence gallstones increased.
Drug metabolism by liver decreased.
Evaluation of constipation symptoms
Decrease in stool frequency (less than 3 times per week)
Straining
Hard stool
Feeling of incomplete evacuation and anorectal blockage
Is constipation a consequence of aging?
No
Common causes of Constipation
1) Decreased physical activity
2) Inadequate water intake
3) Low fiber diet
4) Side effects of medications
5) Irritable bowel syndrome
6) Bowel obstruction
7) Hypothyroidism
8) Inadequate toilet facilities
Subjective Data for Abdomen
- Change in appetite
- Dysphagia
- Food intolerances
- Abdominal pain
- N/V
- Bowel Habits
- Past GI history- ulcer/galbladder disease/hepatitis?
- Medications/Alcohol/Tobacco
- Nutritional assessment/24 hour recall
What to ask about N/V
How often; contents; odor; fever, chills, diarrhea, pain. eating and travel last 24 hours
What to ask about BM
frequency color consistency diarrhea/constipation laxative use
What to ask about abdominal hx
- ulcer
- GB disease
- hepatitis/jaundice
- appendicitis
- colitis
- hernia
- Any previous abdominal surgery? Any abdominal xray studies?
Infant Subjective Data for Abdomen
Ask about bottle vs. breast feeding; how tolerating formula; eating table food?; eating habits; bowel habits; water intake.
Overweight child Subjective data for Abdomen
diet pattern; family’s eating pattern; body image
Adolescent subjective data for abdomen
- eats breakfast
- eating pattern/habits
- exercise pattern
- If weight loss—ask how weight was lost
- ask about body image
- ask about menstrual irregularity
Aging adult subjective data for abdomen
Ask about acquiring groceries; who prepares meals?
24 hour diet recall
Any problems with bowels (constipation)?
Any medications which may increase dry mouth?
Inspection of the abdomen
1) Contour: flat; scaphoid; rounded; protuberant
2) Symmetry
3) Umbilicus
4) Skin
5) Pulsation or movement
6) Hair distribution
7) Demeanor
Auscultation of bowel sounds
character, frequency. Normal: high-pitched, gurgling, cascading
Hyperactive: loud, high-pitched, rushing, tinkling
Hypoactive: infrequent normal sounds
Auscultation of abdominal vascular sounds
firmer pressure with stethoscope
listen for bruits over aorta, renal arteries, iliac arteries, femoral arteries (esp. in clients with hypertension)
Note: location, pitch, timing
Percussion of the abdomen: use
to assess relative density of abdominal contents; locate organs; screen for abdominal fluid or masses.
What does marked pulsation of the aorta indicate?
Widened pulse pressure- hypertension, aortic insufficiency, thyrotoxicosis, or aortic aneurysm
What does visible peristalsis with distended abdomen indicate?
Intestinal obstruction
What do abnormal patterns of pubic hair growth indicate?
endocrine/hormonal abnormalities or chronic liver disease
