Mrs. O is seen for follow-up after an episode of acute pancreatitis. Her physician orders a serum amylase level and the result is 200 U/L. Which of the following is a potential cause of this result?
- A. The client is pregnant
- B. The client has hypertension
- C. The client is in renal failure
- D. The client has pancreatitis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An elevated serum amylase level after pancreatitis may indicate another attack of the condition. It is common to order serum amylase as part of routine follow-up after pancreatitis. Elevated levels can also be seen in related gastrointestinal conditions like cholecystitis or an intestinal blockage. Therefore, in this case, the most likely cause of the elevated serum amylase level is a recurrence or ongoing pancreatitis. The other options, including pregnancy, hypertension, and renal failure, are not typically associated with an elevated serum amylase level in the context of follow-up after acute pancreatitis.
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The nurse has conducted a class for pregnant clients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus about the signs/symptoms of potential complications. The nurse determines that the teaching was effective if a client makes which statement?
- A. I should not have ultrasounds done because I am diabetic.
- B. I'm glad I don't have to worry about developing hypoglycemia while I am pregnant.
- C. I need to watch my weight for any sudden gains because I could develop what they call gestational hypertension.
- D. My insulin needs should decrease during the last 2 months because I will be using some of the baby's insulin supply.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A diabetic pregnant client has a higher incidence of developing gestational hypertension than the nondiabetic pregnant client does. Ultrasounds are done frequently during a diabetic pregnancy to check for congenital anomalies and to determine appropriate growth patterns. Hypoglycemia is a problem during pregnancy in the client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and needs to be assessed throughout the pregnancy. Insulin needs will increase during the last trimester because of increased hormone levels that destroy circulating insulin.
The nurse has implemented a plan of care for a client diagnosed with a cervical 5 (C5) spinal cord injury to promote health maintenance. Which client outcome indicates the effectiveness of the plan?
- A. Maintenance of intact skin
- B. Regaining of bladder and bowel control
- C. Performance of activities of daily living independently
- D. Independent transfer of self to and from the wheelchair
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A C5 spinal cord injury results in quadriplegia with no sensation below the clavicle, including most of the arms and hands. The client maintains the partial movement of the shoulders and elbows. Maintaining intact skin is an outcome for spinal cord injury clients. The remaining options are inappropriate for this client.
A 28-year-old client has just given birth. At one minute the baby appears healthy, with the exception of bluish hands. Which of the following would the nurse midwife pronounce?
- A. The Apgar score is 11.
- B. The Apgar score is 9.
- C. The Apgar score is 6.
- D. The Apgar score is 4.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Apgar score assesses appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration, with a maximum of 10. Bluish hands indicate acrocyanosis, common in newborns, deducting 1 point from appearance, resulting in a score of 9 if other parameters are normal. Option A is impossible, and C and D are too low for a healthy baby.
The nurse is teaching the client about smoking cessation. Which client statement indicates a need for further teaching by the nurse?
- A. Social smoking can still be detrimental to my health.
- B. E-cigarettes can help me wean off nicotine so I can quit.
- C. Pack years are calculated by my packs per day multiplied by the number of years I've smoked.
- D. Nicotine replacement therapy along with a smoking cessation program is the most successful treatment.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: E-cigarettes are not FDA-approved for smoking cessation and may still pose health risks. Other statements are accurate.
A patient with bipolar disorder asks the nurse, "Why did I get this illness? I don't want to be sick."? The nurse would best respond with:
- A. People who develop mental illnesses often had a very traumatic childhood experience.
- B. There is some evidence that contracting a virus during childhood can lead to mental disorders.
- C. Sometimes people with mental illness have an overactive immune system.
- D. We don't fully understand the cause, but mental illnesses do seem to run in the family.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is, 'We don't fully understand the cause, but mental illnesses do seem to run in the family.' Current research suggests that while genetics play a role in the development of mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, it is not the sole factor. Environmental influences, life experiences, and other non-genetic factors also contribute significantly to the manifestation of mental disorders. Choices A, B, and C provide incorrect information that is not supported by current research. Traumatic childhood experiences, contracting a virus during childhood, and an overactive immune system are not established causes of bipolar disorder or mental illnesses in general.
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