American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certification Practice Exam

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Prepare for the AHIMA Certification Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with hints and detailed explanations. Enhance your certification success!

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What was the chief complaint of the 65-year-old patient admitted to the hospital?

Ruptured appendix
Exploratory laparoscopy
Abdominal pain
Cholelithiasis

The correct answer is: Abdominal pain

The chief complaint of a patient refers to the primary issue or symptom that prompted them to seek medical attention. In the case of the 65-year-old patient, abdominal pain would be considered the most significant reason for their hospital admission. This symptom would guide healthcare professionals in determining the necessary diagnostic tests and potential treatments. Understanding the context is essential. While other options, such as a ruptured appendix or cholelithiasis, could eventually be diagnosed in the patient, they are specific medical conditions or procedures related to the patient’s health. The exploratory laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that may be undertaken to investigate the underlying cause of abdominal pain, but it is not a complaint. The chief complaint is always presented from the patient's perspective, focusing on the symptom causing them discomfort or concern, which, in this case, is abdominal pain.