Acute Abdominal Pain and Gallbladder Disorders

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to acute abdominal pain and gallbladder disorders.

Acute abdominal pain

Sudden onset of pain arising from various causes including inflammation, obstruction, or bleeding.

Inflammation

A localized physical condition characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain, often in response to injury or infection.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to obstruction by gallstones.

Peritonitis

Inflammation of the peritoneum, often arising from infection or perforation of an abdominal organ.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix, often requiring surgical removal.

Urinalysis

A laboratory test that examines the content of urine for medical diagnosis.

Hypovolemia

A state of decreased blood volume, which can lead to cardiovascular instability.

NG tube (Nasogastric tube)

A tube inserted into the stomach through the nose, often used for gastric decompression.

Biliary colic

Severe pain caused by the obstruction of bile flow, often due to gallstones.

Murphy's sign

A clinical test in which pain is elicited by palpating the gallbladder during inhalation, indicating gallbladder inflammation.

Fat soluble vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, and K that require fat for absorption and can become deficient in certain gastrointestinal disorders.

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

A blood test that evaluates overall health and detects a variety of disorders, including anemia and infection.

Abdominal distention

An increase in the volume of the abdomen; often a symptom of gastrointestinal disorders.

Fecalith

A hardened mass of stool that can obstruct the appendiceal lumen, leading to appendicitis.

Parenteral nutrition

Nutrition provided intravenously, used when patients cannot eat or absorb food through their gastrointestinal tract.

Cholelithiasis

The formation of gallstones in the gallbladder.

Colectomy

Surgical removal of all or part of the colon.

Rectal examination

A physical examination method for assessing rectal conditions as well as the pelvic organs.

Incisional drainage

Fluid that collects in a surgical site, which may need to be monitored or drained.

Corticosteroids

A class of drugs used to reduce inflammation.

Hypotension

Abnormally low blood pressure.

Jaundice

A yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes due to liver dysfunction or hemolysis.

Gallbladder

A small organ that stores bile produced by the liver.

Hydration status

The balance of fluid in the body, which can affect overall health.

Obstructive jaundice

Jaundice caused by an obstruction in the bile duct.

Steatorrhea

Fatty stools that may indicate malabsorption.

Diaphoresis

Excessive sweating, often associated with pain or anxiety.

Surgical exploration

A procedure where a surgeon investigates the abdominal cavity to diagnose or treat conditions.

Electrolytes

Mineral ions in the body necessary for many physiological processes.

Antiemetics

Medications used to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting.

Dietary management

Adjusting food intake and composition to treat or manage medical conditions.

Gallbladder disease

Any disease affecting the gallbladder or biliary system, usually involving gallstones or inflammation.

Gallstone complications

Potential adverse outcomes of gallstones, including pancreatitis and cholangitis.

Nutritional therapy

Treatment involving dietary changes to improve health outcomes.

Diagnostic studies

Tests performed to determine the presence of a disease.

Vascular access

Procedures used to gain access to the bloodstream for intravenous therapy.

Acute ischemic bowel

A sudden reduction in blood flow to the intestine, causing tissue damage.

Risks associated with obesity

Includes increased likelihood of gallbladder disease and other metabolic disorders.

Bile acids

Compounds that aid in the digestion and absorption of fats.

Anticholinergics

Medications that block the action of acetylcholine, often used to reduce gastrointestinal motility.

Cholangitis

Infection of the bile duct system, often associated with obstruction.

Paralytic ileus

A condition where the intestines do not work properly, leading to a blockage of the bowel.

Luminal obstruction

Blockage inside a tubular structure, like the intestine.

Symptomatic treatment

A type of treatment aimed at relieving symptoms rather than addressing the underlying cause.

Laparoscopic surgery

Minimally invasive surgery performed through small incisions.

Post-operative care

Medical care provided to patients after surgery.

Pain management

Techniques and treatments used to alleviate pain.

Analgesics

Medications intended to relieve pain.

Preoperative preparation

Measures taken to prepare a patient for surgery.

Perforation

A hole that develops through the wall of an organ.

Recovery period

The time following a surgical procedure during which the body heals.

Vigilant monitoring

Careful observation of a patient's condition for changes.

Surgical intervention

Any surgical procedure carried out to treat a medical condition.

Complications of appendicitis

Potential adverse outcomes from appendicitis such as rupture or abscess.

Interprofessional care

A collaborative approach to healthcare involving multiple professional disciplines.

Clinical manifestations

Observable or measurable signs and symptoms indicating a condition.

Fecal matter

Waste material that is expelled from the body.

Diagnostic imaging

Techniques such as X-ray, CT, or MRI used to visualize internal structures.