A patient, diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis, presents to his healthcare provider because he vomited something that looked like coffee grounds. Which health problem would the care team first suspect?
Esophageal varices.
Colorectal cancer.
Inflammatory bowel disease.
Appendicitis
The Correct Answer is A
A. Esophageal varices: Coffee-ground emesis suggests upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which is often due to ruptured esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis.
B. Colorectal cancer: This condition typically presents with lower gastrointestinal symptoms such as changes in bowel habits or blood in the stool, not coffee-ground emesis.
C. Inflammatory bowel disease: This condition can cause gastrointestinal bleeding but is more commonly associated with symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain rather than coffee-ground emesis.
D. Appendicitis: This condition typically presents with right lower quadrant pain, not upper GI bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Puffy appearance associated with hypersecretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH): This describes the appearance associated with SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion), not myxedema.
B. Tissue puffiness associated with hypothyroidism: Myxedema is a condition related to severe hypothyroidism, characterized by swelling of the skin and underlying tissues, giving a puffy appearance, especially in the face.
C. Proliferation of tissue behind the eyes that is common in hyperthyroidism: This describes exophthalmos, a condition often seen in Graves' disease, which is associated with hyperthyroidism, not myxedema.
D. State of increased cerebral edema the morning after a college party: This choice is incorrect and unrelated to the description of myxedema.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hyperproteinemia and increased drug effect: In cirrhosis, hypoproteinemia (low protein levels) occurs due to decreased protein synthesis by the liver, and drug metabolism is often impaired, leading to increased drug effects, but hyperproteinemia is not a typical finding.
B. Hyperkalemia and fluid retention: While fluid retention is common due to hypoalbuminemia and portal hypertension, hyperkalemia is not a direct consequence of hepatocyte dysfunction.
C. Hypercortisolism and increased infection risk: Hypercortisolism is not typically associated with cirrhosis. However, increased infection risk is common due to compromised immune function.
D. An elevated blood glucose and ammonia level: In cirrhosis, the liver's ability to metabolize ammonia is impaired, leading to elevated levels. Additionally, impaired glucose metabolism can result in hyperglycemia.
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