1. A physician who wants a patient to inject a medication under their skin may write on the prescription.
a. IM
b. SubQ
c. IV
2. A patient complains of abdominal pain. Her liver is larger than normal.
How would you document this?
a. Renal enlargement
b. Splenomegaly
c. Hepatomegaly
d. Hydrocephalus
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
- The correct answer is b. SubQ.
SubQ (subcutaneous) injections are administered under the skin, typically in the fatty tissue just beneath the dermis, and are commonly used for medications like insulin or certain biologic drugs. This method of injection is less invasive than intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injections and is usually done in areas such as the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. A physician would write “SubQ” (sometimes abbreviated to “SC” or “SQ”) on a prescription to indicate that the patient should administer the medication in this way. - The correct answer is c. Hepatomegaly.
Hepatomegaly refers to an abnormal enlargement of the liver. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including liver diseases (like hepatitis or cirrhosis), infections, toxins, or congestive heart failure. The liver is located in the upper right side of the abdomen, and when it becomes enlarged, it can lead to discomfort or pain, as mentioned in the patient’s complaint of abdominal pain. Hepatomegaly is often detected during a physical examination when a healthcare provider palpates the abdomen or through imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs.
- Renal enlargement refers to an enlargement of the kidneys, often associated with conditions like polycystic kidney disease or kidney infections.
- Splenomegaly refers to an enlargement of the spleen, which could be caused by infections, liver diseases, or blood disorders.
- Hydrocephalus refers to a condition involving an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, leading to increased pressure inside the skull, and is unrelated to liver issues.
Thus, the correct term for an enlarged liver is hepatomegaly. Proper documentation of this condition is essential for diagnosing and monitoring the underlying cause of liver enlargement, which may require additional testing and treatment.