Chapter 16 - Gastrointestinal & Urological Emergencies

Question 1

A 30-year-old woman with a history of alcoholism presents with severe upper abdominal pain and is vomiting large amounts of bright red blood. Her skin is cool, pale, and clammy; her heart rate is 120 beats/min and weak; and her blood pressure is 70/50 mm Hg. Your MOST immediate action should be to:
Select one:
A. keep her supine and elevate her legs.
B. protect her airway from aspiration.
C. rapidly transport her to the hospital.
D. give her high-flow supplemental oxygen.

Answer 1

B. protect her airway from aspiration.

Question 2

A 35-year-old mildly obese woman is complaining of localized pain in the right upper quadrant with referred pain to the right shoulder. The MOST likely cause of her pain is:
Select one:
A. acute cystitis.
B. pancreatitis.
C. acute cholecystitis.
D. appendicitis.

Answer 2

C. acute cholecystitis.

Question 3

Chronic renal failure is a condition that:
Select one:
A. causes dehydration from excessive urination.
B. can be reversed with prompt treatment.
C. is often caused by hypertension or diabetes.
D. occurs from conditions such as dehydration.

Answer 3

C. is often caused by hypertension or diabetes.

Question 4

In the presence of ileus, the only way the stomach can empty is by:
Select one:
A. muscular contraction.
B. vomiting.
C. diarrhea.  
D. spontaneous rupture.

Answer 4

B. vomiting.

Question 5

Pain that is localized to the lower back and/or lower abdominal quadrants is MOST suggestive of:
Select one:
A. acute appendicitis.
B. acute pancreatitis.
C. a kidney infection. 
D. an aortic aneurysm.

Answer 5

D. an aortic aneurysm.

Question 6

Pain that radiates to the right lower quadrant from the umbilical area, nausea and vomiting, and anorexia are MOST indicative of:
Select one:
A. gastroenteritis. 
B. appendicitis.
C. pancreatitis.
D. cholecystitis.

Answer 6

B. appendicitis.

Question 7

Which of the following organs assists in the filtration of blood, serves as a blood reservoir, and produces antibodies?
Select one:
A. spleen
B. kidney
C. liver
D. pancreas

Answer 7

A. spleen

Question 8

Your patient complains of abdominal pain that occurs mostly at night or after eating fatty foods. You should suspect \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
Select one:
A. appendicitis
B. cholecystitis 
C. a hernia
D. kidney stones

Answer 8

B. cholecystitis

Question 9

Your patient complains of chronic “burning” stomach pain that improves after eating. You should suspect:
Select one:
A. peptic ulcer disease.
B. pneumonia.
C. aortic aneurysm.
D. kidney stones.

Answer 9

A. peptic ulcer disease.