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Certified Gastroenterology RN Exam Prep

Category - GI

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A 55-year-old man comes to the office complaining of pain in the epigastric and left upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back. These symptoms started about three days ago. Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and flatulence are also reported. The patient says that his stool has been fatty, frothy, and foul-smelling. Blood chemistry shows increased amylase, lipase, AST, and lipid levels. Calcium and potassium are both low. Based on these findings, the patient is diagnosed with:
  1. Pancreatitis
  2. Cholecystitis
  3. Cholelithiasis
  4. Cirrhosis
Explanation
Answer - A - Based on the assessment findings and laboratory results, the patient is most likely diagnosed with pancreatitis. Cholecystitis and cholelithiasis are usually manifested by biliary colic, a severe steady pain from epigastric or right upper quadrant of the abdomen to the back or right scapula. Liver cirrhosis symptoms are more systemic.
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