Nokea
The nurse is educating a patient with persistent pancreatitis about the prescribed pancrelipase. At which time would the nurse recommend taking the drug?
- A. Bedtime
- B. With every meal
- C. Upon arising in the morning
- D. As soon as abdominal pain starts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes are used to help with digestion of nutrients and should be taken with every meal or snacks.
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Which of the following nursing actions is a priority when the nurse is caring for a patient with pancreatic cancer?
- A. Offer high-calorie, high-protein dietary choices.
- B. Offer psychological support for anxiety or depression.
- C. Educate about the need to avoid scratching pruritic areas.
- D. Administer prescribed opioids to relieve pain as needed.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Effective pain management will be necessary in order for the patient to improve nutrition, be receptive to education, or manage anxiety or depression.
The nurse is planning care for a patient with acute severe pancreatitis. Which of the following patient outcomes is priority?
- A. Expressing satisfaction with pain control
- B. Developing no ongoing pancreatic problems
- C. Maintaining normal respiratory function
- D. Having adequate fluid and electrolyte balance
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Respiratory failure can occur as a complication of acute pancreatitis, and maintenance of adequate respiratory function is the priority goal. The other outcomes also would be appropriate for the patient.
The nurse is caring for a patient with acute pancreatitis who has a new prescription for parenteral nutrition (PN). Which of the following information is priority to include when monitoring the patient?
- A. Serum potassium
- B. Blood glucose
- C. Serum amylase
- D. Intake and output
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Blood glucose monitoring is critical in patients with acute pancreatitis receiving PN due to the risk of hyperglycemia from high dextrose content in PN and pancreatic dysfunction. While serum potassium, amylase, and intake/output are important, glucose control is the priority to prevent complications like metabolic imbalances.
The nurse is caring for a patient who is admitted with an abrupt onset of jaundice, nausea, and abnormal liver function studies. Serological testing is negative for viral causes of hepatitis. Which of the following questions by the nurse is best?
- A. Is there any history of IV drug use?
- B. Are you taking corticosteroids for any reason?
- C. Do you use any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs?
- D. Have you recently travelled to a foreign country?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient's symptoms, lack of antibodies for hepatitis, and the abrupt onset of symptoms suggest toxic hepatitis, which can be caused by commonly used OTC drugs such as acetaminophen. Travel to a foreign country and a history of IV drug use are risk factors for viral hepatitis. Corticosteroid use does not cause the symptoms listed.
The nurse is taking the BP of a patient with severe acute pancreatitis and notices carpal spasm of the patient's hand. Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
- A. Ask the patient about any arm pain.
- B. Retake the patient blood pressure.
- C. Check the calcium level on the chart.
- D. Notify the health care provider immediately.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient with acute pancreatitis is at risk for hypocalcemia, and the assessment data indicate a positive Trousseau's sign. The health care provider should be notified after the nurse checks the patient's calcium level. There is no indication that the patient needs to have the BP rechecked or that there is any arm pain.