Nokea
A nurse is assessing an elderly patient with gallstones. The nurse is aware that the patient may not exhibit typical symptoms, and that particular symptoms that may be exhibited in the elderly patient may include what?
- A. Fever and pain
- B. Chills and jaundice
- C. Nausea and vomiting
- D. Signs and symptoms of septic shock
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The elderly patient may not exhibit the typical symptoms of fever, pain, chills jaundice, and nausea and vomiting. Symptoms of biliary tract disease in the elderly may be accompanied or preceded by those of septic shock, which include oliguria, hypotension, change in mental status, tachycardia, and tachypnea.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is caring for a patient with gallstones who has been prescribed ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The patient asks how this medicine is going to help his symptoms. The nurse should be aware of what aspect of this drugs pharmacodynamics?
- A. It inhibits the synthesis of bile.
- B. It inhibits the synthesis and secretion of cholesterol.
- C. It inhibits the secretion of bile.
- D. It inhibits the synthesis and secretion of amylase.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: UDCA acts by inhibiting the synthesis and secretion of cholesterol, thereby desaturating bile. UDCA does not directly inhibit either the synthesis or secretion of bile or amylase.
A patient is being treated on the acute medical unit for acute pancreatitis. The nurse has identified a diagnosis of Ineffective Breathing Pattern Related to Pain. What intervention should the nurse perform in order to best address this diagnosis?
- A. Position the patient supine to facilitate diaphragm movement.
- B. Administer corticosteroids by nebulizer as ordered.
- C. Perform oral suctioning as needed to remove secretions.
- D. Maintain the patient in a semi-Fowlers position whenever possible.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse maintains the patient in a semi-Fowlers position to decrease pressure on the diaphragm by a distended abdomen and to increase respiratory expansion. A supine position will result in increased pressure on the diaphragm and potentially decreased respiratory expansion. Steroids and oral suctioning are not indicated.
A patient is admitted to the ICU with acute pancreatitis. The patients family asks what causes acute pancreatitis. The critical care nurse knows that a majority of patients with acute pancreatitis have what?
- A. Type 1 diabetes
- B. An impaired immune system
- C. Undiagnosed chronic pancreatitis
- D. An amylase deficiency
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Eighty percent of patients with acute pancreatitis have biliary tract disease or a history of long-term alcohol abuse. These patients usually have had undiagnosed chronic pancreatitis before their first episode of acute pancreatitis. Diabetes, an impaired immune function, and amylase deficiency are not specific precursors to acute pancreatitis.
A patient has had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient is now complaining of right shoulder pain. What should the nurse suggest to relieve the pain?
- A. Aspirin every 4 to 6 hours as ordered
- B. Application of heat 15 to 20 minutes each hour
- C. Application of an ice pack for no more than 15 minutes
- D. Application of liniment rub to affected area
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: If pain occurs in the right shoulder or scapular area (from migration of the CO2 used to insufflate the abdominal cavity during the procedure), the nurse may recommend use of a heating pad for 15 to 20 minutes hourly, walking, and sitting up when in bed. Aspirin would constitute a risk for bleeding.
A patient has been treated in the hospital for an episode of acute pancreatitis. The patient has acknowledged the role that his alcohol use played in the development of his health problem, but has not expressed specific plans for lifestyle changes after discharge. What is the nurses most appropriate response?
- A. Educate the patient about the link between alcohol use and pancreatitis.
- B. Ensure that the patient knows the importance of attending follow-up appointments.
- C. Refer the patient to social work or spiritual care.
- D. Encourage the patient to connect with a community-based support group.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: After the acute attack has subsided, some patients may be inclined to return to their previous drinking habits. The nurse provides specific information about resources and support groups that may be of assistance in avoiding alcohol in the future. Referral to Alcoholics Anonymous as appropriate or other support groups is essential. The patient already has an understanding of the effects of alcohol, and follow-up appointments will not necessarily result in lifestyle changes. Social work and spiritual care may or may not be beneficial.