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