...
Is there a history of drug ingestion? Many drugs produce muscular cramps. The most notable are the diuretics.
Are there absent or diminished peripheral pulses? Absent or diminished peripheral pulses suggest ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP
... READ EXCERPTS »
... There are usually physiologic cramps occurring during menstruation and not associated with pathology of the female reproductive organs. If there is associated menorrhagia, the differential diagnosis of this symptom should be consulted.
Menstrual cramps occur more
... READ EXCERPTS »
...
Is there a family history of migraine or epilepsy? Migraine and epilepsy both present with abdominal pain.
Is the pain colicky or persistent? Chronic colicky abdominal pain may be due to chronic ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP
... READ EXCERPTS »
...
Where is the pain located? If it is diffuse, one should consider pancreatitis, mesenteric artery occlusion, or ruptured peptic ulcer. In addition, another viscus may be perforated, such as a ruptured ectopic, and there may be ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP
... READ EXCERPTS »
...
Lower abdominal pain is a common complaint that must be evaluated carefully and systematically to reach the appropriate diagnosis in timely manner. All diagnoses must be considered, with the most emergent etiologies rapidly ruled out, followed by a careful evaluation and treatment for the... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment
... READ EXCERPTS »
...
Upper abdominal pain is a common presenting symptom. A complete differential diagnosis should be developed based on the organs in the upper abdomen in addition to the associated history and physical examination. Gallbladder disease and gastritis are two of the most common causes of upper... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment
... READ EXCERPTS »
...
In evaluating an acute abdomen, rebound tenderness is one of the most important signs of peritonitis. It is elicited by pressing deeply on the abdomen and then suddenly releasing pressure, which stretches the peritoneum and causes increased abdominal... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment
... READ EXCERPTS »
...
Abdominal pain is a frequent complaint and associated with an enormous number of causes. Many causes of acute abdominal pain require surgical intervention, so a prompt diagnosis is needed. Diagnostic clues would include the location of the pain. Traditionally, the... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment
... READ EXCERPTS »
... To develop a list of possible causes of muscular cramps think of anatomy and physiology. Anatomically a muscle bundle is supplied by arteries, veins and nerves. Considering the arteries will prompt the recall of
... READ EXCERPTS »
... The GI tract is the only “organ” that really covers the abdomen from one end to the other. Anything that causes an irritation of all or a large portion of this “tube” may cause generalized abdominal pain. Thus, gastritis, viral and bacterial
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal pain usually results from a GI disorder, but it can be caused by a reproductive, genitourinary (GU), musculoskeletal, or vascular disorder; drug use; or ingestion of toxins. At times, such pain signals life-threatening complications. ... Emergency interventions
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Dyspepsia refers to an uncomfortable fullness after meals that's associated with nausea, belching, heartburn and, possibly, cramping and abdominal distention. Frequently aggravated by spicy, fatty, or high-fiber foods and by excess caffeine intake, dyspepsia without other pathology... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Muscle spasms are strong, painful contractions. They can occur in virtually any muscle, but are most common in the calf and foot. Muscle spasms typically occur from simple muscle fatigue, after exercise, and during pregnancy. However, they may also develop in electrolyte... Emergency Interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Diffuse
Gastroenteritis
Peritonitis
Pancreatitis
Leukemia
Sickle cell crisis
Early appendicitis (may be periumbilical)
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal Disorders
Inflammatory disorders
Peritoneum
Peritonitis (chemical or bacterial)
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal pain usually results from a GI disorder, but it can also be caused by a reproductive, genitourinary (GU), musculoskeletal, or vascular disorder; drug use; or ingestion of toxins. At times, such pain signals life-threatening complications.
... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Pictures
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Dyspepsia refers to an uncomfortable fullness after meals that’s associated with nausea, belching, heartburn and, possibly, cramping and abdominal distention. Frequently aggravated by spicy, fatty, or high-fiber foods and by excessive caffeine intake, dyspepsia without... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Muscle spasms are strong, painful contractions. They can occur in virtually any muscle but are most common in the calf and foot. Muscle spasms typically occur from simple muscle fatigue, after exercise, and during pregnancy. However, they may also... Emergency Interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Richard W. Emerine
Abdominal pain of varying causes, ranging from the functional to the organic, is one of the top ten outpatient complaints; it is the chief complaint for 5% to 10% of patients presenting to emergency departments (1).
... History ... Physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview
❑ Ordinary muscle cramp
❑ Overuse
❑ Dehydration
❑ Drugs/toxins ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview
❑ Irritable bowel syndrome
❑ Peptic ulcer disease
❑ Cholecystitis
❑ Chronic pancreatitis ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview
Generalized/Periumbilical
❑ Gastroenteritis
❑ Obstipation
❑ Small bowel obstruction
... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... Pictures
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal pain usually results from a GI disorder, but can also be caused by drug use, ingestion of toxins, or disorders of the reproductive, genitourinary (GU), musculoskeletal, or vascular systems. At times, such pain signals life-threatening complications. ... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal pain usually results from a GI disorder, but it can be caused by a reproductive, genitourinary (GU), musculoskeletal, or vascular disorder; drug use; or ingestion of toxins. At times, such pain signals life-threatening complications.
Abdominal... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Dyspepsia refers to an uncomfortable fullness after meals that’s associated with nausea, belching, heartburn and, possibly, cramping and abdominal distention. Frequently aggravated by spicy, fatty, or high-fiber foods and by excess caffeine intake, dyspepsia without... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Many diseasescause abdominal pain, and clinical dilemma is to distinguish life-threateningones from those that are mild and self-limited. Best way to approach diagnosis is toconsider age of child and whether pain is acute or chronic. ... Principal Causes of Acute Abdominal Pain ... Clinical Features and Diagnosis: Acute Abdominal Pain ... Diagnostic Approach: Acute Abdominal Pain ... Principal Causes of Chronic or Recurrent Abdominal Pain ... Diagnostic Approach: Chronic or Recurrent Abdominal Pain ... References
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal pain usually results from a GI disorder, but it can be caused by a reproductive, genitourinary (GU), musculoskeletal, or vascular disorder; drug use; or ingestion of toxins. At times, such pain signals life-threatening complications.
... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Dyspepsia refers to an uncomfortable fullness after meals that's associated with nausea, belching, heartburn and, possibly, cramping and abdominal distention. Frequently aggravated by spicy, fatty, or high-fiber foods and by excess caffeine intake, dyspepsia without another... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching
... READ EXCERPTS »
... Muscle spasms are strong, painful contractions of the muscles. They can occur in virtually any muscle, but are most common in the calf and foot. Muscle spasms typically occur from simple muscle fatigue, after exercise, and during pregnancy. However,... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching
... READ EXCERPTS »
...
To develop a list of possible causes of muscular cramps, think of
anatomy and physiology. Anatomically a muscle bundle is
supplied by arteries, veins, and nerves. Considering the arteries will
prompt the recall of arteriosclerosis, emboli, Leriche... Pictures
... READ EXCERPTS »
...
The GI tract is the only “organ” that really covers the abdomen
from one end to the other. Anything that causes an irritation of all or a
large portion of this “tube” may cause generalized abdominal pain. Thus,
gastritis, viral... Pictures
... READ EXCERPTS »
Millions of Americans suffer from peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a disease that occurs when your blood cannot flow efficiently through your...
People with Crohn's and colitis can become malnourished because they can't absorb certain nutrients. Listen to experts discuss the complex...
Diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome today is often simpler than it has been in the past. Doctors used to focus on ruling out other diseases and...
When you are an avid runner, constipation, bloating and abdominal pain can cramp your pace. Listen to one person describe how she fought off...