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A patients abdominal ultrasound indicates cholelithiasis. When the nurse is reviewing the patients laboratory studies, what finding is most closely associated with this diagnosis?
- A. Increased bilirubin
- B. Decreased serum cholesterol
- C. Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- D. Decreased serum alkaline phosphatase level
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: If the flow of blood is impeded, bilirubin, a pigment derived from the breakdown of red blood cells, does not enter the intestines. As a result, bilirubin levels in the blood increase. Cholesterol, BUN, and alkaline phosphatase levels are not typically affected.
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A nurse who provides care in a walk-in clinic assesses a wide range of individuals. The nurse should identify which of the following patients as having the highest risk for chronic pancreatitis?
- A. A 45-year-old obese woman with a high-fat diet
- B. An 18-year-old man who is a weekend binge drinker
- C. A 39-year-old man with chronic alcoholism
- D. A 51-year-old woman who smokes one-and-a-half packs of cigarettes per day
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Excessive and prolonged consumption of alcohol accounts for approximately 70% to 80% of all cases of chronic pancreatitis.
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.
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.
A student nurse is caring for a patient who has a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and who is receiving parenteral nutrition. The student should prioritize which of the following assessments?
- A. Fluid output
- B. Oral intake
- C. Blood glucose levels
- D. BUN and creatinine levels
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In addition to administering enteral or parenteral nutrition, the nurse monitors serum glucose levels every 4 to 6 hours. Output should be monitored but in most cases it is not more important than serum glucose levels. A patient on parenteral nutrition would have no oral intake to monitor. Blood sugar levels are more likely to be unstable than indicators of renal function.
A patient has a recent diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and is undergoing diagnostic testing to determine pancreatic islet cell function. The nurse should anticipate what diagnostic test?
- A. Glucose tolerance test
- B. ERCP
- C. Pancreatic biopsy
- D. Abdominal ultrasonography
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A glucose tolerance test evaluates pancreatic islet cell function and provides necessary information for making decisions about surgical resection of the pancreas. This specific clinical information is not provided by ERCP, biopsy, or ultrasound.