Emergency Care Chapter 26: Abdominal Emergencies

Vocabulary flashcards covering abdominal anatomy, types of pain, specific medical conditions, and emergency care procedures from Chapter 26.

Abdomen

The region of the body between the diaphragm and the pelvis, containing organs from several different body systems.

Peritoneum

A thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity (parietal peritoneum) and covering each organ (visceral peritoneum).

Retroperitoneal space

The area behind the peritoneum containing the kidneys, pancreas, and part of the aorta.

Visceral pain

A dull, achy, or diffuse sensation originating from abdominal organs; intermittent or crampy pain often results from hollow organs, while persistent pain often originates from solid organs.

Parietal pain

A localized, sharp, and constant pain originating from the many nerve endings of the parietal peritoneum.

Tearing pain

A sensation originating in the aorta (often due to an aneurysm) or the stomach (due to ulcers) where layers of the structure are separated.

Referred pain

Pain perceived in skin or muscles at a location distant from the actual source, caused by overlapping nerve pathways in the spinal cord.

Appendicitis

An infection of the appendix characterized by nausea, vomiting, and pain that initially begins near the umbilicus before moving to the RLQ.

Peritonitis

Irritation of the peritoneum caused by foreign material like blood or stomach acid, leading to abdominal pain and involuntary muscle rigidity.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones, characterized by severe RUQ or epigastric pain that may refer to the shoulder.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, common in patients with chronic alcohol abuse, causing epigastric pain that may refer to the back or shoulder.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding

Bleeding within the tract from the esophagus to the rectum, which may manifest as dark, tarry stools, frank blood from the rectum, or "coffee-ground" appearing vomit.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

A ballooning or weakening of the inner wall of the aorta that cause a dissection of layers, potentially leading to tearing pain that radiates to the back.

Hernia

A hole in the abdominal muscle wall allowing tissue or organs to protrude, potentially caused by heavy lifting and leading to strangulation or obstruction.

Renal Colic

Severe flank or back pain that frequently radiates to the groin, caused by kidney stones traveling down the ureter.

Ectopic pregnancy

A life-threatening condition where a fertilized embryo implants outside the uterus, posing a risk of internal bleeding upon rupture.

Left lateral recumbent (LLR)

The position of comfort used for airway protection in unresponsive patients or those with difficulty maintaining an airway.

Oxygen Saturation Target

The level of supplemental oxygen applied to a hypoxic abdominal pain patient should aim to maintain an oxygen saturation of $94\%$.