A nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a suspected diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse assesses the client, knowing that which of the following is a hallmark sign of this disorder?
- A. Severe abdominal pain relieved by vomiting
- B. Severe abdominal pain that is unrelieved by vomiting
- C. Hypothermia
- D. Epigastric pain radiating to the neck area
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Severe abdominal pain that is unrelieved by vomiting. In acute pancreatitis, the pancreatic enzymes cause inflammation and damage to the pancreas, leading to severe abdominal pain that is typically constant and not relieved by vomiting. Vomiting may even worsen the pain. Other choices are incorrect because severe abdominal pain in acute pancreatitis is not relieved by vomiting (A), hypothermia is not a hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis (C), and epigastric pain radiating to the neck area is not a specific hallmark sign (D).
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A nurse is providing the client with biliary obstruction a simple overview of the anatomy of the liver and gallbladder. The nurse tells the client that normally the liver stores bile in the gallbladder, which is connected to the liver by the?
- A. Liver canaliculi
- B. Common bile duct
- C. Cystic duct
- D. Right hepatic duct.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cystic duct. The cystic duct connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct, through which bile flows from the liver to the gallbladder for storage. The liver canaliculi are tiny channels within the liver where bile is produced. The common bile duct is the main duct through which bile flows from the liver to the small intestine. The right hepatic duct is one of the ducts that collect bile from the liver but does not directly connect to the gallbladder. Therefore, the cystic duct is the correct choice as it specifically links the gallbladder to the common bile duct for bile transportation.
The client is admitted to the hospital with viral hepatitis, complaining of 'no appetite' and 'losing my taste for food.' To provide adequate nutrition, the nurse would instruct the client to
- A. Eat a good supper when anorexia is not as severe.
- B. Eat less often, preferably only three large meals daily.
- C. Increase intake of fluids including juices.
- D. Select foods high in fat.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increase intake of fluids including juices. This is because viral hepatitis can cause anorexia and a decreased taste for food, leading to poor nutrition. Increasing fluid intake, especially juices, can help provide essential nutrients and prevent dehydration.
A: Eating a good supper when anorexia is not as severe may not be effective in addressing the client's overall nutritional needs during the day.
B: Eating less often and only three large meals daily can worsen the client's nutritional status and may not address the decreased appetite and taste for food.
D: Selecting foods high in fat may not be appropriate for someone with viral hepatitis, as it can exacerbate liver inflammation and contribute to poor nutrition.
The nurse is caring for a client who underwent a subtotal gastrectomy. To manage dumping syndrome, the nurse should advise the client to:
- A. restrict fluid intake to 1 qt (1,000 ml)/day.
- B. drink liquids only with meals.
- C. don't drink liquids 2 hours before meals.
- D. drink liquids only between meals.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: drink liquids only between meals. This is because restricting fluids during meals can worsen dumping syndrome by rapidly emptying the stomach contents into the intestines, causing symptoms like cramping and diarrhea. By advising the client to drink liquids only between meals, it allows for better digestion and absorption of nutrients, reducing the risk of dumping syndrome.
Choice A is incorrect because restricting fluid intake can lead to dehydration and other complications. Choice B is incorrect as drinking liquids with meals can exacerbate dumping syndrome symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as not drinking liquids before meals may not effectively manage dumping syndrome and can lead to dehydration.
Lactulose (Chronulac) is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy. The nurse would determine that this medication has had a therapeutic effect if which of the following is noted?
- A. Increased red blood cell count
- B. Decreased serum ammonia level
- C. Increased protein level
- D. Decreased white blood cell level
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased serum ammonia level. Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy by reducing serum ammonia levels through its laxative effect, promoting the excretion of ammonia in the feces. Decreased ammonia levels indicate that the medication is effectively managing the condition. Increased red blood cell count (A), increased protein level (C), and decreased white blood cell level (D) are not directly related to the therapeutic effect of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy.
A Penrose drain is in place on the first postoperative day following a cholecystectomy. Serosanguineous drainage is noted on the dressing covering the drain. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Notify the physician.
- B. Change the dressing.
- C. Circle the amount on the dressing with a pen.
- D. Continue to monitor the drainage.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Change the dressing. This is the most appropriate intervention because serosanguineous drainage can indicate the need for a dressing change to prevent infection and ensure proper wound healing. Changing the dressing will also allow for better assessment of the drainage and the incision site.
A: Notifying the physician may not be necessary at this stage since serosanguineous drainage is expected in the early postoperative period.
C: Circling the amount on the dressing with a pen does not address the need for a dressing change or further assessment of the drainage.
D: Continuing to monitor the drainage is important, but changing the dressing is the immediate action needed to ensure proper wound care.