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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a blood test that can detect and monitor inflammation in the body. It measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) in a test tube separate from blood serum over time, with the rate being faster in people with inflammatory diseases. While it can be elevated in many conditions, including liver disease, it is not specific to liver disease and therefore would not typically be used to confirm a diagnosis of liver disease.
Choice B rationale
D-dimer is a small protein fragment present in the blood after a blood clot is degraded by fibrinolysis. It is typically used to rule out thrombosis (blood clots), not to diagnose liver disease.
Choice C rationale
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein made by the liver and sent into the bloodstream in response to inflammation. While it can be elevated in many conditions, including liver disease, it is not specific to liver disease and therefore would not typically be used to confirm a diagnosis of liver disease.
Choice D rationale
Albumin is a protein made by the liver, and measuring its levels can help diagnose liver disease. When the liver is damaged, it can’t make enough albumin, so the level of albumin in the blood gets lower. This is why albumin is often used as a marker of liver function, and why it would be anticipated in the laboratory values ordered to confirm a diagnosis of liver disease.
HyperparathyroidismHyperparathyroidism Explore
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Donating blood after completing the medication regimen is not typically recommended for patients with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a bloodborne virus, and individuals with the virus should not donate blood.
Choice B rationale
Resting frequently throughout the day is a key part of self-management for patients with hepatitis B. Rest can help the body recover and fight off the virus.
Choice C rationale
Taking acetaminophen every 4 hours for discomfort is not typically recommended for patients with hepatitis B. Overuse of acetaminophen can lead to liver damage, which can be particularly harmful for individuals with liver diseases like hepatitis B56.
Choice D rationale
Consuming a high-protein diet is not typically recommended for patients with hepatitis B. A balanced diet is important for overall health, but there are no specific dietary recommendations for hepatitis B56.
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