USMLE Step 2 CK: Causes of Ascites and Portal
Hypertension With complete solution– Expert Verified |
Latest Questions 2025
What are the presenting symptoms of the 44-year-old man in the ER? - Exertional
dyspnea, abdominal distention, and abdominal pain.
What is the patient's history relevant to his current condition? - History of alcohol
abuse, peptic ulcer disease, and acute pancreatitis.
What physical examination findings were noted in the patient? - Distended
abdomen with shifting dullness and ankle edema.
What were the results of the diagnostic paracentesis? - Albumin: 2.5 g/dL, Cell
Count: 200/mm3, LDH: 40 units/L, Glucose: 80 mg/dL, Amylase: 40 units/L.
What laboratory values were noted in the patient's blood studies? - Hematocrit:
40%, WBC count: 10,500/mm3, Albumin: 3.8 g/L, Potassium: 3.2 mEq/L, Sodium:
130 mEq/L, Glucose: 120 mg/dL, AST: 50 units/L, ALT: 70 units/L, LDH: 100 units/L,
Amylase: 80 units/L, Creatinine: 1.2 mg/dL.
What is the most likely cause of this patient's current complaints? - Increased
capillary hydrostatic pressure.
What is the significance of the serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG)? - It helps
differentiate between transudative and exudative fluid accumulations.
Hypertension With complete solution– Expert Verified |
Latest Questions 2025
What are the presenting symptoms of the 44-year-old man in the ER? - Exertional
dyspnea, abdominal distention, and abdominal pain.
What is the patient's history relevant to his current condition? - History of alcohol
abuse, peptic ulcer disease, and acute pancreatitis.
What physical examination findings were noted in the patient? - Distended
abdomen with shifting dullness and ankle edema.
What were the results of the diagnostic paracentesis? - Albumin: 2.5 g/dL, Cell
Count: 200/mm3, LDH: 40 units/L, Glucose: 80 mg/dL, Amylase: 40 units/L.
What laboratory values were noted in the patient's blood studies? - Hematocrit:
40%, WBC count: 10,500/mm3, Albumin: 3.8 g/L, Potassium: 3.2 mEq/L, Sodium:
130 mEq/L, Glucose: 120 mg/dL, AST: 50 units/L, ALT: 70 units/L, LDH: 100 units/L,
Amylase: 80 units/L, Creatinine: 1.2 mg/dL.
What is the most likely cause of this patient's current complaints? - Increased
capillary hydrostatic pressure.
What is the significance of the serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG)? - It helps
differentiate between transudative and exudative fluid accumulations.
