Ch 16 Key Terms Flashcards
1
Q
guarding
A
an involuntary action in which the abdomen becomes rigid upon examination.
2
Q
hematemesis
A
vomiting up blood.
3
Q
hematochezia
A
the passage of bloody stools.
4
Q
melena
A
black, tarry stools.
5
Q
peritonitis
A
an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum, the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs.
6
Q
referred pain
A
pain that originates in one part of the body but is felt in another part of the body.
7
Q
sensory nerves
A
nerves that send signals to the brain for perception of touch, pressure, heat, cold, and pain.
8
Q
visceral nerves
A
a collection of nerves that convey impulses between a part of the central nervous system and a viscus, such as an internal organ in the chest or abdomen.
