Medical Terminology (Abdomen) Flashcards

Study Notes

Medical Terminology (Abdomen)

Bowel Sounds: Intestinal noises detected during abdominal auscultation; categorized as hyperactive, hypoactive, diminished, or absent, and can indicate gastrointestinal status.
Diffuse: Refers to a condition that is widespread or not confined to a specific localized area, often used to describe pain or symptoms.
Distention: Indicates a swollen appearance of the abdomen due to internal pressure; contrasts with a scaphoid abdomen which appears sunken.
Femoral Pulse Deficit: Occurs when there is a skipped or absent pulse over the femoral artery, potentially indicating vascular issues.
Guarding: A protective reaction where abdominal wall muscles tense, often to shield internal organs from pain during examination.
Hepatomegaly: A medical term signifying an enlargement of the liver, commonly associated with various liver diseases.
Mass: Refers to any detectable enlargement or abnormality found in the abdomen, which may require further evaluation.
McBurney's Point: Located 1/3 of the way from the anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus; significant for identifying appendicitis when pain is experienced in this area.
Murphy's Sign: A clinical test for evaluating gallbladder inflammation; indicates cholecystitis if pain occurs upon palpation during the patient's inspiration.
Organomegaly: General term used to describe the enlargement of any organ within the abdomen, which may indicate underlying pathologies.
Peritoneal Signs: Symptoms such as rebound tenderness and guarding that suggest irritation or inflammation of the peritoneum, indicating potential peritonitis.
Prominent Aortic Pulsation: A notable pulsation felt in the midline of the abdomen during palpation, potentially signaling an aortic aneurysm.
Psoas Sign: A physical exam maneuver that elicits abdominal pain upon hip external rotation, often used to suggest appendicitis.
Rebound: A clinical sign where pain is triggered by the sudden release of pressure during abdominal palpation, indicative of possible irritation or inflammation.
Rigidity: Refers to a hardened abdominal wall observed during examination, contrasting with a soft abdomen, which can imply underlying issues.
Rovsing's Sign: A physical exam technique where palpation of the left lower quadrant induces pain in the right lower quadrant, suggesting appendicitis.
Splenomegaly: A condition characterized by an enlarged spleen, which may indicate various hematological or systemic diseases.

Description

Test your knowledge of essential medical terminology related to the abdomen with these flashcards. Each card provides a term along with its definition, helping you to better understand critical concepts in medical discourse. Perfect for students and professionals in healthcare.