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

What does Charcot's Triad indicate in a patient?

1. Cholecystitis

2. Cholangitis

3. Appendicitis

4. Pancreatitis

The correct answer is: Cholangitis

Charcot's Triad is a clinical syndrome that consists of three classic symptoms: right upper quadrant pain, jaundice, and fever. This triad is specifically associated with cholangitis, an infection of the bile duct. The presence of these three symptoms indicates that there is an obstructive process affecting the bile duct, leading to infection. It is important to recognize Charcot's Triad, as it guides healthcare providers toward a diagnosis of cholangitis, which often requires prompt medical intervention, including antibiotics and possibly surgical drainage. While other conditions like cholecystitis, appendicitis, and pancreatitis can present with abdominal pain and sometimes fever or jaundice, they do not typically align with the specific combination of symptoms found in Charcot's Triad. Thus, the identification of this triad is pivotal for diagnosing and managing cholangitis.