A nurse admits a patient to the emergency department who reports nausea and vomiting that worsens when he lies down.
Antacids do not help.
The provider suspects acute pancreatitis.
Which of the following laboratory test results should the nurse expect to see?
Decreased serum lipase.
Increased serum calcium.
Increased serum amylase.
Decreased WBC.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C rationale
In the context of suspected acute pancreatitis, an increase in serum amylase is one of the key laboratory findings. Pancreatitis is associated with inflammation of the pancreas, which can result in the release of digestive enzymes such as amylase and lipase into the bloodstream.
Therefore, elevated levels of these enzymes are often used as markers for acute pancreatitis.
Choice A rationale
Decreased serum lipase is not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. In fact, an increase in serum lipase is more commonly seen in acute pancreatitis. Lipase is a digestive enzyme produced by the pancreas, and its levels in the blood can rise when the pancreas is inflamed.
Choice B rationale
Increased serum calcium is not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. While hypercalcemia, or high calcium levels, can be a cause of pancreatitis, it is not a typical finding in the blood tests of patients with acute pancreatitis.
Choice D rationale
Decreased white blood cell (WBC) count is not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. In fact, an increase in WBC count can sometimes be seen in acute pancreatitis due to the body’s inflammatory response to the condition. Hypothyroidism Explore
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While a nasogastric tube can be used to determine the pH of gastric secretions, this is not typically the primary reason for its use in the treatment of pyloric obstruction.
Choice B rationale
While nasogastric tubes can be used to supply nutrients via tube feedings, this is not typically the primary reason for its use in the treatment of pyloric obstruction. In the case of pyloric obstruction, the focus is usually on relieving the obstruction rather than on feeding.
Choice C rationale
While nasogastric tubes can be used to administer medications, this is not typically the primary reason for its use in the treatment of pyloric obstruction.
Choice D rationale
The primary reason for the use of a nasogastric tube in the treatment of pyloric obstruction is to decompress the stomach. Pyloric obstruction can cause a buildup of gastric contents above the level of the obstruction, leading to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. A nasogastric tube can be used to remove these contents and relieve symptoms.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A blood pressure of 102/66 mm Hg is within the normal range and would not typically need to be reported to the provider.
Choice B rationale
Yellow-green drainage on the surgical incision could be a sign of a wound infection. Infections after surgery can lead to serious complications and should be reported to the provider immediately.
Choice C rationale
A respiratory rate of 18/min is within the normal range and would not typically need to be reported to the provider.
Choice D rationale
Straw-colored urine from an indwelling urinary catheter is normal and would not typically need to be reported to the provider.
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