Nokea
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.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is preparing a plan of care for a patient with pancreatic cysts that have necessitated drainage through the abdominal wall. What nursing diagnosis should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Disturbed Body Image
- B. Impaired Skin Integrity
- C. Nausea
- D. Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While each of the diagnoses may be applicable to a patient with pancreatic drainage, the priority nursing diagnosis is Impaired Skin Integrity. The drainage is often perfuse and destructive to tissue because of the enzyme contents. Nursing measures must focus on steps to protect the skin near the drainage site from excoriation. The application of ointments or the use of a suction apparatus protects the skin from excoriation.
A patient is admitted to the unit with acute cholecystitis. The physician has noted that surgery will be scheduled in 4 days. The patient asks why the surgery is being put off for a week when he has a sick gallbladder. What rationale would underlie the nurses response?
- A. Surgery is delayed until the patient can eat a regular diet without vomiting.
- B. Surgery is delayed until the acute symptoms subside.
- C. The patient requires aggressive nutritional support prior to surgery.
- D. Time is needed to determine whether a laparoscopic procedure can be used.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Unless the patients condition deteriorates, surgical intervention is delayed just until the acute symptoms subside (usually within a few days). There is no need to delay surgery pending an improvement in nutritional status, and deciding on a laparoscopic approach is not a lengthy process.
A nurse is creating a care plan for a patient with acute pancreatitis. The care plan includes reduced activity. What rationale for this intervention should be cited in the care plan?
- A. Bed rest reduces the patients metabolism and reduces the risk of metabolic acidosis.
- B. Reduced activity protects the physical integrity of pancreatic cells.
- C. Bed rest lowers the metabolic rate and reduces enzyme production.
- D. Inactivity reduces caloric need and gastrointestinal motility.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The acutely ill patient is maintained on bed rest to decrease the metabolic rate and reduce the secretion of pancreatic and gastric enzymes. Staying in bed does not release energy from the body to fight the disease.
A patient returns to the floor after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The nurse should assess the patient for signs and symptoms of what serious potential complication of this surgery?
- A. Diabetic coma
- B. Decubitus ulcer
- C. Wound evisceration
- D. Bile duct injury
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most serious complication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a bile duct injury. Patients do not face a risk of diabetic coma. A decubitus ulcer is unlikely because immobility is not expected. Evisceration is highly unlikely, due to the laparoscopic approach.
A patient has just been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. The patient is underweight and in severe pain and diagnostic testing indicates that over 80% of the patients pancreas has been destroyed. The patient asks the nurse why the diagnosis was not made earlier in the disease process. What would be the nurses best response?
- A. The symptoms of pancreatitis mimic those of much less serious illnesses.
- B. Your body doesnt require pancreatic function until it is under great stress, so it is easy to go unnoticed.
- C. Chronic pancreatitis often goes undetected until a large majority of pancreatic function is lost.
- D. Your other organs were compensating for your decreased pancreatic function.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: By the time symptoms occur in chronic pancreatitis, approximately 90% of normal acinar cell function (exocrine function) has been lost. Late detection is not usually attributable to the vagueness of symptoms. The pancreas contributes continually to homeostasis and other organs are unable to perform its physiologic functions.