CH. 18

Question 1

Answers to Assessment in Action Questions

Answer 1

Answers to Assessment in Action Questions

1. Answer: A Peptic ulcers
2. Answer: A hematemesis.
3. Answer: D guarding.
4. Answer: B Ulcerative colitis
5. Answer: C esophageal varices.
6. Answer: D placing the patient supine.
7. Answer: B Blood pressure
8. Answer: C peptic ulcers.
9. Answer: The patient’s past medical history provides important clues. He has a history of an enlarged liver, high blood pressure, and alcoholism. He presented with severe abdominal pain and vomiting bright red blood and stated that his last oral intake was a six-pack of beer. The primary cause of esophageal varices is portal hypertension, which is associated with an enlarged liver due to hepatitis or alcohol abuse. This knowledge combined with your findings supports your working diagnosis of esophageal varices.
10. Answer: Many illnesses related to the abdomen share the same signs and symptoms, making your job a bit more challenging. While obtaining your SAMPLE history, be sure to include such information as the patient’s state of general health, any childhood or adult diseases, any recent surgeries or hospitalizations, the presence of any psychiatric or mental illnesses, and any exposure to trauma. Although this information will not enable you to make a conclusive field diagnosis, it will provide you with possible insight into the patient’s current status and what problems may lie ahead.