Abdominal Conditions 2.0

What is an acute abdomen

Rapid onset of severe abdominal Sx suggesting life threatening intra-abdominal pathology.

List 4 common gastrointestinal causes of an acute abdomen

Appendicitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, diverticulitis

What is diverticulitis

Inflammation or infection of small pouches in wall of the large intestine

What vascular conditions can cause an acute abdomen

Mesenteric ischaemia, ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm

What gynaecological emergency can cause an acute abdomen

Ovarian torsion

What urological condition can cause an acute abdomen

Pyelonephritis

What condition is Murphys sign used to assess

Acute cholecystitis

What condition is McBurney’s point tenderness associated with

Acute appendicitis

What spinal segment is classically associated with appendiceal visceral pain

T10, felt around umbilicus w/ early appendicits

What is Rovsing’s sign and what does it test for

Apply pressure to the left lower quadrant; a positive sign is pain in the right lower quadrant. Tests for appendicitis

How is Murphy’s sign tested?

Palpate beneath the right costal margin while the patient inspires. A positive sign is sudden pain causing them to stop inspiration.

What spinal segments innervate gallbladder

T7–T9.

What spinal segments innervate liver

T6-T9

What spinal segments innervate stomach

T6-T9