parietal pain
a localized, intense pain that arises from the parietal peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity
peritoneum
the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the organs within it
referred pain
pain that is felt in a location other than where the pain originates
retroperitoneal space
the area posterior to the peritoneum, between the peritoneum and the back
tearing pain
sharp pain that feels as if body tissues are being torn apart
visceral pain
a poorly localized, dull, or diffuse pain that arises from the abdominal organs, or viscera
Esophagus
hollow digestive; this structure carries food from the mouth and pharynx to the stomach
Stomach
hollow digestive; this expanding organ, located below the diaphragm and connected to the esophagus and small intestine, begins the breakdown of foods
Small Intestine
hollow digestive; consists of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, takes stomach contents and removes nutrients as it passes its contents to the large intestine
Large Intestine (Colon)
hollow digestive; absorbs fluid from its contents, creating fecal waste for excretion through the rectum and anus
Appendix
hollow lymphatic; this dead-ended sac of bowel rich in lymphatic tissue has no function in digestion
Liver
solid digestive; other functions with regulation of the blood and detoxification; regulating levels of carbohydrate and other substances in the blood
Gallbladder
hollow digestive; stores bile before its released into the intestine
Spleen
solid lymphatic tissue; remove abnormal blood cells and is involved in the immune response
Pancreas
solid digestion; releases enzymes that assist in breaking down food in the small intestine into absorbable molecules
Kidneys
solid urinary; filter and excrete waste; they also regulate water, blood, and electrolyte levels and assist the liver in detoxation
Bladder
hollow urinary; collects urine from the kidneys prior to excretion
Peritonitis
inflammation of the peritoneum, the serous membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity and covers its organs
Cholecytitis
an inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones
Pancreatitis
inflammation of the pancreas
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
ballooning or weakening wall of the aorta; pulsating mass in abdomen
Hernia
a whole in the muscle layer of the abdomen wall, allow tissue -- usually intestine -- to protrude up against the skin
Renal Cloic
kidney stones
Cardiac Involvment
pain from a heart attack (myocardial infarction) may be felt as abdominal pain
Vital Signs
taken every 5 minutes