Cardiovascular NCLEX Questions with Rationale Related

Review Cardiovascular NCLEX Questions with Rationale related questions and content

57 y/o male is admitted with acute cholecystitis due to cholelithiasis and undergoes an uneventful laparoscopic cholecystectomy. He is discharged the next day but returns to the ER 2 days later due to abdominal pain, distension, and fever. Abdominal CT is only positive for moderate ascites. Paracentesis reveals 50 PMNs and bilious fluid. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • A. Cirrhosis of the liver
  • B. Secondary bacterial peritonitis
  • C. Bile leak
  • D. Retained common bile duct stone
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Bile leak is a known complication of cholecystectomy, leading to bilious ascites and peritonitis symptoms like pain and fever.