The AGACNP knows that which of the following must be evaluated as a cause of her abdominal pain?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Abdominal pain in pregnancy can be caused by various conditions, but spontaneous hepatic rupture is a rare but life-threatening cause that must be ruled out. Spontaneous hepatic rupture, also known as liver rupture, can occur in pregnancy, though it is extremely rare. It is associated with severe abdominal pain, hypovolemic shock, and can lead to significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the AGACNP should evaluate this possibility when assessing a pregnant patient with abdominal pain to provide timely and appropriate management.HELLP syndrome, placental abruption, and preterm labor are important considerations in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in pregnancy but are not specific to the life-threatening nature of spontaneous hepatic rupture.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ultrasonography is considered essential in all cases of acute abdomen because it is a valuable tool in evaluating various abdominal organs non-invasively. It can quickly identify common causes of acute abdomen such as cholecystitis, pancreatitis, appendicitis, and other intra-abdominal pathologies. Ultrasonography also has the advantage of being radiation-free and can be performed rapidly at the bedside, making it a preferred initial diagnostic modality in the evaluation of acute abdominal pain. Abdominal radiograph, contrast radiography, and chest radiography may have limited utility in the evaluation of acute abdomen compared to ultrasonography.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A crescent-shaped fluid collection on a head CT scan typically represents an acute subdural hematoma. Acute subdural hematomas result from the tearing of bridging veins that lie between the dura mater and arachnoid mater layers of the meninges. This injury often occurs due to significant head trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident. As blood accumulates within the potential space between the dura and arachnoid layers, it forms a crescent-shaped collection that can compress the underlying brain tissue, leading to symptoms such as altered mental status, headache, focal neurological deficits, and signs of increased intracranial pressure. Treatment may involve surgical intervention to evacuate the hematoma and relieve the pressure on the brain.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Upper urinary imaging is the appropriate next step in the workup for Melanie based on the presentation of microscopic hematuria with no other identifiable explanation. Upper urinary imaging, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, can help evaluate the upper urinary tract, including the kidneys and ureters, to investigate potential causes of hematuria. This step is commonly recommended before proceeding to invasive procedures like cystoscopy or consultation with a urologist. It allows for a non-invasive assessment of the upper urinary system to identify any potential abnormalities that may be causing the hematuria in the patient.