American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

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How is cholangitis primarily diagnosed?

CT scan of the abdomen
RUQ ultrasound
Urinalysis
Urine culture

The correct answer is: RUQ ultrasound

Cholangitis is primarily diagnosed through imaging techniques that can visualize the biliary tree and detect obstruction or infection. The right upper quadrant (RUQ) ultrasound is particularly effective as it is a non-invasive method that can quickly reveal dilated bile ducts, which are indicative of cholangitis, as well as any associated gallstones that may be causing obstruction. Ultrasound is often the first line of imaging used in suspected cases due to its availability and safety. It can help identify signs of inflammation or fluid collections in the area of the liver and gallbladder, which are critical for making a diagnosis. While a CT scan of the abdomen can provide detailed images and may be used in certain cases to further assess the biliary tree and any complications from cholangitis, it is not the primary diagnostic tool in initial evaluations. Urinalysis and urine culture are not relevant for diagnosing cholangitis, as they focus on different systems (the urinary system) and do not address the biliary tree directly.