Janice is a 32-year-old female who presents for evaluation of abdominal pain. She has no significant medical or surgical history and denies any history of ulcers, reflux, or gastritis. However, she is now in significant pain and is afraid something is really wrong. She describes what started out as a dull discomfort in the upper part of her stomach a few hours ago but has now become more profound and centered on the right side just under her ribcage. She has not vomited but says she feels nauseous. Physical exam reveals normal vital signs except for a pulse of 117 bpm. She is clearly uncomfortable, and palpation of the abdomen reveals tenderness with deep palpation of the right upper quadrant. The AGACNP orders which imaging study to investigate the likely cause?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Given Janice's presentation of significant abdominal pain localized to the right upper quadrant with tenderness on deep palpation, the most appropriate initial imaging study to investigate the likely cause is a right upper quadrant ultrasound. This imaging modality is commonly used to evaluate the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and adjacent structures. It can help identify common causes of right upper quadrant pain such as gallstones, cholecystitis, or biliary duct obstruction. The non-invasive nature of ultrasound and its ability to provide real-time imaging make it a valuable tool in the initial assessment of patients with abdominal pain. Depending on the findings of the ultrasound, further imaging studies or interventions may be pursued. Abdominal radiographs may not provide sufficient detail of the biliary system, while a CT scan with contrast or a HIDA scan may be reserved for further evaluation if needed based on the ultrasound findings.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate step for the AGACNP to take in this scenario is to decompress the colon with a rectal tube. The patient's presentation, including crampy abdominal pain, distention, lack of bowel movements, and a frame pattern of colonic distention on radiographs, are suggestive of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, also known as Ogilvie's syndrome. This condition is characterized by colonic distention without a mechanical obstruction, which can lead to significant complications such as perforation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the given scenario where there are no other abnormal findings, it suggests that Mr. Thornton is experiencing anterior wall ischemia. Ischemia occurs due to inadequate blood supply to the heart muscles, often caused by a partial blockage in the coronary arteries. The absence of abnormal findings, such as ST-segment elevation or specific changes on the electrocardiogram (ECG), indicates that the issue is more likely ischemia rather than infarction. Infarction, whether NSTEMI or STEMI, would typically be associated with specific ECG changes and significant abnormalities beyond just the absence of findings. In the absence of these features, the more likely diagnosis is anterior wall ischemia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Typically, excisional biopsy is preferred over incisional biopsy whenever feasible because it provides a more accurate representation of the tumor since the entire mass is removed. This benefits both the patient (by potentially preventing the need for a second procedure) and the medical team (by ensuring a more comprehensive evaluation of the tumor). It is important to remove the entire lesion during excisional biopsy to make an accurate diagnosis. Incisional biopsy, on the other hand, involves taking only a portion of the tumor for examination, which may lead to potential sampling error and inadequate representation of the tumor.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Campylobacter jejuni is a common bacterial cause of gastroenteritis, typically transmitted through contaminated food, water, or contact with infected animals. Patient education regarding Campylobacter jejuni infection should include advising the patient that the bacteria may be spread for as long as she has diarrhea. It is important for the patient to practice good hand hygiene and take precautions to prevent spreading the infection to others. While most cases of Campylobacter infection are self-limiting and resolve on their own without the need for antibiotics, proper hygiene practices help prevent the spread of the bacteria to others.