Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 21, 2026
05:50
Author Spotlight: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Gastric Content Assessment and Risk Stratification in Perioperative Care
Published on: September 22, 2023
4.9K
Evaluating the Patient with Right Upper Quadrant Abdominal Pain
Jennifer Avegno1, Matthew Carlisle1
1Section of Emergency Medicine, University Medical Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2000 Canal Street, Room 2720, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America
|May 3, 2016
Summary
Right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain evaluation involves understanding anatomy and common causes. This review covers history, physical exam, and diagnostic best practices for emergent RUQ pain.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain is a frequent emergency department complaint.
- Differential diagnosis is extensive, encompassing gastrointestinal (GI) and non-GI etiologies.
- Effective patient evaluation necessitates a systematic approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of RUQ pain evaluation in the emergency setting.
- To detail the anatomy and physiology relevant to RUQ pain.
- To outline best practices for diagnosis and management of common RUQ pain causes.
Main Methods:
- Review of relevant medical literature and clinical guidelines.
- Discussion of anatomical and physiological principles.
- Integration of history, physical examination, laboratory, and imaging findings.
Main Results:
- Detailed exploration of common GI and non-GI causes of RUQ pain.
- Emphasis on critical "can't miss" non-GI diagnoses.
- Guidance on optimal laboratory and imaging utilization.
Conclusions:
- A structured approach combining clinical assessment and diagnostic tools is crucial for managing RUQ pain.
- Timely identification of serious conditions ensures appropriate patient care.
- This review serves as a guide for emergency physicians managing RUQ pain.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Abdominal Regions and Quadrants
19.3K
To promote clear communication, for instance, about the location of a patient's abdominal pain or a suspicious mass, anatomists and clinicians typically use imaginary lines to categorize the abdominopelvic cavity into either four quadrants or nine regions to identify organs in the cavity.
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four...
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four...
19.3K
01:22Appendicitis-I: Introduction
3.4K
The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
3.4K
01:23Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation
4.7K
Palpation is a crucial tactile examination method for assessing abdominal organs and detecting conditions like tenderness, distention, masses, or fluid. It involves both light and deep palpation techniques, each serving specific diagnostic purposes. Light palpation helps identify tenderness and other surface-level indicators, while deep palpation locates and assess abdominal masses and organ boundaries. A skilled professional can gather valuable insights through palpation, including evaluating...
4.7K
01:25Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation
2.9K
Introduction
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection....
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection....
2.9K
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
759
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) presents with diverse symptoms depending on the location and severity of the ulcer. Clinical manifestations of peptic ulcer include dull pain and a burning sensation in the mid-epigastric region.
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
759
01:26Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation
1.2K
The nursing assessment of the genitourinary (GU) system involves a systematic inspection and palpation to identify abnormalities in the kidneys, bladder, and surrounding structures.InspectionMouth: Inspect for signs of kidney dysfunction, such as stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) and ammonia breath, which may occur in advanced kidney disease due to the buildup of urea, breaking down into ammonia.Skin: Check for pallor, which could indicate anemia caused by kidney disease. Look for...
1.2K