A client is being cared for in the emergency department with acute abdominal pain and a provisional diagnosis of pancreatitis. The nurse assesses the client and obtains the results from laboratory studies. Which information is most valuable in reporting the client's status to the healthcare provider?
Presence of bowel sounds and degree of abdominal pain.
Severity of nausea and vomiting and serum amylase results.
Reports of chronic constipation and serum gastrin levels.
Serum Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibody results and urine output amounts.
The Correct Answer is B
B. Pancreatitis is often associated with elevated serum amylase levels due to pancreatic inflammation. Therefore, this combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory findings is valuable in assessing the severity and confirming the diagnosis of pancreatitis.
A. While these are important clinical findings, they are not specific to pancreatitis and may not provide definitive information about the severity or cause of the condition.
C. Chronic constipation and serum gastrin levels are not typically associated with pancreatitis.
D. Serum Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibody results and urine output amounts are not directly related to pancreatitis. H. pylori infection is associated with peptic ulcers and gastritis but not typically with pancreatitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. pH 7.46, PCO2 55 mm Hg, HCO3 36 mEq/L, PO2 95 mm Hg
The pH is high (alkalotic).
The HCO3 level is elevated, indicating metabolic alkalosis.
The PCO2 is high (respiratory acidotic picture due to secondary response). This option matches the criteria for metabolic alkalosis.
A. pH 7.30, PCO2 20 mm Hg, HCO3 22 mEq/L, PO2 85 mm Hg
The pH is low (acidic), not alkalotic.
The HCO3 level is within the normal range.
The PCO2 is low, which could indicate respiratory alkalosis. This option does not match the criteria for metabolic alkalosis.
C. pH 7.49, PCO2 45 mm Hg, HCO3 32 mEq/L, PO2 90 mm Hg The pH is high (alkalotic).
The HCO3 level is elevated, indicating metabolic alkalosis. The PCO2 is within the normal range.
This option does not meet the criteria for metabolic alkalosis D pH 7.29, PCO2 35 mm Hg, HCO3 25 mEq/L, PO2 99 mm Hg
The pH is low (acidic), not alkalotic. The HCO3 level is low, not elevated. The PCO2 is within the normal range.
This option does not match the criteria for metabolic alkalosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A Hematemesis refers to vomiting blood, which can occur when esophageal varices rupture and bleed into the gastrointestinal tract. It is a hallmark sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and requires immediate medical attention. Monitoring for hematemesis allows for early detection of variceal bleeding and prompt intervention to prevent further complications.
B Brown, foamy urine may indicate the presence of blood or protein in the urine, which can occur in various kidney and urinary tract disorders.
C Clay-colored stool may indicate a lack of bile in the stool, which can occur in conditions affecting the liver or bile ducts, such as obstructive jaundice.
D Anorexia, or loss of appetite, is a common symptom in clients with chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis. However, while anorexia may impact nutritional status and overall health, it is not directly related to the complications of esophageal varices.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
