Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) — Question 44

A patient was admitted with severe abdominal pain, elevated temperature, and nausea. The physical examination indicated possible cholecystitis. Acute and chronic pancreatitits secondary to alcoholism was recorded on the face sheet as the final diagnosis. The principal diagnosis is

Answer options

• A. alcoholism.
• B. abdominal pain.
• C. cholecystitis.
• D. acute pancreatitis.

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is D, acute pancreatitis, as it is the principal diagnosis recorded on the face sheet and is directly related to the patient's condition. While alcoholism (A) is a contributing factor, it is not the principal diagnosis. Abdominal pain (B) and cholecystitis (C) are symptoms and potential conditions but do not reflect the final diagnosis.