ATI RN
Varneys Midwifery 6th Edition Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
R. R. is a 71-year-old female who presents with left lower quadrant pain that started out as cramping but has become more constant over the last day. She reports constipation over the last few days but admits that for as long as she can remember she has had variable bowel habits. Her vital signs are normal, but physical examination reveals some tenderness in the left lower quadrant. Which diagnostic test is most likely to support the leading differential diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a 71-year-old female presenting with left lower quadrant pain and a history of constipation, the most likely differential diagnosis to consider is diverticulitis. A CT scan with IV, oral, and rectal contrast is the diagnostic test of choice for confirming suspected diverticulitis. It is considered the gold standard imaging modality for evaluating acute abdominal pain and can help identify diverticula, inflammation, abscesses, and complications such as perforation or obstruction.
Question 2 of 5
The AGACNP is evaluating a patient who reportedly fell down a flight of steps. Her history is significant for several emergency room visits, but she denies any significant medical conditions. Some documentation in her chart indicates that she may have been subjected to physical abuse. Today she presents with a periorbital ecchymosis of the left eye and swelling in the left side of the face. Her neurologic examination is within normal limits. Which head imaging study would be most useful in assessing for findings consistent with a history of abuse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) would be the most useful head imaging study in assessing for findings consistent with a history of abuse in this patient. MRI is superior to CT in detecting subtle changes in the brain, such as small hemorrhages, edema, or shearing injuries, which may be present in cases of physical abuse. In cases of suspected abuse, it is important to evaluate for both acute and chronic changes that may not be clearly visible on other imaging modalities. While CT scans can detect acute hemorrhages or fractures, they may miss more subtle findings that can be seen on MRI. Therefore, an MRI would provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the brain and surrounding structures in this case.
Question 3 of 5
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.
Question 4 of 5
R. S. is a 66-year-old female with Cushings syndrome due to an ACTH-producing pituitary tumor. The tumor is readily isolated by imaging, and the patient had an uneventful surgery. When seeing her in follow-up, the AGACNP anticipates
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In patients with Cushing's syndrome due to an ACTH-producing pituitary tumor, removal of the tumor can result in a transient rebound release of remaining pituitary hormones. This occurs because the suppressed pituitary gland begins to recover and overproduce hormones in response to the sudden decrease in negative feedback from the removed tumor. As a result, patients may experience transient hormonal fluctuations before the pituitary gland establishes a new equilibrium. Therefore, when seeing the patient in follow-up after surgery, the AGACNP should anticipate a transient rebound release of remaining pituitary hormones rather than immediate and rapid reversal of symptoms or markedly improved test results. Additionally, hyponatremia and compensatory SIADH are less likely in this scenario unless there are other underlying factors contributing to it.
Question 5 of 5
Mr. Novello is an 81-year old male patient who presents with crampy abdominal pain in the hypogastrum and a vague history as to his last normal bowel movement. Physical examination reveals distention and high-pitched bowel sounds. The patient says he has never has this kind of problem before and denies any history of abdominal surgery. Abdominal radiographs reveal a frame pattern of colonic distention. The AGACNP considers
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.