abdomen

abdomen

largest cavity of that contains:

* digestive system
* urinary system
* reproductive system

alimentary canal

hollow tube from mouth to anus

esophagus

10 inches long

stomach size

is dependent on how much you eat

small intestine

18-21 feet

large intestine

5-5.5 feet

liver

largest gland of the body

functions:

* produces bile
* produces antibodies
* produces substances for coagulation
* aids in protein, fat, and carb metabolism
* detoxify harmful substances
* stores vitamins

gallbladder

* stores bile
* releases bile for fat emulsification

pancreas

has endocrine exocrine functions

endocrine functions of the pancreas

secretes insulin for carb and sugar metabolism

exocrine functions of the pancreas

secretes pancreatic juice to assist with digestion of protein, fat, and carbs

spleen

largest lymphoid organ

* graveyard of RBCs
* site for lymphocyte proliferation and immune surveillance
* filters blood, destroys burnt out RBCs and returns burnout products to the liver

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abdominal landmarks

* xiphoid process
* umbilicus
* costal margin
* illiac crest
* pubic bone

strict sequence of abdominal assessment

1. inspection
2. auscultation
3. percussion
4. palpation

Triple A

Aortic abdominal aneurysm

Aortic abdominal aneurysm

potential finding of the abdomen that requires immediate intervention.

* strong abdominal pulsation

hepatitis

inflammation of the liver caused by viruses, bacteria, chemicals, or drugs

Hepatitis A

* Fecal and oral route
* most common in children

Hepatitis E

* fecal and oral route
* most common in people who travel to under developed countries
* due to dirty water supply

Hepatitis C

* transmitted through blood, blood products or parenterally
* most common type in people with tattoos

Hepatitis B and D

sexually transmitted through blood, blood products, or parentally

crohns disease

* chronic inflammation of the intestines
* can involve any part of the lower intestines
* s/s
* abdominal pain
* diarrhea
* remission
* no medical or surgical interventions needed

colitis

* inflammation of the colon
* s/s
* abdominal pain
* diarrhea
* blood in the stool
* may require long term interventions

spleenomegally

* due to infection of the spleen
* caused by
* mononucleosis virus, kissing disease
* epstein-barr virus, herpes virus 4

acute gastroenteritis (AGE)

* s/s
* diarrhea with or without nausea and vomiting
* with or without fever
* hyperactive bowel
* Causes
* salmonella
* shigella
* watch for dehydration

can be fatal in children

dehydration

indications of dehydration in children

* ALOC
* weight loss
* low urine output

widened aorta

indication of aneurysm

normal aorta

3cm