Neurologic Case Study

Patient Profile:

• Age: 68 years.
• Gender: Male.
• Medical History: Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
• Medications: Lisinopril, Metformin.
• Allergies: None.

Chief Complaint: The patient presents to the emergency department (ED) with a sudden onset of right-sided weakness and difficulty speaking that began approximately 1 hour prior to arrival.

Exhibits

What is a potential complication of the patient's condition?

Choice A reason: Upper endoscopy is not typically used to diagnose cholecystitis. It is more commonly used to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Choice B reason: Stool samples are not relevant for diagnosing cholecystitis. They are more commonly used to detect gastrointestinal infections or bleeding.

Choice C reason: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a valuable diagnostic tool for cholecystitis, especially when there is suspicion of bile duct obstruction or gallstones.

Choice D reason: Abdominal ultrasound is the most common and preferred imaging test for diagnosing cholecystitis. It can visualize the gallbladder and detect gallstones, inflammation, or other abnormalities.

Choice A reason: Amber fluid is typically a sign of serous exudate, which is a normal part of the inflammatory process and wound healing. It indicates the body's immune response to the injury and is generally not a cause for concern unless the volume significantly increases or changes in appearance.

Choice B reason: Clear drainage, or serous fluid, is also a normal finding in wound healing. It indicates that the wound is exuding plasma, which helps to keep the wound moist and supports the healing process. This type of drainage is typically not worrisome unless there are other signs of infection or complications.

Choice C reason: Purulent, draining wound is a major concern as it indicates the presence of pus, which is often a sign of infection. Purulent drainage can be yellow, green, or brown and is usually thick and malodorous. The presence of pus suggests that there are bacteria or other pathogens in the wound, and immediate medical intervention is necessary to prevent further complications and promote healing.

Choice D reason: Blood-tinged fluid, or serosanguinous drainage, is common in fresh wounds or after debridement. It indicates a mixture of plasma and red blood cells and can be seen in the early stages of wound healing. While it is generally not alarming, the nurse should monitor the volume and changes in the drainage to ensure there are no signs of excessive bleeding or infection.