While on tour, a 32 year old male musician has presented to the emergency department of a hospital after a concert complaining of severe and sudden abdominal pain. He admits to a history of copious alcohol use in recent years, and his vital signs include temperature 101.8°F, blood pressure 89/48 mm HG and heart rate 116 beats per minute. Blood work indicates that his serum levels of C-reactive protein, amylase and lipase are all elevated. Which of the following diagnoses would the care team suspect first?
Liver cirrhosis
Acute pancreatitis
Hepatitis C
Cholecystitis
The Correct Answer is B
A. Liver cirrhosis: Although chronic alcohol use can cause cirrhosis, the acute presentation with severe abdominal pain, fever, hypotension, and elevated amylase and lipase is more indicative of pancreatitis rather than cirrhosis, which typically presents with chronic symptoms.
B. Acute pancreatitis: Sudden severe abdominal pain, fever, low blood pressure, and elevated inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein along with elevated pancreatic enzymes (amylase and lipase) strongly suggest acute pancreatitis. Alcohol use is a common risk factor for this condition.
C. Hepatitis C: This usually presents with more chronic symptoms related to liver dysfunction fatigue, nausea, dark urine, and jaundice. It does not cause elevated pancreatic enzymes or acute abdominal pain.
D. Cholecystitis: While cholecystitis causes abdominal pain and fever, it does not typically cause elevated amylase and lipase levels unless there is associated pancreatitis. The vital signs and enzyme elevations point more directly to pancreatitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The adrenal cortex is vital for life because it produces key hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens. Cortisol helps regulate metabolism, stress responses, and immune function. Aldosterone maintains sodium and potassium balance, crucial for blood pressure and fluid regulation. Without these hormones, the body cannot sustain essential physiological processes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The liver metabolizes most components of food (protein, carbohydrates and fats) and also cleans the blood of bacteria and drugs: The liver plays a central role in metabolism, including converting nutrients into energy or storage forms, breaking down toxins, metabolizing drugs, and filtering bacteria from the blood via Kupffer cells.
B. The liver maintains a balanced level of electrolytes and pH in the body and stores glucose, minerals and vitamins: While the liver stores glycogen and some vitamins and minerals, it does not directly regulate electrolyte or pH balance, which is primarily the function of the kidneys and respiratory system.
C. The liver is responsible for the absorption of most dietary nutrients as well as the production of growth hormones: Nutrient absorption is mainly the role of the small intestine. Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland, not the liver, making this statement inaccurate.
D. The liver contributes to the metabolism of ingested food and provides the fluids that the GI tract requires: Although the liver produces bile, which aids in fat digestion, it does not supply most of the fluids needed by the GI tract. Salivary glands, gastric glands, pancreas, and intestines contribute the majority of GI fluids.
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