ACS, Acidosis, AAA and Other Miscellaneous Causes of Abdominal Pain

There are HUNDREDS of other non-GI/GU causes of abdominal pain…

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
  • Test with EKG and troponin
  • Treat with aspirin and heparin
Acidosis
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
  • Respiratory Acidosis (COPD)
  • Salicylate Toxicity (Remember MUDPILES)
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
  • Older people with abdominal/flank/back pain or syncope
  • Testing
    • CT Scan Abdomen with contrast (Good)
    • CTA Abdomen (Better)
    • Bedside Ultrasound (Best)
Additional Reading

2 Comments

  1. Jack

    Hi Zac, just checking that the RR would only be elevated if it was a metabolic acidosis as a cause of the acidosis? Thank you.

    • Zack

      I believe that is mostly likely. In most cases tachypnea will result in increased minute ventilation and a metabolic alkalosis.

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