Adult Medical Surgical ATI Related

Review Adult Medical Surgical ATI related questions and content

A 70-year-old man presents with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain. He has a history of atrial fibrillation. Physical examination reveals a soft abdomen with minimal tenderness. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • A. Acute pancreatitis
  • B. Mesenteric ischemia
  • C. Peptic ulcer disease
  • D. Diverticulitis
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most likely diagnosis in this case is B: Mesenteric ischemia. Given the sudden onset of severe abdominal pain in an elderly patient with atrial fibrillation, mesenteric ischemia is a crucial consideration due to the risk of thromboembolism from the heart condition leading to inadequate blood supply to the intestines. Acute pancreatitis (A) typically presents with epigastric pain radiating to the back and elevated serum amylase/lipase levels. Peptic ulcer disease (C) usually presents with a history of dyspepsia and is less likely to cause sudden severe abdominal pain. Diverticulitis (D) commonly presents with left lower quadrant pain and tenderness, which contrasts with the soft abdomen and minimal tenderness seen in this case.