Acute Abdominal Pain and Special Populations

These flashcards cover significant concepts related to acute abdominal pain and special considerations for different populations.

What are common causes of acute abdominal pain in women?

Gynecologic problems, including issues with the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus.

What rare but serious condition can develop in the aorta of older individuals?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

What are key symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Radiation of severe pain to the back, tearing sensation of pain, and signs of acute peritoneal irritation.

What is a hernia?

A protrusion of an organ or tissue through a hole or opening into a body cavity.

What is a reducible hernia?

A hernia that can be gently pushed back into the body cavity.

What serious condition can occur if a hernia is incarcerated?

Strangulation, which compromises blood supply and requires immediate surgery.

Why are signs of acute abdomen often overlooked in geriatric patients?

They may not exhibit typical signs like rigidity or report only mild discomfort due to altered pain sensation.

What should be assessed in geriatric patients presenting with abdominal pain?

Medical history, bowel habits, recent illness, fluid intake, and possible signs of dehydration.

Why is determining abdominal pain causes more complicated in children?

Children may have difficulty articulating their pain, making it hard to accurately assess the situation.

What should be suspected if a child presents with abdominal pain and vomiting?

Possible infection, ingestion of harmful substances, or other serious conditions.