Module 6.1 Abdominal Pain Quiz

Abdominal Pain and Associated Conditions

• The gallbladder is a structure located in the right upper quadrant that can cause abdominal pain.
• Failure to image the gallbladder in the presence of biliary ductal visualization may indicate pathology.

Cholecystectomy

• Early cholecystectomy typically occurs within 72 hours of symptom onset.

Acute Pancreatitis (AP)

• Efficient fluid resuscitation is indicated if the patient's heart rate exceeds 120 beats per minute.
• A sudden knifelike pain felt in the epigastric area radiating to the back is usually presented by AP.

Ovarian Conditions and Abdominal Pain

• Mittelschmerz is a condition that may contribute to abdominal pain, particularly in the lower abdomen.

History Taking and Abdominal Pain

• In taking a patient's history, it is essential to note the quality, timing, and radiation of the pain to accurately diagnose the underlying condition.

Liver Cirrhosis and Abdominal Pain

• Patients with liver cirrhosis often prefer to lie quietly in bed, trying to avoid motion, due to abdominal pain and discomfort.

Abdominal Structures and Pain

• The sigmoid colon is often affected in patients with left lower quadrant pain.

Visceral Peritoneum and Pain

• Pain from the visceral peritoneum is typically diffuse, vague, and poorly localized.

Drug-Induced Acute Pancreatitis

• Valproate is a drug commonly associated with acute pancreatitis.

Management of Small Gallstones

• For patients with small gallstones but no complaints of abdominal pain, observation is the recommended management.

Sonographic Studies and Gallbladder Evaluation

• Sonographic studies are highly sensitive and specific for evaluating the gallbladder, particularly for detecting gallstones.