Abdominal Anatomy and Assessment

A set of vocabulary flashcards focusing on key terms related to abdominal anatomy, assessment, and changes associated with different life stages.

Abdomen

A large oval cavity extending from the diaphragm down to the brim of the pelvis.

Viscera

All the internal organs located within the abdominal cavity.

Peritoneum

The membrane lining the abdominal wall and covering most abdominal organs.

Quadrants

The division of the abdominal wall into four sections for convenience in description.

Right Upper Quadrant

Contains the liver, gallbladder, duodenum, head of the pancreas, right kidney, right adrenal gland, hepatic flexure and parts of the ascending and transverse colon.

Left Upper Quadrant

Contains the stomach, spleen, left lobe of the liver, body of the pancreas, left kidney, left adrenal gland, splenic flexure and parts of the transverse and descending colon.

Right Lower Quadrant

Contains the cecum, appendix, right ureter, and right ovary or spermatic cord.

Left Lower Quadrant

Contains part of the descending colon, sigmoid colon, left ureter, and left ovary or spermatic cord.

Midline Structures

Includes the aorta, bladder, and uterus if enlarged in women.

Neonate Urinary Bladder Position

Located higher in the abdomen, between the symphysis and umbilicus.

Pregnancy Effects

Morning sickness, acid indigestion, constipation, striae, linea nigra due to hCG changes.

Aging Adult Abdominal Changes

Increased fat deposits, decreased salivation, delayed esophageal emptying, decreased gastric acid, increased gallstones, and decreased liver size.

Lactose Intolerance Symptoms

Abdominal pain, bloating, and flatulence due to lactose intolerance.

Celiac Disease

An autoimmune disorder where individuals are permanently intolerant to gluten.

Subjective Data

Data obtained through questions about appetite, food intolerances, abdominal pain, etc.

Assessing Infants and Children

Gather information from parents about feeding habits, new foods, bowel habits, and abdominal pain.

Adolescent Assessment

Include questions about diet, exercise, weight, and factors affecting diet.

Older Adult Assessment

Evaluate access to healthy food, meal preparation, and swallowing and digestion issues.

Relaxed Abdomen

An important condition to ensure before objective abdominal examination.

Abdominal Inspection

Observe contour, symmetry, umbilicus shape, skin condition, and pulsations.

Auscultation of Abdomen

Listen for bowel sounds and vascular sounds before percussion and palpation.

Percussion of Abdomen

Used to assess relative density of abdominal contents, identify fluid, or masses.

Ascites Tests

Include fluid wave and shifting dullness tests.

Palpation Method

Involves using light and deep palpation to evaluate organs and detect abnormalities.

Blumberg Sign

A test for possible appendicitis indicating rebound tenderness.

McBurney Point

A point of tenderness that can indicate appendicitis.

Iliopsoas Muscle Test

A test assessing for irritation of the iliopsoas muscle, often related to appendicitis.

Obturator Test

A clinical test for appendicitis by assessing the obturator internus muscle.

Alvarado/MANTRELS Score

A clinical scoring system for assessing the likelihood of appendicitis.

Infants Assessment

Includes checking skin condition, bowel sounds, and abdominal contents.

Health Promotion Focus

Education on Hepatitis B and C prevention.

Diaphragm

The muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.

Gallbladder

A small organ that stores bile, located in the right upper quadrant.

Liver

A large organ responsible for detoxification and metabolic processes located in the right upper quadrant.

Pancreas

An organ involved in digestion and insulin production located in the upper quadrant.

Spleen

An organ that filters blood, located in the left upper quadrant.

Cecum

The beginning of the large intestine, located in the right lower quadrant.

Appendix

A small tube attached to the cecum, located in the right lower quadrant.

Ureter

A duct that transports urine from a kidney to the bladder.

Ovary

A female reproductive organ located in the lower quadrants.

Fallopian Tube

The tube through which an egg travels from the ovary to the uterus.

Symphysis Pubis

A fibrocartilaginous joint located between the left and right pubic bones.

Bladder Distension

An increase in bladder size, which can affect abdominal assessment.

Ascites

Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.

Palpation

The examination technique of feeling with the hands.

Bowel Sounds

Noises made by the intestines during digestion.

Skin Condition Assessment

Evaluating the skin for abnormalities, such as rashes or lesions.