After reviewing the laboratory reports of a patient who was admitted with sudden severe abdominal pain, the nurse identifies that which condition is consistent with the test results?
Liver cirrhosis
Acute hepatitis
Cholecystitis
Acute pancreatitis
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Liver cirrhosis is characterized by chronic liver damage leading to scarring and liver failure. The typical lab findings for liver cirrhosis would include elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST), bilirubin, and low albumin levels, which are not mentioned in the given test results.
Choice B reason: Acute hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viral infections or toxins. Lab results consistent with acute hepatitis would show elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) significantly higher than normal, which are not provided in the text.
Choice C reason: Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones. Lab findings for cholecystitis may include elevated white blood cell count and sometimes mild elevation of liver enzymes, but not the specific elevated levels of serum amylase and lipase.
Choice D reason: Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, and the hallmark lab findings include significantly elevated serum amylase and lipase levels. The test results show serum amylase of 920 units/L (reference: 30-220 units/L) and serum lipase of 704 units/L (reference: 0-160 units/L), which are highly indicative of acute pancreatitis. Elevated serum glucose and low serum calcium levels are also consistent with this diagnosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Informing the patient that the pain medication is contraindicated and offering to dim the room lights addresses the immediate concern but does not provide an effective solution for pain management. While it's important to inform the patient, alternative pain relief should be pursued.
Choice B reason: Monitoring the patient closely after administering ibuprofen for pain does not ensure patient safety, especially since ibuprofen can worsen kidney function in patients with acute renal failure. Administering ibuprofen is contraindicated in this case.
Choice C reason: Consulting the healthcare provider about ordering a different pain medication is the safest first step. This ensures that the patient receives an appropriate pain reliever that does not further compromise their renal function. The healthcare provider can prescribe a medication that is safe for patients with acute renal failure.
Choice D reason: Administering ibuprofen as ordered since it is used to treat headaches is not appropriate in this scenario. Ibuprofen is nephrotoxic and can worsen renal function in patients with acute renal failure, making it unsafe to administer.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypoglycemia typically presents with symptoms such as sweating, trembling, hunger, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. The patient's symptoms of sudden right-sided weakness and difficulty speaking are more consistent with a neurological event rather than low blood sugar levels.
Choice B reason: Hemorrhagic stroke involves bleeding within the brain. Although it can present with similar symptoms to ischemic stroke, the diagnostic tests indicate no evidence of hemorrhage. This makes a hemorrhagic stroke less likely.
Choice C reason: Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen to a part of the brain. The patient's symptoms of sudden right-sided weakness and expressive aphasia are classic signs of an ischemic stroke, and the absence of hemorrhage on the head CT scan supports this diagnosis.
Choice D reason: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive disease that affects the central nervous system. It usually presents with episodic neurological symptoms rather than the sudden onset seen in this patient. MS symptoms develop over time and can vary widely, whereas the patient's acute presentation is more indicative of a stroke.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.