Adult Medical Surgical ATI Related

Review Adult Medical Surgical ATI related questions and content

A 48-year-old woman presents with fatigue, pruritus, and jaundice. She has a history of ulcerative colitis. Laboratory tests reveal elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • A. Hepatitis B
  • B. Primary biliary cirrhosis
  • C. Primary sclerosing cholangitis
  • D. Autoimmune hepatitis
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most likely diagnosis is primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) based on the patient's symptoms of fatigue, pruritus, jaundice, and elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels. PSC is commonly associated with inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis. The characteristic findings of elevated alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels are indicative of cholestasis, which is a key feature of PSC. Additionally, PSC is characterized by fibrosis and inflammation of the bile ducts, leading to bile duct strictures and subsequent liver damage. Hepatitis B would present with viral hepatitis symptoms and different lab findings. Primary biliary cirrhosis typically presents with elevated alkaline phosphatase and antimitochondrial antibodies. Autoimmune hepatitis would have elevated transaminases and autoantibodies. Therefore, based on the clinical presentation and lab results, PSC is the most likely diagnosis.