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
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Avoiding the use of tanning booths is an effective measure to prevent skin cancer as tanning booths emit harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Choice B rationale
Using sunscreen even on cloudy days is recommended as UV rays can penetrate through clouds and harm the skin.
Choice C rationale
Checking the skin monthly for any changes is a good practice as early detection of skin changes can lead to early diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
Choice D rationale
Eating a high fiber diet does not reduce the risk for developing skin cancer. While a healthy diet is important for overall health, it does not directly prevent skin cancer. Hypokalemia Explore
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C rationale
Hepatic encephalopathy is a condition that can cause confusion or delirium in patients with end-stage liver disease and increasing ascites. It occurs when the liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood, such as ammonia, which can then accumulate in the brain and affect mental function. This condition is common in patients with cirrhosis or end-stage liver disease, and can manifest as confusion, changes in sleep patterns, mood alterations, and, in severe cases, coma.
Choice A rationale
While dementia can cause confusion and changes in mental status, it is typically a progressive condition that develops over time. In the context of a patient with end-stage liver failure and
increasing ascites who is usually lucid, a sudden onset of confusion or delirium is more likely to be due to a condition related to their liver disease, such as hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice B rationale
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, sense of self, and behavior. It is not typically associated with end-stage liver disease or ascites. In the context of a patient with end-stage liver failure and increasing ascites who is usually lucid, a sudden onset of confusion or delirium is more likely to be due to a condition related to their liver disease, such as hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice D rationale
While a urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause confusion, especially in older adults, it would not typically be the primary suspect in a patient with end-stage liver failure and increasing ascites. In such a patient, hepatic encephalopathy is a more likely cause of confusion or delirium.
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