Abdominal and GI System Review

Flashcards for key vocabulary related to the Abdomen and GI System.

Right Hypochondrium

Area in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.

Right Iliac Fossa

Area in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen.

Right Flank

Area on the right side of the abdomen, between the ribs and the hip.

Lumbar Region (Right)

Region on the right side of the abdomen, near the lumbar spine.

Left Hypochondrium

Area in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen

Left Iliac Fossa

Area in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen

Left Flank

Area on the left side of the abdomen, between the ribs and the hip.

Lumbar Region (Left)

Region on the left side of the abdomen, near the lumbar spine.

Epigastrum

The upper central region of the abdomen, above the umbilical region.

Umbilical Region

The central region of the abdomen, around the umbilicus.

Hypogastrium

The lower central region of the abdomen, also known as the suprapubic region.

RUQ

; contains the liver, gallbladder, and parts of the colon and kidney.

RLQ

ontains the appendix, cecum, and parts of the small intestine and reproductive organs.

LUQ

contains the stomach, spleen, and parts of the colon and kidney.

LLQ

parts of the colon, small intestine, and reproductive organs.

Dyschezia

Difficulty or pain during defecation.

Tenesmus

Feeling that the bowels are full even after emptying them.

Hematochezia

Bloody stool caused by a lower GI bleed.

Melena

Black, tarry stool caused by an upper GI bleed.

Steatorrhea

Fat malabsorption, resulting in fatty stools.

Cullen's Sign

Bluish periumbilical discoloration associated with intra-abdominal bleeding.

Turner's Sign

Flank bruising associated with intra-abdominal bleeding.

Normoactive Bowel Sounds

High-pitched, gurgling, irregular bowel sounds, normally 5-30 times per minute.

Hypoactive Bowel Sounds

Quieter or less frequent bowel sounds than normal, <5 sounds/min; indicates decreased motility.

Absent Bowel Sounds

No bowel sounds heard after listening for a full 5 minutes; indicates absence of motility.

Hyperactive Bowel Sounds

Loud, rushing, tinkling bowel sounds, >30 times/minute; indicates increased motility.

GERD

Stomach contents move up into the esophagus; causes frequent or severe symptoms or injury which can damage the esophagus, pharynx, or respiratory tract.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Ulcer occurring in lower esophagus, stomach, or duodenum caused by a bacterial infection (H.pylori), stress, meds

Bowel Obstruction

Mechanical or paralytic ileus usually in the small intestine with signs of abd pain and distention, N/V, Constipation, lack of flatus, Visible waves of peristalsis

Ascites

Fluid collection in abdominal cavity commonly caused by cirrhosis, heart failure, or cancer. Signs and symptoms include protuberant contour with taut skin and bulging flanks, Jaundice , Dyspnea, and Diminished bowel sounds

Appendicitis

Inflammation that causes dull abdominal pain that progresses to severe RLQ pain

Cholecystitis

Bile duct becomes obstructed by inflammation or gallstones (cholelithiasis). Common S/S include RUQ pain that may radiate to shoulder.

Diverticulitis

(“outpouching often due to chronic constipation). Common S/S include cramps

Peritonitis

Bacteria enters abdominal cavity and causes peritoneal inflammation leading to fever, tachycardia, bloating, pain, rigidity

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Dilation of the abdominal aorta caused by alteration in the integrity vessel wall causing Impending sense of doom and Bruit

Diabetes Mellitus

Inappropriately elevated serum glucose levels leading to Polys: Polyphagia, Polydipsia, Polyuria and poor wound healing

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Dysuria, frequency, urgency, fever, suprapubic pain, malodorous urine, CVA tenderness (if kidneys involved)