Lesson 11: Abdominal Illness

1. Lesson 11:Abdominal Illness

3. Objectives • 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

4. Abdominal 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

5. Checking and Caring for Stomache • 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

6. Care for Stomachaches • Keep Patient well hydrated • Provide bland diet, if not vomiting • Maintain good hygiene to keep from spreading

7. Caring 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

8. Caring 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

9. Serious 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

10. Guidelines for Evacuation • GO SLOW with any person that has persistent abdominal discomfort • GO FAST for any patient with signs/symptoms of serious abdominal pain

11. Preventing 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

12. Methods 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

13. Questions???What else could you add to your First Aid Kit?