Lesson 11:Lesson 11:Abdominal IllnessAbdominal Illness

ObjectivesObjectives

• Demonstrate a field assessment for abdominal pain/discomfort

• List signs/symptoms of serious abdominal problems• Define and describe treatment of and long term

care for stomachache and diarrhea• Describe situations that would require evac versus

rapid evac• Describe personal/camp hygiene to help prevent

abdominal issues

Abdominal Illness OverviewAbdominal Illness Overview

• Abdominal pain can be common• May never know source of the problem• When taking SAMPLE history ask about

abdominal pain/discomfort• To assess, press gently on four quadrants

with fingers flat on abdomen. Start away from the pain

• Note results in assessment

Checking and Caring for Checking and Caring for StomacheStomache

• Gastritis: inflammation of stomach lining, causes most stomachs

• Signs/symptoms?– Gradually increasing/widespread discomfort,

often worse in lower region– Intermittent cramping– Nausea and vomiting– diarrhea

Care for StomachachesCare for Stomachaches

• Keep Patient well hydrated• Provide bland diet, if not vomiting• Maintain good hygiene to keep from

spreading

Caring for DiarrheaCaring for Diarrhea

• Diarrhea: frequent loose and watery stools, may also have stomachache

• Gastroenteritis: mild inflammation of gastrointestinal tract– If mild, have patient drink water or diluted

sports drink/non citrus fruit juice– If persistent, requires aggressive electrolyte

replacement. • 1 teaspoon salt, 8 teaspoons sugar/qt

Caring for DiarrheaCaring for Diarrhea

• If patient not vomiting– Feed with rice, grains, bananas, potatoes or

other bland items– Avoid fats, dairy products, caffeine, alcohol

• OTC medications can be used if available

Serious Abdominal PainSerious Abdominal Pain

• Signs and Symptoms?– Fever higher than 102F– Persistent pain for more than 12 hrs– Localized pain, especially if patient guards area– Tenderness, rigidity, swelling– Pain increases with movement, walking, etc– Blood in vomit, feces, or urine

• In vomit looks like coffee grounds• In feces may be black like tar• In urine appears light brown to reddish

Guidelines for EvacuationGuidelines for Evacuation

• GO SLOW with any person that has persistent abdominal discomfort

• GO FAST for any patient with signs/symptoms of serious abdominal pain

Preventing Abdominal PainsPreventing Abdominal Pains

• Keys for Personal and Group Hygiene?– Wash hands with soap and water– Don’t eat leftover food unless properly stored– Bury human waste >200 feet from water source– Do not share personal eating utensils– Do not put personal eating utensils in group food pot– Keep kitchen clean, disinfect all pots/utensils prior to

using– Disinfect all drinking water

Methods for Disinfecting WaterMethods for Disinfecting Water

• Boiling: rolling boil for at least 1 min (longer at higher elevations)

• Chemical treatment, as directed for particular treatment

• Filtration: removes bacteria, may not get all viruses

• Ultraviolet light devices

Questions???Questions???

What else could you add to your What else could you add to your First Aid Kit?First Aid Kit?