Author Question: You observe Charcot's triad of sign and symptoms in a patient under your care. This is commonly seen ... (Read 89 times)

oliviahorn72 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

You observe Charcot's triad of sign and symptoms in a patient under your care. This is commonly seen in which of the following disorders?

A. Cirrhosis
B. Pancreatitis
C. Cholangitis
D. Portal hypertension

Question 2

A 59-year-old patient with history of alcohol abuse is admitted for hematemesis. On physical examination, you note ascites and caput medusa. A likely cause for the hematemesis is:

A. Peptic ulcer disease
B. Barrett's esophagus
C. Pancreatitis
D. Esophageal varices

vboyd24 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Occlusion of the common bile duct may occur with disorders of the gallbladder and/or bile duct, such as cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, and cholangitis. All three conditions are generally accompanied by RUQ discomfort, anorexia, and nausea. Charcot's triad, which includes jaundice, RUQ pain, and fever/chills, is common to problems resulting in obstructions of the bile duct.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Patients with portal hypertension may develop GI bleeding from varices of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, or other sites. Portal hypertension is most commonly associated with cirrhosis, usually caused by alcohol abuse or hepatitis. Check for signs of liver disease, including jaundice, cirrhosis, telangiectasia, hepatomegaly, and RUQ tenderness. Ascites occurs due to venous congestion. Caput medusa is the distension of paraumbilical veins due to portal hypertension.