The AGACNP recognizes that which of the following diagnostic studies is essential in all cases of acute abdomen?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Chest radiography. In cases of acute abdomen, a chest radiograph is essential to rule out conditions like pneumothorax, pleural effusion, or pneumonia which may present with similar symptoms. This helps in identifying potential causes of abdominal pain outside the abdomen. Abdominal radiograph (A) may not provide enough information for diagnosis. Contrast radiography (B) and ultrasonography (D) are not universally essential for all cases of acute abdomen and may not be appropriate in certain situations.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: FALSE. In preeclampsia, epigastric pain is typically associated with liver and/or HELLP syndrome, not hyperacidity. Hyperacidity is more commonly seen in conditions like gastritis or peptic ulcers. Therefore, severe epigastric pain in preeclampsia is not related to hyperacidity. Other choices are not applicable as they do not provide relevant information to the question.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, as all three choices are key indicators for cesarean section during labor. Fetal distress indicates the baby is not tolerating labor well. Failure to progress may lead to complications for the mother or baby. Breech presentation increases the risk of complications during vaginal delivery. Therefore, all three indicators warrant consideration for a cesarean section to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A (36 weeks gestation) because at this stage, the fetal lie should stabilize into a consistent position, typically longitudinal. Before 36 weeks, fetal movement and position can vary frequently. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are past the point where fetal lie should have stabilized. At 42 weeks gestation (Choice B), the baby is considered post-term, and fetal lie should have already been established. Similarly, Choices C (38 weeks) and D (40 weeks) fall within the expected range for fetal lie stabilization.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit. This method involves flexing the hips, extending the thighs, and applying suprapubic pressure to deliver the head in a complete breech presentation. This technique helps to avoid hyperextension of the neck and potential spinal cord injury. The Lovset maneuver (A) is used for delivering the arms in a breech presentation. The Burns Marshall method (C) involves performing an episiotomy and delivering the baby by flexion and traction on the legs. Gentle traction of the neck (D) is not recommended as it can cause spinal cord injury. Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit is the preferred method for safe delivery of the head in a complete breech presentation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Local anesthesia, cleansing, and suture repair. 1. Local anesthesia is needed to minimize pain during the procedure. 2. Cleansing is crucial to remove contaminants and reduce the risk of infection. 3. Suture repair is necessary for a jagged laceration of this size to promote proper wound healing and minimize scarring. Summary of other choices: A: Antibiotic therapy is not routinely needed for clean lacerations, and covering alone may not provide adequate wound closure. B: While wound exploration for foreign bodies is important, it is not the immediate priority for this patient with an open, flapping laceration. D: While cleansing, covering, and tetanus prophylaxis are important, antibiotic therapy is not routinely needed for clean lacerations.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: CT urogram. This is the appropriate next step in the workup for Melanie's microscopic hematuria. A CT urogram can provide detailed imaging of the urinary tract to identify any structural abnormalities or causes of hematuria. A urology consultation (choice A) may be necessary after the imaging results. Upper urinary imaging (choice C) is not specific enough and may not provide a comprehensive evaluation. Cystoscopy (choice D) is invasive and typically reserved for cases where lower urinary tract issues are suspected, which is not indicated in Melanie's case without further evaluation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. High-dose initial steroids are tapered off over a period of 4 to 6 weeks posttransplant. This is because corticosteroids are used initially to prevent rejection and then gradually tapered to minimize side effects. Choice B is incorrect as it states a general interest but does not address the specific protocol for corticosteroid use. Choice C is incorrect as there is no evidence suggesting better results in corticosteroid-free protocols for second-transplant recipients. Choice D is incorrect as there is no strong evidence supporting corticosteroid-free rejection protocols in posttransplant patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Virilizing tumors in women are most often localized to the adrenal cortex. This is because virilizing tumors typically involve excessive production of androgens, which are male sex hormones, and are commonly associated with adrenal cortex disorders. A is incorrect because feminizing adrenal tumors can be either benign or malignant, not always carcinomas. B is incorrect because feminizing adrenal tumors are rare compared to virilizing tumors. D is incorrect because virilizing adrenal tumors are more likely to be benign rather than malignant in children. In summary, the correct answer highlights the common association of virilizing tumors with the adrenal cortex in women, while the other choices present incorrect information regarding the types and malignancy of adrenal tumors.