Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

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Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies

Transcript of Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

Page 1: Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

Chapter 20Chapter 20

Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies

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National EMS Education Standard CompetenciesNational EMS Education Standard Competencies

Medicine

Integrates assessment findings with principles of epidemiology and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment/disposition plan for a patient with a medical complaint.

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National EMS Education Standard CompetenciesNational EMS Education Standard Competencies

Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Disorders

Anatomy, presentations, and management of shock associated with abdominal emergencies

− Gastrointestinal bleeding

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National EMS Education Standard CompetenciesNational EMS Education Standard Competencies

Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Disorders

Anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, psychosocial impact, presentations, prognosis, and management of

− Acute and chronic gastrointestinal hemorrhage

− Liver disorders

− Peritonitis

− Ulcerative diseases

− Irritable bowel syndrome

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National EMS Education Standard CompetenciesNational EMS Education Standard Competencies

Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Disorders

Anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, psychosocial impact, presentations, prognosis, and management of

− Inflammatory disorders

− Pancreatitis

− Bowel obstruction

− Hernias

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National EMS Education Standard CompetenciesNational EMS Education Standard Competencies

Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Disorders

Anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, psychosocial impact, presentations, prognosis, and management of

− Infectious diseases

− Gallbladder and biliary tract disorders

− Rectal abscesses

− Rectal foreign body obstruction

− Mesenteric ischemia

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IntroductionIntroduction

• GI problems are rarely life threatening.− Can lead to systemic problems if untreated

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IntroductionIntroduction

• The number of disorders causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea is high.− With the exception

of septicemia, most GI disorders are not deadly.

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IntroductionIntroduction

• Behaviors and characteristics may predispose some people to GI disorders.

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Anatomy and PhysiologyAnatomy and Physiology

• Digestion begins in the mouth.− The chewing

process is called mastication.

− Enzymes in saliva begin the chemical breakdown of food for absorption by the body.

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Anatomy and PhysiologyAnatomy and Physiology

• Food reaches the esophagus.− Typically collapsed, allowing air to flow into the

lungs instead of the stomach

− Dilates when food or liquid travels through it • Explains gastric distention during positive-pressure

ventilation

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Anatomy and PhysiologyAnatomy and Physiology

• The esophagus transports food using peristalsis.

• The portal vein is intertwined around the esophagus.− Transports venous blood to the liver.

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Anatomy and PhysiologyAnatomy and Physiology

• Food travels through the diaphragm to the cardiac sphincter.− Connects the esophagus and the stomach

− Controls amount of food that moves up the esophagus

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Anatomy and PhysiologyAnatomy and Physiology

• Food then enters the stomach.− Hydrochloric acid

breaks down the food even more.

− Chyme exits the pyloric sphincter.

− Water- and fat-soluble substances are absorbed.

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Anatomy and PhysiologyAnatomy and Physiology

• The main function of the GI system is to absorb the digested food.− The duodenum connects the liver, gallbladder,

and pancreas to the digestive system.

− The pancreas secretes enzymes to assist with digestion and neutralize gastric acid.

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Anatomy and PhysiologyAnatomy and Physiology

• The liver: − Produces bile, which breaks down fats

− Promotes carbohydrate metabolism

− Detoxifies drugs

− Completes the breakdown of dead blood cells

− Stores vitamins and minerals

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Anatomy and PhysiologyAnatomy and Physiology

• The small intestine− Where 90% of

absorption occurs

− Divided into three sections:• Duodenum

• Jejunum

• Ileum

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Anatomy and PhysiologyAnatomy and Physiology

• Colon (large intestine)− Moves undigested

food (feces) to be eliminated from the body

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Anatomy and PhysiologyAnatomy and Physiology

• The main role of the large intestine is to complete the reabsorption of water.

• Bacterial digestion also occurs in the colon.

• The journey from mouth to anus takes 8 to 72 hours.

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Scene Size-UpScene Size-Up

• Ensure safety.

• Look for MOI or NOI.

• Take standard precautions.

• Always have equipment for hygiene.

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Primary AssessmentPrimary Assessment

• Form a general impression.− Where was the patient found?

− What is the patient’s body posture?

− Is there an odor?

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Primary AssessmentPrimary Assessment

• Airway and breathing− Patient who is vomiting may aspirate.

− Open the airway with the appropriate method.

− Remove or suction obstructions.

− Check for unusual odors

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Primary AssessmentPrimary Assessment

• Circulation− Assess skin color, temperature, and moisture.

− Determine pulse rate.

− Ensure blood pressure reading is accurate.

− Take note of amount of blood.

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Primary AssessmentPrimary Assessment

• Transport decision− Based on primary assessment

− If positive orthostatic vital signs, carefully consider how to move the patient.

− Choose the mode of ambulance.

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History TakingHistory Taking

• Patients may have a history of issues.− SAMPLE helps you

gather information.• Changes in bowel

patterns or stool

• Onset of diarrhea, constipation, or nausea/vomiting

• Recent weight loss

• Patient’s last meal

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History TakingHistory Taking

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Secondary AssessmentSecondary Assessment

• Detailed abdominal examination− Keep the muscles

from flexing.

− Check for skin irregularities.• Scars

• Striae© Medical-on-Line Alamy Images

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Secondary AssessmentSecondary Assessment

• Asymmetric abdomen could mean:− Tumors

− Hernia

− Enlarged organs

− Pregnancy

• Check shape of the abdomen.

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Secondary AssessmentSecondary Assessment

• Protuberance may be caused by:− Excessive weight

gain

− Ascites

− Pregnancy

− Organ enlargement

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Secondary AssessmentSecondary Assessment

• Auscultate for bowel sounds.

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Secondary AssessmentSecondary Assessment

• Percuss the abdomen.− The abdomen should sound tympanic.

− The upper left and upper right quadrants will sound duller.

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Secondary AssessmentSecondary Assessment

• Palpate the abdomen.− Begin farthest

away from the pain.

− Indent the abdomen wall about 2″ to 4″.

− Assess for discomfort, rigidity, and masses.

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Secondary AssessmentSecondary Assessment

• Abdominal pain may indicate:− Trauma

− Hemorrhage

− Infection

− Obstruction

− Other serious problems

• Types of pain include:− Visceral pain

− Parietal pain (rebound)

− Somatic pain

− Referred pain

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Secondary AssessmentSecondary Assessment

• Rebound tenderness occurs when the peritoneum is irritated.− Once a tender area is found:

• Depress the skin with your fingertips 2" to 4".

• Quickly pull your fingers off the abdomen.

− An alternative is the Markle heel drop test.

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Secondary AssessmentSecondary Assessment

• If there is pain in the right upper quadrant, use Murphy sign to assess for cholecystitis.− Ask the patient to breathe out.

− Palpate deeply along the upper right quadrant.

− Ask the patient to inhale deeply.

− Sharp increase in pain: positive Murphy sign

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Secondary AssessmentSecondary Assessment

• Obtain orthostatic vital signs.− Determine the blood pressure and pulse rate.

• Have the patient change positions and retake.

− Significant blood loss may be indicated by:• 10-mm Hg drop in blood pressure

• 10-beat increase in pulse rate

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Secondary AssessmentSecondary Assessment

• Many GI diseases affect electrolyte levels. − Use a handheld blood analyzer to test.

• Ultrasonography and intra-abdominal pressure testing may also be available.

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ReassessmentReassessment

• Routine monitoring includes:− Pulse rate

− Electrocardiogram

− Blood pressure

− Respiratory rate

− Pulse oximetry

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ReassessmentReassessment

• Pain medication includes:− Meperidine hydrochloride

− Morphine

− Ketorolac

− Nalbuphine

− Fentanyl

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ReassessmentReassessment

• Nausea medications include:− Ondansetron

− Diphenhydramine

− Hydroxyzine

− Promethazine

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Emergency Medical CareEmergency Medical Care

• Repeat assessment if patient’s condition suddenly changes dramatically.

• Do not let patients eat or drink anything.

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Airway ManagementAirway Management

• Airway concerns include possible aspiration or obstruction due to blood or vomitus.− Place patient so material can drain from mouth.

• Make sure suction equipment is available.

• You may need to use a nasogastric tube.

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BreathingBreathing

• Associated with decreased hemoglobin levels− Administer high-concentration oxygen.

− Prevent aspiration.

− Auscultate lung sounds.

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CirculationCirculation

• Concerns: dehydration and hemorrhage− Fluids depend on circulatory perfusion status.

• Hypotonic solution for stable conditions

• Isotonic solution for profound dehydration

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CirculationCirculation

• Hemorrhaging care should be directed at maintaining perfusion of vital organs.− Titrate fluids to a blood pressure of 90 to

100 mm Hg.

− If blood pressure cannot be maintained, vasoactive medications may be needed.

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Specific Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies

Specific Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies

• The paramedic must have an understanding of many conditions.− In the future, paramedics may be asked to help

determine where a patient should be directed.

− The more you understand, the more you can educate patients.

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Specific Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies

Specific Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies

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Specific Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies

Specific Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies

• Hypovolemia can be caused by:− Dehydration from

vomiting and/or diarrhea• Electrolyte levels

are affected during this process.

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Specific Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies

Specific Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies

• Hypovolemia can be caused by (cont’d):− Hemorrhage

• Potential to be fatal

• Signs of shock are typically present.

• Drop in blood pressure indicates significant volume loss

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Gastrointestinal BleedingGastrointestinal Bleeding

• GI bleeding is a symptom, not the disease.− Determine onset and medical history.

− Treatment includes:• Fluid resuscitation

• Establish an IV line.

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Gastrointestinal BleedingGastrointestinal Bleeding

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Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Esophagogastric Varices

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Esophagogastric Varices

• Pathophysiology− Caused by pressure increases in blood vessels

surrounding the esophagus and stomach

− Blood cannot easily flow through damaged liver.• Blood backs up into the portal vessels.

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Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Esophagogastric Varices

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Esophagogastric Varices

• Assessment− Initial presentation

• Fatigue

• Jaundice

• Anorexia

• Pruritus

• Abdominal pain

− When the varices rupture:• Abrupt discomfort in

the throat

• Severe dysphagia

• Vomiting bright red blood

• Signs of shock

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Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Esophagogastric Varices

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Esophagogastric Varices

• Management− General management guidelines

• Accurate assessment of blood loss

− In-hospital treatment includes: • Stopping the bleeding

• Aggressive fluid resuscitation

• Possible endoscopy

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Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding:Mallory-Weiss Syndrome

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding:Mallory-Weiss Syndrome

• Pathophysiology− Junction between the esophagus and the

stomach tears• Generally due to severe vomiting

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Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding:Mallory-Weiss Syndrome

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding:Mallory-Weiss Syndrome

• Assessment− Bleeding may be light to severe.

− In extreme cases, patients will have: • Signs and symptoms of shock

• Epigastric abdominal pain

• Hematemesis

• Melena

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Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding:Mallory-Weiss Syndrome

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding:Mallory-Weiss Syndrome

• Management− Aimed at determining the extent of blood loss

− In-hospital management may include:• Volume resuscitation

• Endoscopy

• Attempt to repair the tear

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Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

• Pathophysiology− Erosion of the mucous that lines the stomach

and duodenum

− Typically occurs over weeks, months, or years

− Variety of causes• Infection with Helicobacter pylori

• Erosive gastritis

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Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

• Assessment− Burning or gnawing pain in the stomach

• Disappears after eating, but returns hours later

− Other common symptoms may include:• Vomiting

• Belching

• Heartburn

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Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

• Management− Assess blood loss and manage hypotension.

− Monitor orthostatic vital signs.

− In-hospital management includes:• Acid neutralization

• Reduction therapies

• Endoscopy if needed

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Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Gastroesophageal Reflux DiseaseUpper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

• Pathophysiology− Sphincter between the esophagus and stomach

opens, allowing stomach acids to travel up

− Can cause a burning sensation within the chest

− Over time it can cause damage to the esophageal wall and possible bleeding.

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Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Gastroesophageal Reflux DiseaseUpper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

• Assessment− Signs and symptoms

• Heartburn

• Coughing or difficulty swallowing

• Bleeding, resulting in hematemesis and melena

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Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Gastroesophageal Reflux DiseaseUpper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

• Management− Treatment focuses on decreasing acidity.

• Antacids, proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers

− Symptoms can be confused with myocardial infarction.

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Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: HemorrhoidsLower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Hemorrhoids

• Pathophysiology− Swelling and inflammation of blood vessels

around the rectum

− Caused by increased rectal pressure or irritation

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Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: HemorrhoidsLower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Hemorrhoids

• Assessment − Signs and symptoms:

• Hematochezia

• Rectal itching

• Small mass on rectum

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Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: HemorrhoidsLower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Hemorrhoids

• Management− Prehospital management is supportive.

− Obtain orthostatic vital signs.

− In-hospital management may include creams.

− Prevention includes eating a high-fiber diet.

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Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Anal FissuresLower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Anal Fissures

• Pathophysiology− Linear tears in the

mucosal lining near and in the anus

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Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Anal FissuresLower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Anal Fissures

• Assessment− Painful defecation

• Management− Place dressing over anus.

− Do NOT pack fissure or anus.

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Acute Inflammatory ConditionsAcute Inflammatory Conditions

• Inflammation helps white blood cells destroy or seal off an invading agent.

• Localized inflammation will cause localized signs and symptoms.

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Acute Inflammatory ConditionsAcute Inflammatory Conditions

• If bacteria moves into the bloodstream, sepsis occurs.− The body responds with a generalized

inflammatory response.

− Autoimmune condition: the body attacks and kills its own cells for no defined reason.

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Cholecystitis and Biliary Tract Disorders

Cholecystitis and Biliary Tract Disorders

• Pathophysiology− Inflammation of the gallbladder

• Choleangitis—inflammation of bile duct

• Cholelithiasis—stones in the gallbladder

• Cholecystitis—inflammation of the gallbladder

• Acalculus cholecystitis—inflammation without gallstones

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Cholecystitis and Biliary Tract Disorders

Cholecystitis and Biliary Tract Disorders

• Pathophysiology (cont’d)− May arise from decreased flow of biliary

materials

− Patient may present with:• Murphy sign

• Nausea/vomiting

• Jaundice

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Cholecystitis and Biliary Tract Disorders

Cholecystitis and Biliary Tract Disorders

• Assessment− After eating a fatty meal, severe upper right

quadrant abdominal pain develops.

• Management− Pain medications: meperidine and morphine

− Medication for nausea is often necessary.

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AppendicitisAppendicitis

• Pathophysiology− Fecal and other matter builds up in appendix.

− Build-up of pressure will eventually cause the organ to rupture, resulting in: • Peritonitis

• Sepsis

• Death

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AppendicitisAppendicitis

• Assessment− Stages of presentation

• Early—periumbilical pain, nausea, vomiting

• Ripe—pain in lower right quadrant

• Rupture—decrease in pain (decrease in pressure)

− Evaluate for peritonitis with Dunphy sign.

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AppendicitisAppendicitis

• Management− Assess for septicemia.

− Volume resuscitation • Use dopamine if crystalloids are not effective.

− Administer pain and antinausea medications.

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DiverticulitisDiverticulitis

• Pathophysiology− Diverticulum: weak area in the colon that begins

to have pockets (diverticula)

− Diverticulosis: condition of having diverticula

− Diverticulitis: Inflammation of diverticuli

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DiverticulitisDiverticulitis

• Pathophysiology− A diet low in fiber creates more solid stool.

− If feces gets trapped in diverticula, inflammation and infection occur and may cause: • Scarring

• Adhesions

• Fistula

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DiverticulitisDiverticulitis

• Assessment− Signs and symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain, usually localized on the left lower abdomen

• Classic infection signs

• Constipation or diarrhea

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DiverticulitisDiverticulitis

• Management− Ensure severe infection is not present.

− Patients may need fluids and/or dopamine.

− In-hospital treatment includes:• Antibiotics

• Liquid diet

• Surgery

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PancreatitisPancreatitis

• Pathophysiology− Inflammation of the pancreas

− Occurs when the tube carrying enzymes becomes blocked, leading to autodigestion

− Can occur suddenly or over many months

− May be single or episodic attacks

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PancreatitisPancreatitis

• Assessment− Signs and symptoms may include:

• Sharp pain in the epigastric area or right upper abdomen

• Pain radiating to the back

• Muscle spasms

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PancreatitisPancreatitis

• Assessment (cont’d)− Internal

hemorrhage may be indicated by:• Cullen sign

• Grey-Turner sign

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PancreatitisPancreatitis

• Management− Directed by general management guidelines

− Assess for signs of severe hemorrhage.

− Meperidine is the choice for pain management.

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Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative Colitis

• Pathophysiology− Generalized inflammation of the colon

− Causes a thinning of the intestinal wall and a weakened rectum

− Peaks between ages 15 and 25 years and 55 and 65 years

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Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative Colitis

• Assessment− Signs and symptoms may include:

• Gradual onset of bloody diarrhea

• Hematochezia

• Mild to severe abdominal pain

• Skin lesions

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Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative Colitis

• Management− Determine the degree of hemodynamic

instability.

− Administer fluids, if necessary.

− Follow the general management guideline.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Pathophysiology− Patients often show:

• Hypersensitivity of bowel pain receptors

• Hyperresponsiveness of the smooth muscle

• Psychiatric disorder connection

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Pathophysiology (cont’d)− Hyperresponsiveness can cause spasm.

• Can cause constipation and bloating or diarrhea

− Typically begins during childhood

− Can be triggered by various stimuli

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Assessment− You will typically be called when the patient is

having a flare-up of symptoms.

• Management− Mainly supportive

− Assessment should include the patient’s mood.

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Crohn DiseaseCrohn Disease

• Pathophysiology− Involves the entire GI tract

− A series of attacks leaves a scarred, narrowed, and weakened portion of the small intestine.• Can cause bowel obstruction

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Crohn DiseaseCrohn Disease

• Assessment− Signs and symptoms may include:

• Rectal bleeding

• Weight loss

• Skin disorders

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Crohn DiseaseCrohn Disease

• Management− Prehospital care should focus on general

management guidelines, including: • Volume resuscitation

• Control of nausea and pain

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Acute Infectious ConditionsAcute Infectious Conditions

• GI infection occurs when contaminated food is ingested or when the GI tract ruptures.− People that have a difficulty combating

infection:• Immunocompromised

• Very old

• Very young

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Acute Infectious ConditionsAcute Infectious Conditions

• Damage may allow contents to be released into surrounding tissues.− The body will begin to defend itself.

− If the infection continues, it may leave the GI system and enter the bloodstream.• This is known as sepsis.

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Acute GastroenteritisAcute Gastroenteritis

• Pathophysiology− Conditions

involving infection with fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting

− Can be caused by various organisms • Typically enter via

the fecal-oral route

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Acute GastroenteritisAcute Gastroenteritis

• Assessment− Symptoms may show anywhere from several

hours to several days from contact

− Can last two or three days, or several weeks

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Acute GastroenteritisAcute Gastroenteritis

• Assessment (cont’d)− Signs and symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea of various types

• Nausea and vomiting

• Anorexia

− Assess for dehydration, hemodynamic instability, and electrolyte imbalance.

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Acute GastroenteritisAcute Gastroenteritis

• Management− Determine the degree of fluid deficit.

− Obtain orthostatic vital signs.

− Analgesic and antiemetic medications

− Teach patients about safe food and water use.

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Rectal AbscessRectal Abscess

• Pathophysiology− Caused when the ducts carrying mucus to the

rectal area become blocked• Allows bacteria to grow and spread to the anus

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Rectal AbscessRectal Abscess

• Assessment− Symptoms may include:

• Rectal pain that increases with defecation

• Rectal drainage

• Constipation

• Management− Focus on keeping the patient comfortable.

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Liver Disease: CirrhosisLiver Disease: Cirrhosis

• Pathophysiology− Early liver failure, which may be hallmarked by:

• Portal hypertension

• Deficiencies with coagulation

• Diminished detoxification

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Liver Disease: CirrhosisLiver Disease: Cirrhosis

• Assessment− First stage may include:

• Weakness and fatigue

• Nausea and vomiting

• Anorexia

• Pruritus

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Liver Disease: CirrhosisLiver Disease: Cirrhosis

• Assessment (cont’d)− 2nd stage may

include:• Alcoholic stools

• Dark urine

• Icteric conjunctiva

• Ascites

• Enlarged liver

Courtesy of Dr. Thomas F. Sellers/Emory University/CDC

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Liver Disease: CirrhosisLiver Disease: Cirrhosis

• Assessment (cont’d)− Common blood tests:

• Aminotransferases

• Alkaline phosphatase

• Albumin

• Bilirubin

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Liver Disease: CirrhosisLiver Disease: Cirrhosis

• Management− Prehospital care should be supportive.

− Involves bleeding control and medication

− Use lower ends of medication dose range.

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Liver Disease: Hepatic Encephalopathy

Liver Disease: Hepatic Encephalopathy

• Pathophysiology− Brain impairment due to diminished liver

function

− Underlying causes:• Increased levels of ammonia

• Diminished cellular energy supplies

• Change in blood-brain barrier permeability

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Liver Disease: Hepatic Encephalopathy

Liver Disease: Hepatic Encephalopathy

• Assessment− Can range from mild memory loss to coma

− May be precipitated by:• Infection

• Renal failure

• GI bleeding

• Constipation

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Liver Disease: Hepatic Encephalopathy

Liver Disease: Hepatic Encephalopathy

• Management− Mainly supportive

− Ensure that LOC status is not from other cause.• Check blood glucose levels.

• Assess for trauma and overdose.

• Take a medical history.

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Obstructive ConditionsObstructive Conditions

• Intestines are unable to move material through the digestive tract.− Two main reasons:

• Paralysis of the intestines

• Intestinal lumen diameter compromise

Page 111: Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

Small-Bowel ObstructionSmall-Bowel Obstruction

• Pathophysiology− Most often caused by post-operative adhesions

− Other causes include:• Cancer

• Crohn disease

• Hernias

• Foreign bodies

Page 112: Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

Small-Bowel ObstructionSmall-Bowel Obstruction

• Assessment− Signs and symptoms may include:

• Crampy and intermittent abdominal pain

• Initial diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting

• Increased pressure

• Constipation

Page 113: Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

Small-Bowel ObstructionSmall-Bowel Obstruction

• Management− Monitor blood pressure, and perform volume

resuscitation.

− Administer dopamine as needed.

− Consider using a nasogastric tube.

− Antiemetics are indicated.

Page 114: Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

Large-Bowel ObstructionLarge-Bowel Obstruction

• Pathophysiology− Caused by either mechanical obstruction or

colon dilation

− Imaging studies determine the location and extent of obstruction.• Once located, can be easily treated

Page 115: Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

Large-Bowel ObstructionLarge-Bowel Obstruction

• Assessment− Signs and symptoms may include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Distended abdomen

• Absent bowel sounds

• Peritonitis signs if bowel has ruptured

Page 116: Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

Large-Bowel ObstructionLarge-Bowel Obstruction

• Management− Same as for small bowel obstruction

Page 117: Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

HerniaHernia

• Pathophysiology− Organ/structure protrusion into adjacent cavity

− To check for an inguinal hernia:• Place fingers on lower abdomen.

• Instruct patient to cough.

• Weakness in abdominal wall will present as bulging.

Page 118: Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

HerniaHernia

• Pathophysiology (cont’d)− Caused by any condition that causes intra-

abdominal pressure:• Obesity

• Standing for long periods

• Straining during bowel movements

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Page 119: Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

HerniaHernia

• Assessment− Four types

• Reducible

• Incarcerated

• Strangulated

• Incisional

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HerniaHernia

• Management− Focus on supportive measures.

− Pain management

− Assess for sepsis

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Rectal Foreign Body Obstruction

Rectal Foreign Body Obstruction

• Pathophysiology− Originates from upper GI tract or anal insertion

• Assessment − Presents with sudden rectal pain with

defecation

− Determine if the rectum has been perforated.

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Rectal Foreign Body Obstruction

Rectal Foreign Body Obstruction

• Management− Do NOT attempt to remove object.

− Prehospital management should be limited to patient comfort.• Treat with analgesia if indicated.

• Closely monitor vital signs.

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Mesenteric IschemiaMesenteric Ischemia

• Pathophysiology− Interruption of the blood supply to the

mesentery

− Can be caused by:• Arterial embolism

• Thrombosis

• Profound vasospasm

Page 124: Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

Mesenteric IschemiaMesenteric Ischemia

• Assessment− Gradual or sudden onset

− Symptoms include:• Severe pain with ill-defined location

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

• Possible blood in stool

Page 125: Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

Mesenteric IschemiaMesenteric Ischemia

• Management− Patients require rapid transportation.

− Monitor closely.

− Check vitals for signs of sepsis.

− Fluid resuscitation in cases of shock

− Give analgesics as needed.

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Gastrointestinal Conditions in Pediatric Patients

Gastrointestinal Conditions in Pediatric Patients

• GI complaints are common in children.− Prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding can

lead to severe changes in sodium and potassium levels.

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Gastrointestinal Conditions in Pediatric Patients

Gastrointestinal Conditions in Pediatric Patients

• Congenital GI anomalies− Gastrochisis:

portions of the GI system lie outside the abdominal wall

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Page 128: Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

Gastrointestinal Conditions in Pediatric Patients

Gastrointestinal Conditions in Pediatric Patients

• Congenital GI anomalies (cont’d)− Intestinal

malrotation: intestines rotated incorrectly during development

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Gastrointestinal Conditions in Pediatric Patients

Gastrointestinal Conditions in Pediatric Patients

• Congenital GI anomalies (cont’d)− Pyloric stenosis:

hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter of the stomach

• GI bleeding can occur in children.

Page 130: Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

Gastrointestinal Conditions in Pediatric Patients

Gastrointestinal Conditions in Pediatric Patients

• Careful assessment is critical.− Check skin turgor, pulse rate, and peripheral

pulse status.

− Severe fluid loss may cause diminished LOC.• Standard fluid resuscitation: 20 mL/kg isotonic fluid

− Get a detailed medical history from the parent.

Page 131: Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

Gastrointestinal Conditions in Pediatric Patients

Gastrointestinal Conditions in Pediatric Patients

• Patients may have a gastrostomy tube.− If dislodged, place a sterile dressing over it.

− If clogged, talk about ways to clear the tube.

− If the blockage cannot be easily managed, turn off the feeding, clamp the tube, and transport.

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Gastrointestinal Conditions in Older Adults

Gastrointestinal Conditions in Older Adults

• GI diseases more prevalent in older adults

• Abdominal pain can also be a symptom of a cardiac condition.− Obtain a thorough history and physical exam.

− Consider a 12-lead ECG.

− Monitor vital signs.

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Prevention StrategiesPrevention Strategies

• Many behaviors can prevent or limit severity of GI diseases.

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Prevention StrategiesPrevention Strategies

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SummarySummary

• GI illnesses are rarely life threatening, but systemic illnesses can occur if left untreated or undertreated.

• The structures and functions of the GI system perform digestion, which begins in the mouth and ends in the anus.

• It is likely you will come in contact with blood or other body fluids. A complete scene size-up requires a survey of PPE.

Page 136: Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

SummarySummary

• Observe a patient presenting with GI symptoms to form a general impression.

• Maintain airway and circulation; determine extent of bleeding.

• Weigh patient stability and risk of injury when deciding on rapid transport.

• The field impression and gathered information can determine cause of complaint.

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SummarySummary

• The secondary assessment should include a physical examination.

• Orthostatic vital sign changes of 10-beat pulse rate increase and 10-mm Hg drop in blood pressure is a likely sign of significant volume loss.

• Reassess the patient by monitoring changes in condition.

Page 138: Chapter 20 Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

SummarySummary

• Pain and nausea management can be given to most patients with GI emergencies.

• Compassionate care and clear documentation are essential parts of delivering excellent patient care.

• Perform new assessments and examinations if patient condition changes.

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SummarySummary

• Perform airway management if necessary.

• If circulation is compromised by dehydration or hemorrhage, fluid resuscitation is essential.

• Paramedics must understand GI diseases to educate patients and to perform an increasing level of responsibilities.

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SummarySummary

• The four major conditions responsible for abdominal and GI emergencies are:− Hypovolemia

− Acute or chronic inflammation

− Infection

− Obstruction

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SummarySummary

• GI tract bleeding is a symptom and can reflect many GI diseases.

• Pediatric patients face special challenges because of their size, physiology, and possible GI congenital anomalies.

• Treating older adults with GI emergencies is complicated by comorbidities, multiple medications, and other factors.

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CreditsCredits

• Chapter opener: © Wellcome Trust/Custom Medical Stock Photo

• Backgrounds: Blue—Jones & Bartlett Learning. Courtesy of MIEMSS; Gold—Jones & Bartlett Learning. Courtesy of MIEMSS; Red—© Margo Harrison/ShutterStock, Inc.; Green—Courtesy of Rhonda Beck

• Unless otherwise indicated, all photographs and illustrations are under copyright of Jones & Bartlett Learning, courtesy of Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, or have been provided by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.