When evaluating a patient with acute pancreatitis, which of the following physical or diagnostic findings is an ominous finding that indicates a seriously illpotentially moribund patient?

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Varneys Midwifery 6th Edition Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 5

When evaluating a patient with acute pancreatitis, which of the following physical or diagnostic findings is an ominous finding that indicates a seriously illpotentially moribund patient?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The Grey Turner sign is characterized by bruising in the flanks and is a rare finding associated with acute pancreatitis. It indicates retroperitoneal bleeding and is considered an ominous finding that suggests a severe and potentially moribund state in patients with acute pancreatitis. The presence of the Grey Turner sign should prompt immediate intervention and close monitoring in a hospital setting. The other options, severe epigastric pain with radiation to the back, abdominal guarding and rigidity, and obturator sign, are indicative of pancreatitis but do not carry the same ominous implication as the Grey Turner sign.

Question 2 of 5

The AGACNP is managing a patient in the ICU who is being treated for a pulmonary embolus. Initially the patient was stable, awake, alert, and oriented, but during the last several hours the patient has become increasingly lethargic. At change of shift, the oncoming staff nurse appreciates a profound change in the patients mental status from the day before. Vital signs and hemodynamic parameters are as follows BP 8854 mm Hg Pulse 110 bpm Respiratory rate 22 breaths per minute SaO2 93 on a 50 mask Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) 1600 dynes seccm5 Cardiac index 1.3 Lmin Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) 8 mm Hg This clinical picture is most consistent with which shock state?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The patient's presentation with low blood pressure, tachycardia, tachypnea, decreased oxygen saturation, and altered mental status is most consistent with distributive shock. Distributive shock is characterized by systemic vasodilation and decreased systemic vascular resistance (SVR), leading to inadequate perfusion of tissues and organs despite normal or high cardiac output. In this case, the low SVR (1600 dynes ∙ sec/cm5) and low blood pressure indicate vasodilation. The patient's pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) of 8 mm Hg is not consistent with cardiogenic shock, where elevated PCWP would be expected. Additionally, there are no signs of obstructive shock, such as a history of pulmonary embolism but rather clinical findings that suggest distributive shock. Hypovolemic shock would typically present with signs of volume depletion and would be less likely in this patient with stable mental status initially.

Question 3 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 4 of 5

Mrs. Coates is a 65-year-old female who is on postoperative day 1 following a duodenal resection for a bleeding ulcer. She had an uneventful immediate postoperative course, but throughout the course of day 1 she has complained of a mild abdominal discomfort that has progressed throughout the day. This evening the AGACNP is called to the bedside to evaluate the patient for persistent and progressive discomfort. Likely causes of her symptoms include all of the following except

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the scenario described, Mrs. Coates is a 65-year-old female who is on the first day postoperatively following a duodenal resection for a bleeding ulcer. Given her surgical history and the progression of her abdominal discomfort, the likely causes to consider are complications related to the surgery. Options B, C, and D are all potential postoperative complications following a duodenal resection:

Question 5 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.

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