A patient is admitted with esophageal varices and portal hypertension. Which underlying cause of these conditions would the nurse suspect?
Liver cirrhosis
Throat lacerations
Kyphosis
Squamous cell cancer
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Liver cirrhosis is the most common cause of esophageal varices and portal hypertension. Cirrhosis leads to scarring of the liver, which impedes blood flow through the portal vein, causing increased pressure (portal hypertension) and the development of collateral blood vessels (varices) as the body attempts to bypass the blockage.
Choice B rationale
Throat lacerations are not related to the development of esophageal varices or portal hypertension. They are typically acute injuries and do not cause the chronic changes seen in the vasculature associated with these conditions.
Choice C rationale
Kyphosis, a curvature of the spine, does not cause esophageal varices or portal hypertension. It is a structural skeletal condition and does not affect the vasculature of the esophagus or the portal venous system.
Choice D rationale
While squamous cell cancer can occur in the esophagus, it is not a typical cause of portal hypertension or esophageal varices. These varices are usually a result of increased pressure in the portal vein, not directly from a malignancy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hemorrhage refers to bleeding, which can be a serious complication of peptic ulcer disease but does not lead to the spilling of gastric contents into the peritoneal cavity.
Choice B rationale
Dumping syndrome is a condition where food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine, which can cause symptoms like nausea and abdominal pain, but it does not involve the leakage of gastric contents into the peritoneal cavity.
Choice C rationale
Perforation is the correct answer because it describes a hole forming in the wall of the stomach or duodenum, allowing gastric contents to spill into the peritoneal cavity, leading to peritonitis, which is a severe and life-threatening condition.
Choice D rationale
Gastric outlet obstruction is a blockage at the end of the stomach that prevents contents from entering the small intestine, which can cause vomiting and abdominal pain, but it does not result in the leakage of gastric contents into the peritoneal cavity.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Jaundice of the sclera is indicative of hyperbilirubinemia, which can occur in various liver diseases but is not specifically associated with Grey Turner's sign or pancreatitis.
Choice B rationale
Bluish discoloration of the periumbilical area, known as Cullen's sign, is another indicator of severe pancreatitis but is distinct from Grey Turner's sign, which specifically refers to the flank area.
Choice C rationale
Left abdominal pain that occurs with movement may be a symptom experienced by patients with pancreatitis, but it is not referred to as Grey Turner's sign, which is a physical finding rather than a symptom.
Choice D rationale
Grey Turner's sign is characterized by bluish discoloration of the flank area. It is a sign of retroperitoneal hemorrhage, which can occur in severe cases of pancreatitis due to the spread of pancreatic enzymes to surrounding tissues, leading to localized bleeding.
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