Chapter 19 – Gastrointestinal and Urologic Emergencies

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering anatomy, pathophysiology, assessment, and management terms from Chapter 19 on Gastrointestinal and Urologic Emergencies.

Acute Abdomen

A sudden onset of abdominal pain indicating severe, progressive intra-abdominal pathology that usually requires medical or surgical intervention.

Peritoneum

The serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs.

Parietal Peritoneum

Portion of the peritoneum that lines the interior walls of the abdominal cavity; innervated by the same sensory nerves as the skin, allowing well-localized pain.

Visceral Peritoneum

Portion of the peritoneum that covers abdominal organs; innervated by the autonomic nervous system, producing poorly localized pain sensations.

Peritonitis

Inflammation of the peritoneum, often caused by infection or leakage of intestinal contents, leading to severe abdominal pain, ileus, and potential shock.

Ileus

Paralysis of intestinal muscular contractions, causing abdominal distention and cessation of bowel contents movement.

Referred Pain

Pain perceived at a location other than the site of origin due to shared neural pathways between visceral and somatic structures.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding

Bleeding that occurs anywhere along the GI tract; may be upper (hematemesis, melena) or lower (bright red stools).

Hematemesis

Vomiting of blood, typically indicating upper GI bleeding.

Melena

Black, tarry stool resulting from digested blood, usually from upper GI bleeding.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Erosion of the protective mucous lining of the stomach or duodenum, commonly caused by H. pylori infection or chronic NSAID use.

Gallstones

Crystalline concretion in the gallbladder that can obstruct bile outflow and trigger cholecystitis.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, often secondary to gallstone obstruction; presents with right upper quadrant pain that may radiate to the shoulder or back.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, commonly due to alcohol abuse or obstructing gallstones; causes severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back.

Appendicitis

Inflammation or infection of the appendix, characterized by initial diffuse pain that localizes to the right lower quadrant and rebound tenderness.

Gastroenteritis

Infection or irritation of the stomach and intestines producing diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping; risk of dehydration and shock.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation and infection of diverticula in the colon, leading to left lower quadrant pain and risk of perforation.

Hemorrhoids

Swollen, inflamed veins surrounding the rectum causing painless, bright red bleeding during defecation.

Esophagitis

Inflammation of the esophageal lining, often from acid reflux (GERD), causing pain with swallowing and heartburn.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Chronic backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus leading to irritation, heartburn, and possible esophagitis.

Esophageal Varices

Dilated veins in the esophagus resulting from portal hypertension (often liver failure); prone to massive bleeding if ruptured.

Mallory-Weiss Syndrome

Longitudinal tears at the gastro-esophageal junction, typically after forceful vomiting, leading to upper GI bleeding.

Cystitis

Inflammation of the bladder (urinary tract infection) producing suprapubic pain, urgency, frequency, and hematuria.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Bacterial infection of any part of the urinary system, most commonly the bladder; may ascend to kidneys if untreated.

Kidney Stones (Renal Calculi)

Crystallized mineral deposits forming in the kidneys that can obstruct ureters and cause severe flank pain and hematuria.

Uremia

Buildup of waste products (urea) in the blood due to renal failure, leading to altered mental status, fatigue, and systemic effects.

Acute Kidney Failure

Sudden decrease in renal function, commonly from hypoperfusion, toxins, or obstruction; often reversible with prompt care.

Chronic Kidney Failure

Progressive, irreversible loss of kidney function, frequently caused by diabetes or hypertension, necessitating dialysis or transplant.

Dialysis

Artificial process of removing waste and excess fluid from the blood when kidneys fail.

Hemodialysis

Dialysis method in which blood passes through an external machine via an arteriovenous shunt to be filtered and returned to the body.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Dialysis using the peritoneal membrane as a filter; dialysate is infused into the abdominal cavity and later drained, carrying wastes with it.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Dilation of the abdominal aorta that may rupture, causing tearing back pain and life-threatening hemorrhage.

Hernia

Protrusion of an organ through an abnormal opening; may be reducible, incarcerated, or strangulated.

Reducible Hernia

A hernia that can be pushed back into its normal position and typically poses little immediate risk.

Incarcerated Hernia

A hernia trapped outside the abdominal wall that cannot be reduced, risking obstruction and strangulation.

Strangulated Hernia

An incarcerated hernia whose blood supply is compromised, leading to ischemia and requiring emergency surgery.

Guarding

Involuntary tensing of abdominal muscles to protect inflamed organs, commonly noted during palpation in acute abdomen.

SAMPLE History

Mnemonic for systematic patient history: Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last oral intake, Events leading to illness/injury.

Ileum

The distal portion of the small intestine between the jejunum and large intestine responsible for nutrient absorption.

Jejunum

The middle section of the small intestine where most chemical digestion and nutrient absorption occur.

Duodenum

The first section of the small intestine where chyme mixes with bile and pancreatic enzymes.

Chronic NSAID Use

Long-term consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; a major risk factor for peptic ulcers.

Hypoglycemia

Abnormally low blood glucose that may mimic or complicate abdominal complaints; requires prompt recognition.

Hyperglycemia

Elevated blood glucose levels that can present with abdominal pain and dehydration.

Shock (Hypovolemic/Septic)

Life-threatening state of inadequate tissue perfusion that may accompany severe GI bleeding, peritonitis, or sepsis.

Kidney Dialysis Shunt

Surgically created connection (fistula or graft) between an artery and vein for hemodialysis access; avoid BP measurements on this limb.

Periumbilical Pain

Pain centered around the navel, commonly an early sign of appendicitis.