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A client with acute pancreatitis is experiencing severe abdominal pain. Which enzyme level should the nurse monitor closely?
- A. Serum amylase.
- B. Serum sodium.
- C. Serum calcium.
- D. Serum potassium.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum amylase. In acute pancreatitis, damaged pancreatic cells release amylase into the bloodstream, causing elevated serum amylase levels. Monitoring serum amylase helps in diagnosing and assessing the severity of pancreatitis.
Incorrect choices:
B: Serum sodium - Serum sodium levels are typically not directly affected by pancreatitis.
C: Serum calcium - While hypocalcemia can occur in severe pancreatitis, monitoring serum calcium is not as specific for pancreatitis diagnosis or severity assessment as serum amylase.
D: Serum potassium - Potassium levels may be affected in pancreatitis due to vomiting or dehydration, but monitoring serum potassium is not as specific to pancreatitis as serum amylase.
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In a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving erythropoietin therapy, what laboratory result should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this therapy?
- A. Serum creatinine
- B. White blood cell count
- C. Hemoglobin level
- D. Serum potassium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C, hemoglobin level. Erythropoietin therapy is used to stimulate red blood cell production in CKD patients with anemia. Monitoring hemoglobin levels helps assess the effectiveness of the therapy in improving anemia. If hemoglobin levels increase, it indicates the therapy is working.
Summary of incorrect choices:
A: Serum creatinine - This measures kidney function, not the effectiveness of erythropoietin therapy for anemia in CKD patients.
B: White blood cell count - Monitors immune function, not related to erythropoietin therapy for anemia.
D: Serum potassium - Important for monitoring electrolyte balance in CKD patients but not specific to assessing erythropoietin therapy effectiveness.
When providing dietary instructions to a client with cirrhosis, which dietary restriction is important for the nurse to emphasize?
- A. Low-protein diet
- B. Low-sodium diet
- C. High-fiber diet
- D. High-calcium diet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: Correct answer is B (Low-sodium diet) for cirrhosis because sodium can worsen fluid retention and increase ascites. A (Low-protein diet) is not necessary unless hepatic encephalopathy is present. C (High-fiber diet) can help with constipation but not a primary concern. D (High-calcium diet) is not a priority for cirrhosis management.
A client with liver cirrhosis is prescribed lactulose. What is the purpose of this medication?
- A. To lower blood sugar levels
- B. To reduce ammonia levels
- C. To treat liver inflammation
- D. To improve bile flow
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: Lactulose is prescribed for liver cirrhosis to reduce ammonia levels. It works by promoting the excretion of ammonia in the stool, preventing its accumulation in the bloodstream. This helps prevent hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication of cirrhosis. Other choices are incorrect because lactulose does not directly affect blood sugar levels, liver inflammation, or bile flow in the context of liver cirrhosis.
When implementing patient teaching for a patient admitted with hyperglycemia and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus scheduled for discharge the second day after admission, what is the priority action for the nurse?
- A. Instruct about the increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
- B. Provide detailed information about dietary control of glucose.
- C. Teach glucose self-monitoring and medication administration.
- D. Give information about the effects of exercise on glucose control.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because teaching glucose self-monitoring and medication administration is the priority action to ensure the patient can manage their condition effectively post-discharge. This step is crucial for immediate management of hyperglycemia and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus. Option A is incorrect as addressing cardiovascular risk can be important but not the immediate priority. Option B is important but not as urgent as self-monitoring and medication administration. Option D is also important for long-term management but not as critical as ensuring immediate control of blood glucose levels through monitoring and medication.
What instruction should a patient with a history of hypertension be provided when being discharged with a prescription for a thiazide diuretic?
- A. Avoid foods high in potassium.
- B. Take the medication at bedtime.
- C. Monitor weight daily.
- D. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale:
C is correct because thiazide diuretics can cause fluid retention, leading to weight gain, which may indicate worsening heart failure or hypertension. Daily weight monitoring helps detect fluid retention early, enabling timely intervention.
Summary:
A: Incorrect. Thiazide diuretics can cause potassium loss, so avoiding potassium-rich foods is not necessary.
B: Incorrect. Taking the medication in the morning is preferred to prevent nocturia and sleep disturbances.
D: Incorrect. Fluid intake should not be limited unless advised by a healthcare provider to prevent dehydration.