Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Assessment Flashcards

Flashcards covering abdominal anatomy, landmarks, quadrants, subjective data, physical assessment techniques, and lifespan considerations based on the lecture material.

Xiphoid Process

The lowermost part of the sternum used as a landmark for the superior margin of the abdominal area.

McBurney's point

A landmark located in the Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ), typically associated with the location of the appendix.

Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)

Area containing the Right lobe of liver, gall bladder, duodenum, head of pancreas, Right adrenal gland, upper Right kidney, and part of the ascending and transverse colon.

Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)

Area containing the Left lobe of liver, stomach, spleen, body of pancreas, Left adrenal gland, upper Left kidney, and part of the descending and transverse colon.

Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)

Area containing the cecum, appendix, Right ovary and salpynx (or Right spermatic cord), Right ureter, lower Right kidney, and part of the ascending colon.

Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)

Area containing the part of the descending and sigmoid colon, Left ovary and salpinx (or Left spermatic cord), Left ureter, lower Left kidney, and bladder (if distended).

Acute Abdomen

A condition characterized by severe pain with sudden onset, where the abdomen is rigid and extremely tender.

Hematemesis

The vomiting of blood, which is a subjective finding to be assessed using OLD CARTS.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, requiring assessment of duration and associated symptoms.

Abdominal Assessment Sequence

The specific order of physical examination: 1. Inspection, 2. Auscultation, 3. Palpation, and 4. Percussion (Advanced practice).

Light Palpation

The technique of using the pads of the fingers to depress the abdomen $1-2\,cm$ ($1/2-1\,in.$) using a circular motion in all four quadrants.

Wilm's tumor

A specific condition, along with organ transplants, where a nurse must NOT palpate the abdomen.

Expected Bowel Sounds

Sounds heard during auscultation every $5-15$ seconds in each quadrant.

Linea negra

A common skin finding on the abdomen during pregnancy.

Umbilical eversion

The outward protrusion of the umbilicus, often noted as a frequent complaint/finding during pregnancy.

Older Adult GI Changes

Includes decreased stomach acid and saliva, decreased motility/peristalsis, and decreased liver size and function.

KUB

A diagnostic imaging test of the Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder.

EGD

A diagnostic procedure involving esophagogastroduodenoscopy or endoscopy.