Hepatic encephalopathy is a clinical syndrome seen in patients with chronic liver disease its presentation may range from mild personality changes, to psychosis, to coma. The primary chemical mediators of hepatic encephalopathy include all of the following except

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serotonin. Serotonin is not a primary chemical mediator of hepatic encephalopathy. The main chemical mediators involved in hepatic encephalopathy are A: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), B: Ammonia, and C: False neurotransmitters. GABA plays a role in inhibiting neurotransmission, ammonia is a key factor in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy, and false neurotransmitters are produced due to altered amino acid metabolism in the liver. Serotonin is not a key player in the development of hepatic encephalopathy, hence it is the correct answer.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Transmural myocardial infarction. Subtotal plaque disruption leads to vasoconstriction, platelet activation, and embolization, causing complete occlusion of a coronary artery. This results in ischemia of the entire thickness of the myocardial wall, leading to transmural myocardial infarction. Endothelial cell dysfunction (A) is an early event in atherosclerosis but does not directly result from subtotal plaque disruption. Prinzmetal's angina (B) is caused by transient coronary artery spasm rather than plaque disruption. Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (D) involves incomplete blockage of a coronary artery and typically does not result from subtotal plaque disruption.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Depression. Psychosis during puerperium commonly manifests as postpartum depression, characterized by feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and fatigue. This is due to hormonal changes and stress associated with childbirth. Mania (choice A) and bipolar disorder (choice B) are less common during this period. Infection (choice D) is not a typical manifestation of psychosis during puerperium. Overall, postpartum depression is the most prevalent and well-documented form of psychosis in the postpartum period.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Persistent vomiting or nausea. Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of morning sickness characterized by persistent vomiting and nausea during pregnancy. This is the main clinical feature due to hormonal changes and increased sensitivity to certain odors. Choice B is incorrect as sight-related problems are not a typical feature of hyperemesis gravidarum. Choice C is incorrect as persistent diarrhea is not a defining feature of this condition. Choice D is incorrect as frequency or urgency of micturition is not a primary symptom of hyperemesis gravidarum.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hyperbaric oxygen. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the most effective treatment for pneumatosis as it helps to reduce gas cysts by increasing oxygen levels in the tissues. This promotes healing and resolution of the condition. A: Several days of oxygen by face mask - Regular oxygen therapy is not as effective as hyperbaric oxygen in treating pneumatosis. C: Surgical resection - Surgical resection is not typically the first-line treatment for pneumatosis and is usually reserved for severe cases or complications. D: Treatment of underlying disease - While treating the underlying disease is important, it may not directly address the gas cysts in the gastrointestinal tract. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy targets the gas cysts specifically.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. Multiple gestations are at higher risk for complications such as premature labor, where contractions start before 37 weeks, leading to preterm birth. Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome can occur in identical twins sharing a placenta, causing unequal blood flow. Preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage, is more common in multiple pregnancies. Therefore, all choices A, B, and C are correct as they are common complications associated with multiple gestations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: A long history of alcohol use. In this case, the patient T. S. is brain dead following a catastrophic accident. Although she had an organ donor notation, her long history of alcohol use precludes her from serving as a liver donor. Chronic alcohol use can lead to liver damage and compromise the quality of the liver for transplantation. Encephalopathy (choice A) is a potential complication of liver disease, but it does not preclude her from being a liver donor. Hepatitis C infection (choice B) and biliary cirrhosis (choice D) may affect the liver, but they do not automatically disqualify her as a donor.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoidance of elective surgery and nonessential medications. This is the initial management for a patient with thrombocytopenia and abnormal bleeding time, possibly indicating immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Avoiding surgery and medications that can worsen thrombocytopenia is crucial to prevent bleeding complications. Prednisone (B) is not the first-line treatment for ITP, especially without confirming the diagnosis. Monoclonal antibody therapy (C) such as rituximab is usually reserved for refractory cases. Splenectomy (D) is considered only if other treatments fail as a last resort.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Prescribe anti-nausea medication. This is the most appropriate choice to manage hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness. Anti-nausea medication can help alleviate symptoms and prevent dehydration. Choice B (Recommend bed rest) may not directly address the nausea and vomiting associated with hyperemesis gravidarum. Choice C (Suggest a high-protein diet) and D (Advise on exercise) may not be effective in managing the condition or providing immediate relief from symptoms. Anti-nausea medication is the most evidence-based approach to support a woman with hyperemesis gravidarum.