A 55-year-old man presents with jaundice, pruritus, and dark urine. Laboratory tests reveal elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. Imaging shows dilated intrahepatic bile ducts and a normal common bile duct. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Primary biliary cirrhosis
- B. Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- C. Gallstones
- D. Pancreatic cancer
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most likely diagnosis is Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). PBC typically presents with jaundice, pruritus, and dark urine due to impaired bile flow. Elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels are common in PBC. Imaging findings of dilated intrahepatic bile ducts and a normal common bile duct support the diagnosis of PBC. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (Choice B) would show strictures and beading of bile ducts on imaging. Gallstones (Choice C) would typically present with a common bile duct obstruction. Pancreatic cancer (Choice D) may present with similar symptoms but is less likely given the specific imaging findings in this case.
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A 50-year-old man presents with fatigue, arthralgia, and darkening of the skin. Laboratory tests reveal elevated liver enzymes and high serum ferritin levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Wilson's disease
- B. Hemochromatosis
- C. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- D. Autoimmune hepatitis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hemochromatosis. In this case, the patient's symptoms of fatigue, arthralgia, darkening of the skin, elevated liver enzymes, and high serum ferritin levels point towards iron overload disorder. Hemochromatosis is a genetic condition characterized by excessive absorption and accumulation of iron in various organs, leading to liver damage and skin pigmentation. Wilson's disease (A) presents with copper accumulation, not iron. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (C) primarily affects the lungs and liver, not causing iron overload. Autoimmune hepatitis (D) does not typically present with elevated ferritin levels.
The healthcare provider is preparing to administer a blood transfusion. Which action is most important to ensure client safety?
- A. Check the client's vital signs before starting the transfusion.
- B. Verify the client's identity and blood compatibility.
- C. Administer the blood with normal saline.
- D. Monitor the client for the first 15 minutes of the transfusion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Verify the client's identity and blood compatibility. This step is crucial to prevent transfusion reactions due to compatibility issues. By confirming the client's identity and ensuring that the blood type matches, the healthcare provider minimizes the risk of adverse reactions such as hemolytic transfusion reactions. Checking vital signs (A) is important but ensuring blood compatibility takes precedence. Administering blood with normal saline (C) is incorrect as blood should be infused with the appropriate blood administration set. Monitoring the client for the first 15 minutes (D) is essential but verification of identity and blood compatibility is the primary step to prioritize safety.
Which of the following statements is true about ischemic colitis?
- A. Typically requires colonic resection
- B. Affects the watershed areas of the colon, namely, the splenic flexure, right colon, and rectum
- C. Is only seen in the elderly
- D. Requires colonoscopic intervention
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ischemic colitis affects the watershed areas of the colon, namely, the splenic flexure, right colon, and rectum. This is because these areas have relatively poor collateral blood supply, making them more susceptible to ischemia. Ischemic colitis typically presents with abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and tends to affect elderly patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Choice A is incorrect as most cases of ischemic colitis can be managed conservatively without the need for colonic resection. Choice C is incorrect as ischemic colitis can occur in individuals of any age group, although it is more common in the elderly. Choice D is incorrect because colonoscopic intervention is not always necessary for the diagnosis and management of ischemic colitis.
A client with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is receiving warfarin (Coumadin). Which instruction should the nurse provide?
- A. Avoid green leafy vegetables.
- B. Take aspirin for headaches.
- C. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- D. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Patients on warfarin are at risk for bleeding due to its anticoagulant effect. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush helps prevent gum bleeding and injury to the gums, reducing the risk of bleeding complications. Avoiding green leafy vegetables (choice A) is not necessary, as consistent intake is key for warfarin dosing. Taking aspirin (choice B) can increase the risk of bleeding. Limiting fluid intake (choice D) is not indicated in this case.
What is the best therapy for a 65-year-old man with symptoms of regurgitation, chest pain, dysphagia, weight loss, dilated esophagus, and an absent gastric air bubble on CXR?
- A. Proton-pump inhibitor
- B. Endoscopic balloon dilatation
- C. Sucralfate
- D. Esophageal resection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Endoscopic balloon dilatation. This is the best therapy for a 65-year-old man with symptoms of regurgitation, chest pain, dysphagia, weight loss, dilated esophagus, and an absent gastric air bubble on CXR because these symptoms suggest achalasia, a motility disorder of the esophagus. Endoscopic balloon dilatation helps to disrupt the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, relieving symptoms and improving esophageal emptying. Proton-pump inhibitors (A) are used for acid-related conditions, not for achalasia. Sucralfate (C) is a mucosal protective agent and not indicated for achalasia. Esophageal resection (D) is a more invasive option and usually reserved for severe cases or when other treatments have failed.