Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Related

Review Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam related questions and content

A 55-year-old woman presents with fatigue, pruritus, and jaundice. Laboratory tests reveal elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels. 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 A: Primary biliary cirrhosis. This is supported by the patient's symptoms of fatigue, pruritus, jaundice, elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels, and dilated intrahepatic bile ducts. Primary biliary cirrhosis is an autoimmune liver disease that primarily affects middle-aged women, leading to destruction of intrahejson hepatic bile ducts. The normal common bile duct rules out obstruction from gallstones or pancreatic cancer. Primary sclerosing cholangitis typically presents with strictures in the bile ducts, which is not seen in this case. Therefore, the combination of symptoms, lab findings, and imaging results point towards primary biliary cirrhosis as the most likely diagnosis.