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

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Prepare for the AACN Certification Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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Which signs indicate a worsening case of cholangitis?

  1. Charcot's Triad

  2. Reynold's Pentad

  3. Psoas Sign

  4. Murphy's Sign

The correct answer is: Reynold's Pentad

In the context of cholangitis, the correct choice highlights Reynold's Pentad as an indication of a worsening case. This pentad includes the findings of fever, chills, jaundice, hypotension, and altered mental status. The presence of hypotension and altered mental status suggests severe sepsis and potential septic shock, which are complications of cholangitis that signal a more serious clinical picture. Cholangitis is an infection of the bile duct system usually associated with bile duct obstruction. When the condition progresses, the symptoms can escalate to severe systemic signs such as low blood pressure and confusion, reflecting a significant deterioration in the patient’s condition. In contrast, Charcot's Triad, which consists of fever, jaundice, and right upper quadrant pain, represents a classic presentation of acute cholangitis but does not include the more critical signs of systemic involvement that occur as the situation worsens. The other signs mentioned, such as the Psoas Sign and Murphy’s Sign, relate more to abdominal conditions like appendicitis or gallbladder disease rather than directly indicating cholangitis severity. Therefore, recognizing Reynold's Pentad is crucial for identifying a critical state in patients suffering from this condition.