A nurse is performing an abdominal examination on a patient and notices

distention in the upper abdomen. Which condition is most likely to be

associated with this finding?

 a) Cholecystitis

 b) Gastric ulcer

 c) Ascites

 d) Appendicitis

 Answer: c) Ascites

 Rationale: Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity,

leading to distention in the upper abdomen.

During palpation of the abdomen, the nurse detects tenderness in the right

lower quadrant. This finding is most consistent with:

 a) Cholecystitis

 b) Appendicitis

 c) Gastric ulcer

 d) Pancreatitis

 Answer: b) Appendicitis

 Rationale: Tenderness in the right lower quadrant is a classic sign of

appendicitis.

When auscultating the abdomen, the nurse hears high-pitched tinkling

bowel sounds. Which condition should be considered in the differential

diagnosis?

 a) Intestinal obstruction

 b) Gastric ulcer

 c) Pancreatitis

 d) Constipation

 Answer: a) Intestinal obstruction

 Rationale: High-pitched tinkling bowel sounds are indicative of

intestinal obstruction.

A patient presents with epigastric pain that radiates to the back, along with

jaundice. Which condition should be suspected based on these symptoms?

 a) Pancreatitis

 b) Cholecystitis

 c) Gastric ulcer