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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: A HIDA scan. A HIDA scan is the most appropriate imaging study for investigating the likely cause in this case because the patient's symptoms (abdominal pain centered on the right side just under the ribcage, tenderness in the right upper quadrant) are suggestive of a possible gallbladder issue, such as cholecystitis or biliary colic. A HIDA scan is specifically used to evaluate the gallbladder and biliary system. A: Abdominal radiographs would not provide detailed information about the gallbladder or biliary system, and are not the best choice in this scenario. B: A CT scan of the abdomen with contrast can be helpful in some situations, but it may not provide the specific information needed to evaluate the gallbladder and biliary system. C: Right upper quadrant ultrasound is a good initial imaging study for evaluating gallbladder disease, but a HIDA scan is more specific for functional assessment of

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decompression of the colon with rectal tube. This is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO), also known as Ogilvie's syndrome. In this condition, there is colonic distention without an actual mechanical obstruction, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, distention, and high-pitched bowel sounds. Decompression with a rectal tube can help relieve the distention and prevent complications like perforation. Choice A (stimulant laxative) is incorrect because ACPO is not due to simple constipation, so laxatives would not be effective. Choice B (carcinoma of the bowel) is unlikely given the acute onset and lack of risk factors. Choice D (angiography for mesenteric ischemia) is not indicated in this case as there are no signs of acute ischemia. In summary, the correct choice is C because it directly addresses the underlying issue of colonic distention in

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the absence of any other abnormal findings suggests that Mr. Thornton is currently experiencing an anterior wall infarction. This is indicated by the localized area of myocardial necrosis due to prolonged ischemia. Option A is incorrect because ischemia would typically present with reversible changes rather than necrosis. Option C is incorrect as NSTEMI would show some abnormal findings. Option D is incorrect as STEMI would show more significant ECG changes and enzyme elevation. In summary, the absence of other abnormalities points towards an acute event like an anterior wall infarction.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Fine needle aspiration does not allow grading of tumors. Rationale: 1. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) collects cells for cytology evaluation, not tissue for grading. 2. Grading requires evaluation of tissue architecture, which is not possible with FNA. 3. FNA is useful for diagnosis but not for determining tumor grade. Summary: A: Incorrect - Excisional biopsy is preferred over incisional biopsy to obtain the entire tumor for diagnosis and grading. B: Incorrect - Core needle biopsy has a lower false positive rate compared to fine needle aspiration. D: Incorrect - Core needle and incisional biopsies differ in the amount of tissue sampled and potential for false results.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: Campylobacter jejuni is a bacteria commonly associated with foodborne illness, often found in undercooked poultry and unpasteurized milk. Step 2: The patient's symptoms and microbiological findings are consistent with Campylobacter infection. Step 3: Advising the patient that there is no readily identified food source of this bacteria is important for preventing future exposure and potential reinfection. Step 4: Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not address the specific educational need related to food safety and prevention of Campylobacter infection.