Nokea
The nurse is performing an assessment on a client with acute pancreatitis who was admitted to the hospital. Which of the following assessment questions most specifically would elicit information regarding the pain that is associated with acute pancreatitis?
- A. Does the pain in your abdomen radiate to your groin.
- B. Does the pain in your stomach radiate to the back?
- C. Does the pain in your stomach radiate to your lower middle abdomen?
- D. Does the pain in your lower abdomen radiate to the hip?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Does the pain in your stomach radiate to the back?" This question is specific to acute pancreatitis as the pain typically radiates from the epigastric area to the back. Pancreatitis pain often presents as severe, constant, and radiating to the back due to the inflammation of the pancreas affecting surrounding structures.
Choice A is incorrect as the pain in acute pancreatitis typically radiates to the back, not the groin. Choice C is incorrect as it specifies a different area in the abdomen, not the typical location for pancreatitis pain. Choice D is incorrect as pancreatitis pain does not typically radiate to the hip.
In summary, understanding the characteristic radiation of pain in acute pancreatitis is key to assessing and differentiating it from other abdominal conditions.
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The nurse assesses the client's understanding of the relationship between body position and gastroesophageal reflux. Which response would indicate that the client understands measures to avoid problems with reflux while sleeping?
- A. I can elevate the foot of the bed 4 to 6 inches.
- B. I can sleep on my stomach with my head turned to the left.
- C. I can sleep on my back without a pillow under my head.
- D. I can elevate the head of the bed 4 to 6 inches.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "I can elevate the head of the bed 4 to 6 inches." Elevating the head of the bed helps to prevent gastroesophageal reflux by promoting gravity to keep stomach acid from moving back into the esophagus. This position helps to keep the stomach contents in place and reduces the likelihood of reflux during sleep.
Choice A is incorrect because elevating the foot of the bed would not be effective in preventing reflux; it may even exacerbate the issue. Choice B is incorrect as sleeping on the stomach can increase pressure on the stomach and worsen reflux. Choice C is also incorrect as sleeping on the back without a pillow under the head may not provide the necessary elevation to prevent reflux effectively.
A 30-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with complaints of severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea. The nurse evaluates the effectiveness of the patient's intravenous therapy. Which of the following laboratory tests BEST reflects hydration status?
- A. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
- B. White blood cell count.
- C. Hematocrit.
- D. Serum glucose.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hematocrit. Hematocrit reflects the proportion of red blood cells in the blood and can indicate hydration status. When a person is dehydrated, their blood becomes more concentrated, leading to an increase in hematocrit levels. In this case, severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea can cause dehydration, making hematocrit the best indicator of hydration status.
Explanation for other choices:
A: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and not directly related to hydration status.
B: White blood cell count is an indicator of infection or inflammation, not hydration status.
D: Serum glucose levels are related to blood sugar regulation, not hydration status.
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.
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.
After gastric resection surgery, which of the following signs and symptoms would alert the nurse to the development of a leaking anastomosis?
- A. Pain, fever, and abdominal rigidity.
- B. Diarrhea with fat in the stool.
- C. Palpitations, pallor, and diaphoresis after eating.
- D. Feelings of fullness and nausea after eating.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for choice A: Pain, fever, and abdominal rigidity are classic signs of a leaking anastomosis after gastric resection surgery. Pain indicates inflammation, fever suggests infection, and abdominal rigidity points to peritonitis. These symptoms are indicative of a surgical complication that requires immediate attention to prevent further complications like sepsis.
Summary of other choices:
B: Diarrhea with fat in the stool is more indicative of malabsorption issues, such as pancreatic insufficiency, rather than a leaking anastomosis.
C: Palpitations, pallor, and diaphoresis after eating are more suggestive of cardiovascular issues or anxiety rather than a leaking anastomosis.
D: Feelings of fullness and nausea after eating are common postoperative symptoms and do not specifically indicate a leaking anastomosis.