Mrs. Maroldo is an 81-year-old female who presents for evaluation of pain in her left lower quadrant. She has had this pain before and says she usually takes antibiotics and it goes away. However, this time it seems worse, and she has had it for 4 days even though she says she started taking her leftover antibiotics from the last episode. She denies any nausea or vomiting but says she simply isnt hungry. She had a little diarrhea yesterday but no bowel movements today. She has a temperature of 100.9F and a pulse of 104 bpm, respirations of 20 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 9460 mm Hg. She has some discomfort to deep palpation in the left lower quadrant. The AGACNP suspects

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Mrs. Maroldo's presentation with left lower quadrant pain, fever, elevated heart rate, history of previous episodes of similar pain that improved with antibiotics, and recent diarrhea are all concerning for diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation of small pouches that can form in the wall of the colon, known as diverticula. The symptoms typically include localized abdominal pain, fever, elevated heart rate, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation. The discomfort to deep palpation in the left lower quadrant indicates inflammation in that area. The presence of fever, elevated heart rate, and low blood pressure suggests an infectious process requiring urgent evaluation and treatment. Further diagnostic tests such as a CT scan may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the inflammation. Appendicitis can also present with abdominal pain, but the location of the pain in the left lower quadrant makes diverticul

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Type A aortic aneurysms require immediate surgical intervention. Type A aortic dissections involve the ascending aorta and are at high risk for complications such as aortic rupture or compromise of coronary artery blood flow. Prompt surgical repair is necessary to prevent potentially fatal outcomes. Types B, C, and symptomatic aneurysms may not require immediate surgical intervention depending on the specific patient presentation and associated risks.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.