AGACNP AACN BOARDS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025

AGACNP AACN LATEST
BOARDS
Pheochromocytoma causes, S&S, diagnostics, treatment - ANSWERS-
causes - excess catecholamine release d/t tumor of adrenal medulla
S&S - HTN, diaphoresis, hyperglycemia, palpitations, tremor, tachy,
weight loss
diagnosis - normal TSH, CT to locate tumor
treatment - surgical removal of tumor is first choice, can give
phentolamine preop, monitor for hypotension, adrenal insufficiency, and
hemorrhage post op


Peptic ulcer disease causes, S&S, diagnostics, treatment - ANSWERS-
causes - h. pylori, NSAIDs,
S&S - gnawing epigastric pain (worse w/ eating = gastric; better w/
eating = duodenal)
diagnosis - H. pylori testing, consider endoscopy if unresolved in 8-12
weeks
treatment - H2 receptor antagonists ("dine"s) and PPIs ("prazole"s),
mucosal protective agents (sucralfate, bismuth)


H. pylori eradication therapy - ANSWERS-2 antibiotics + either a PPI
with/without bismuth


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, AGACNP AACN LATEST
BOARDS
GERD causes, S&S, diagnostics, treatment - ANSWERS-causes -
incompetent LES, delayed gastric emptying
S&S - bitter taste, belching, hiccups, dysphagia, relief w/ sitting up
diagnosis - EGD referral
management - elevate HOB, antacids PRN, H2 blockers, PPIs


Hepatitis A causes, S&S, diagnostics, treatment - ANSWERS-cause -
enteral virus via fecal-oral route from contaminated water/food
S&S - pre-icteric: fatigue, malaise, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, headache
icteric: weight loss, jaundice, RUQ pain, clay stool, dark urine
diagnosis - proteinuria/bilirubinuria, elevated AST/ALT and LDH
Anti-HAV and IgM if active, AntiHAV and IgG if recovered


Hepatitis B causes, S&S, diagnostics, treatment - ANSWERS-causes -
bloodborne DNA virus (blood and sex, mother-fetus)
S&S - pre-icteric: fatigue, malaise, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, headache
icteric: weight loss, jaundice, RUQ pain, clay stool, dark urine
diagnosis - proteinuria/bilirubinuria, elevated AST/ALT and LDH
HBsAg, HBeAG, Anti-HBv, IgM if active
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, AGACNP AACN LATEST
BOARDS
HBsAG, antiHBc, antiHBe, IgM, IgG if chronic
AntiHBc, AntiHBs if recovered


Hepatitis C causes, S&S, diagnostics, treatment - ANSWERS-Causes -
bloodborne RNA virus (blood and IV drug use)
S&S - pre-icteric: fatigue, malaise, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, headache
icteric: weight loss, jaundice, RUQ pain, clay stool, dark urine
diagnosis - proteinuria/bilirubinuria, elevated AST/ALT and LDH
AntiHCV, HCV RNA if acute OR chronic


Diverticulitis causes, S&S, diagnostics, treatment - ANSWERS-Causes -
inflammation of diverticula w/ abscess formation
S&S - LLQ aching abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, N/V, low
fever, tenderness
Diagnosis - leukocytosis, elevated ESR, sigmoidoscopy showing
inflamed mucosa, CT, x-ray to assess free air
treatment - surgical consult


Cholecystitis causes, S&S, diagnostics, treatment - ANSWERS-causes -
often associated w/ gallstones
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, AGACNP AACN LATEST
BOARDS
S&S - sudden and severe RUQ pain, vomiting, positive murphy's sign,
muscle guarding, rebound pain, fever, high WBCs, ALT, AST, LDH
diagnosis - US is gold standard, HIDA scan if needed or ERCP
treatment - manage pain, NGT for decompression, lap chole


Acute pancreatitis causes, S&S, diagnostics, treatment - ANSWERS-
causes - escape of pancreatic enzymes into surrounding tissue causing
autodigestion
S&S - severe epigastric pain worse w/ movement and supine, radiates to
back, N/V, weak, sweaty, cool skin, mild jaundice, positive grey turner
sign or cullen sign if hemorrhagic
Diagnosis - hyperglycemia, elevated LDH, AST, amylase, and lipase,
hypocalcemia (Chvostek/trousseau), CT >US
Treatment - NPO, NG suction, IV volume repletion, pain control


Bowel obstruction causes, S&S, diagnostics, treatment - ANSWERS-
cause - adhesions, tumors, impaction, hernia
S&S - cramping, vomiting, maybe fever, high pitched, unable to pass
gas/stool
Diagnosis - elevated WBVs, dehydration, xray w/ dilated loops of bowel
and air-fluid levels (horizontal = SBO, frame = LBO)
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