ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7ReadingEasy
A healthcare provider is reviewing a patient's electronic health record (EHR) and encounters the following entry: "Patient presented to ED with c/o acute RLQ pain x 6 hrs, N/V. Abdomen soft, tender to palpation RLQ, + rebound. Labs: WBC 14.5 (elevated), CRP 25 (elevated). U/S abd: Appendix non-compressible, dilated 9mm, periappendiceal fluid. Impression: Acute appendicitis. Plan: NPO, IV fluids, pre-op consult Gen Surg." Considering the typical progression of patient care, which of the following actions is implied by the 'Plan' section?
- ADischarging the patient with pain medication.
- BScheduling a follow-up appointment for imaging in one week.
- CAdministering oral antibiotics immediately.
- DPreparing the patient for a surgical procedure.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Preparing the patient for a surgical procedure.
The 'Plan' includes 'NPO' (nothing by mouth), 'IV fluids', and 'pre-op consult Gen Surg' (pre-operative consultation with General Surgery), all of which are standard preparations for surgery, particularly for acute appendicitis.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The diagnosis of 'Acute appendicitis' and the plan for surgery indicate a serious condition requiring intervention, not discharge with pain medication.
- B. The findings (elevated WBC, CRP, dilated appendix) indicate an acute condition requiring immediate intervention, not a delayed follow-up for imaging.
- C. The plan specifies 'NPO' (nothing by mouth), meaning oral medications are contraindicated, and 'pre-op consult Gen Surg' points to surgery, not primary antibiotic treatment alone.
EHR 'Plan' Section
The segment of a patient's electronic health record that outlines the proposed course of action and treatment strategy based on the 'Impression' (diagnosis).
- Directly follows the 'Impression' or 'Assessment'.
- Includes medications, procedures, referrals, and further diagnostics.
- Guides immediate and future patient care decisions.
Memory trick: Plan: What's Next for This Patient's Journey?