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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Obstruction of the bile duct:
Biliary cirrhosis can result from chronic obstruction of the bile ducts, leading to damage to the liver tissue. This obstruction can be due to various causes, such as gallstones or strictures.
B. Hepatotoxic medications:
While certain medications can contribute to liver damage, biliary cirrhosis specifically refers to conditions affecting the bile ducts. Hepatotoxic medications may contribute to cirrhosis but not necessarily biliary cirrhosis.
C. Hepatitis C:
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. While chronic hepatitis C infection can lead to cirrhosis, it is not synonymous with biliary cirrhosis.
D. Excessive alcohol consumption:
Excessive alcohol consumption is a common cause of cirrhosis, but biliary cirrhosis specifically refers to cirrhosis resulting from chronic obstruction of the bile ducts.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Administer medications:
While nasogastric tubes can be used to administer medications, this is not the primary rationale for their use in pyloric obstruction. The primary goal is often decompression.
B. Supply nutrients via tube feedings:
Providing nutrients via tube feedings is not the primary purpose in the context of a pyloric obstruction. Decompression is more relevant in this scenario.
C. Decompress the stomach:
Decompressing the stomach is a common use of nasogastric tubes in the context of pyloric obstruction. The tube helps to remove excess air and gastric contents, relieving pressure in the stomach.
D. Determine the pH of the gastric secretions:
While determining the pH of gastric secretions is a possible use, it is not the primary rationale for nasogastric tube placement in pyloric obstruction. The primary goal is often to relieve obstruction and decompress the stomach.
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