top of page
Search
Writer's pictureJason Hewitt

Common presentations for abdominal pathologies:



Appendicitis:

  • Gradual onset periumbilical pain that eventually migrates to the RLQ.

  • Fever

  • Nausea

  • Possible rebound tenderness at RLQ

  • Positive Psoas Sign


Cholecystitis:

  • RUQ pain that is constant and may radiate to the right scapula or right shoulder tip.

  • Pain usually occurs following ingestion of a fatty meal.

  • Nausea and emesis of bile.

  • Fever may be present.

  • Usually there is a history of similar attacks.

  • Positive for Murphy's sign.


Pancreatitis:

  • Boring epigastric pain.

  • History of ETOH use is common.

  • Nausea

  • Fever may be present.


AAA:

  • Umbilical pain that may radiate to the sacrum.

  • Lower limb weakness with sudden onset.

  • Diminished distal pulses.

  • Tachycardia

  • Nausea

  • Pallor

  • Hypotension if tearing occurs. Can rapidly progress to death.


Bowel Obstruction:

  • Generally diffuse, crampy, colicky pain with a gradual onset.

  • Distension and tenderness.

  • History of absent bowel movements, or loose, watery, stools.

  • Generally occurs in the setting of GI motility disorders, Inflammatory bowel diseases, or long term use of narcotic pain relievers.

  • The patient may present with fecal-emesis.


Ectopic Pregnancy:

  • Sharp lower quadrant pain or pelvic pain on the affected side.

  • Possible vaginal bleeding if rupture occurs.

  • Missed menstrual periods.


8 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Airway Management

Airway Management: Airway management is an area of pre-hospital care that often gets overlooked, particularly at the BLS level, yet it is...

Comentarios


bottom of page