The nurse is assessing a client with a gunshot wound to the abdomen who is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) following a 3-hour surgical procedure. Which elevated laboratory value indicates pancreatic damage?
Lipase.
Myoglobinuria.
White blood count (WBC).
Bilirubin.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Lipase:
Correct. Lipase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas that aids in the digestion of fats. Elevated levels of lipase in the blood can indicate pancreatic damage or inflammation, such as that which may occur due to trauma like a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Pancreatic injury can lead to leakage of enzymes into the bloodstream, resulting in elevated serum lipase levels. Monitoring lipase levels helps assess pancreatic function and detect injury or disease.
B) Myoglobinuria:
Myoglobinuria refers to the presence of myoglobin, a protein found in muscle cells, in the urine. It is often associated with muscle injury or breakdown, such as rhabdomyolysis. While abdominal trauma may result in muscle injury, myoglobinuria is not specific to pancreatic damage and is more indicative of muscle-related injury or conditions.
C) White blood count (WBC):
Elevated white blood cell count (WBC), or leukocytosis, is a non-specific marker of inflammation or infection. While it may occur in response to tissue injury, including pancreatic injury, it is not specific to pancreatic damage and can be elevated due to various other factors, such as surgical stress, infection, or inflammation.
D) Bilirubin:
Bilirubin is a pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells and is excreted by the liver. Elevated levels of bilirubin may indicate liver dysfunction or obstruction of the bile ducts, but they are not specific to pancreatic damage. While pancreatic injury can lead to obstruction of the bile ducts in some cases, monitoring bilirubin levels alone is not sufficient to diagnose pancreatic damage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Hypothyroidism is characterized by deficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, leading to a decrease in circulating levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). As a compensatory mechanism, the pituitary gland releases increased amounts of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in an attempt to stimulate thyroid hormone production.
A) Increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH):
This pattern of laboratory findings is not consistent with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is characterized by decreased levels of T3 and T4 due to impaired thyroid function, leading to increased TSH levels as a compensatory response. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
B) Increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH):
While TSH levels are typically increased in hypothyroidism, T3 levels are usually decreased. Therefore, the combination of increased T3 and TSH is not indicative of hypothyroidism. This option is incorrect.
C) Decreased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and increased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH):
Correct. In hypothyroidism, there is a decrease in both T3 and T4 levels due to impaired thyroid function. As a compensatory mechanism, the pituitary gland releases increased amounts of TSH to stimulate the thyroid gland. Therefore, this pattern of laboratory findings is consistent with hypothyroidism.
D) Decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4):
Decreased levels of TSH, T3, and T4 are not indicative of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is characterized by elevated TSH levels and decreased T3 and T4 levels. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
DKA is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, and metabolic acidosis. The laboratory results consistent with DKA include:
Elevated blood glucose level: A blood glucose level of 525 mg/dL (28 mmol/L) is significantly elevated and consistent with DKA.
Low arterial blood pH: A decreased arterial blood pH indicates acidosis, which is characteristic of DKA. Normal arterial blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45.
Low bicarbonate (HCO3-) level: A low bicarbonate level indicates metabolic acidosis, which is also characteristic of DKA. Normal bicarbonate levels range from 21 to 28 mEq/L (21 to 28 mmol/L).
Among the options provided:
A) Arterial blood pH 7.5 and bicarbonate level 32 mEq/L (32 mmol/L):
This pH and bicarbonate level are indicative of alkalosis, which is not consistent with DKA.
B) Arterial blood pH 7.42 and bicarbonate level 18 mEq/L (18 mmol/L):
This pH is within the normal range, and the bicarbonate level is slightly decreased but not indicative of metabolic acidosis consistent with DKA.
C) Arterial blood pH 7.25 and bicarbonate level 10 mEq/L (10 mmol/L):
Correct. This pH is decreased, indicating acidosis, and the bicarbonate level is significantly below the normal range, consistent with metabolic acidosis characteristic of DKA.
D) Arterial blood pH 7.38 and bicarbonate level 29 mEq/L (29 mmol/L):
While the pH is within the normal range, the bicarbonate level is elevated, which is not consistent with metabolic acidosis seen in DKA.
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