Peritonitis

Question 1

What does peritonitis refer to

Answer 1

Inflammation of the peritoneum i.e. the lining of the abdomen

Question 2

What is the key symptoms of Peritonitis

Answer 2

Acute abdominal pain

Question 3

Describe the location of the pain associated with peritonitis

Answer 3

Can be localised or generalised

Question 4

What is the most common cause of generalised peritonitis

Answer 4

Perforation of bowel

Question 5

Name 4 signs of peritonitis

Answer 5

• Abdominal rigidity/involuntary abdominal guarding
• Rebound tenderness because the peritoneum bounces back into place
• Other features include fever, vomiting, tachycardia and hypotension
• Patients will be refusing to move because movement leads to irritation of the lining of the peritoneum and severe pain.

Question 6

Describe the term abdominal guarding

Answer 6

This is when there is involuntary tensing of the abdominal wall muscles in response to pressure on the abdomen.

Often done by the body to protect inflamed abdominal organs

Question 7

Describe the term rebound tenderness

Answer 7

Pressing on the abdomen elicits less pain than releasing the hand (because the peritoneum bounces back into place)