A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. The nurse should expect to find an elevation of which of following values?
Calcium
Magnesium
Amylase
RBC count
The Correct Answer is C
A. Calcium:
While calcium levels can be affected in pancreatitis, it is more commonly associated with a decrease in calcium levels due to fat necrosis and the formation of calcium soaps. However, the primary electrolyte disturbance is more likely to involve magnesium.
B. Magnesium:
Magnesium levels may be decreased in acute pancreatitis due to factors such as vomiting, malabsorption, and poor oral intake. Hypomagnesemia is a possible consequence, but it's not as specific to pancreatitis as the elevation of amylase.
C. Amylase:
Elevated amylase levels are a hallmark of acute pancreatitis. Amylase is an enzyme released by the pancreas, and its elevation in the blood is a key diagnostic marker for pancreatitis.
D. RBC count:
Acute pancreatitis does not typically result in a significant impact on the red blood cell (RBC) count. The elevation of amylase and lipase levels, along with imaging studies, is more indicative of pancreatitis.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is not directly associated with acute pancreatitis. The common risk factors for acute pancreatitis include gallstones, alcohol use, and certain medications.
B. Hypolipidemia (low blood lipid levels) is not a typical factor associated with acute pancreatitis. Elevated levels of lipids in the blood (hyperlipidemia) can be a risk factor, but hypolipidemia is not commonly linked to pancreatitis.
C. Diabetes mellitus, while not a direct cause of acute pancreatitis, can be associated with an increased risk. Uncontrolled diabetes may contribute to the development of pancreatitis, but it is not a primary risk factor.
D. Gallstones are a significant risk factor for acute pancreatitis. Gallstones can obstruct the pancreatic duct, leading to inflammation and damage to the pancreas. This obstruction is one of the common causes of acute pancreatitis.
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.
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