A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with an obstruction of the common bile duct resulting from chronic cholecystitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Fatty stools
Tenderness in the left upper abdomen
Straw-colored urine
Ecchymosis of the extremities
The Correct Answer is A
A. Fatty stools:
Obstruction of the common bile duct can result in impaired bile flow, leading to a decrease in bile salts reaching the intestine. This can result in the malabsorption of fats, causing fatty or greasy stools (steatorrhea).
B. Tenderness in the left upper abdomen:
Tenderness in the left upper abdomen might be more commonly associated with conditions like splenic issues or stomach problems rather than an obstruction of the common bile duct.
C. Straw-colored urine:
Straw-colored urine is typical of well-hydrated individuals and might not directly correlate with an obstruction of the common bile duct.
D. Ecchymosis of the extremities:
Ecchymosis (bruising) of the extremities is not typically associated with an obstruction of the common bile duct resulting from chronic cholecystitis.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Lactulose is not used to decrease potassium levels. It is a laxative that works by drawing water into the colon, softening stools and promoting bowel movements.
B. Lactulose is used to decrease ammonia levels in clients with cirrhosis. Ammonia is a byproduct of protein metabolism, and when the liver is compromised, it may not effectively convert ammonia into urea, leading to elevated ammonia levels in the bloodstream. Lactulose helps reduce ammonia absorption in the colon.
C. Lactulose does not decrease glucose levels significantly. It is not primarily used as an antidiabetic medication.
D. Lactulose does not affect bicarbonate levels significantly. It primarily targets ammonia reduction in clients with cirrhosis.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Fatty stools:
Obstruction of the common bile duct can result in impaired bile flow, leading to a decrease in bile salts reaching the intestine. This can result in the malabsorption of fats, causing fatty or greasy stools (steatorrhea).
B. Tenderness in the left upper abdomen:
Tenderness in the left upper abdomen might be more commonly associated with conditions like splenic issues or stomach problems rather than an obstruction of the common bile duct.
C. Straw-colored urine:
Straw-colored urine is typical of well-hydrated individuals and might not directly correlate with an obstruction of the common bile duct.
D. Ecchymosis of the extremities:
Ecchymosis (bruising) of the extremities is not typically associated with an obstruction of the common bile duct resulting from chronic cholecystitis.
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