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
A) Increased preload that results in generalized peripheral edema:
This statement is incorrect. Decreased blood volume due to hemorrhage leads to decreased preload, not increased preload. Generalized peripheral edema is more commonly associated with conditions such as heart failure or kidney disease, where fluid retention leads to increased preload.
B) The lowered blood pressure results in a reduction of the heart rate:
While it's true that a decrease in blood pressure can trigger compensatory mechanisms such as an increase in heart rate (tachycardia), the specific response mentioned in this option is not entirely accurate. The primary compensatory response to hemorrhage-induced hypotension is typically an increase in heart rate, not a reduction.
C) Decreased preload that can lead to decreased cardiac output:
Correct. With decreased blood volume (preload), there is less blood returning to the heart during diastole. This leads to decreased ventricular filling and subsequently decreased stroke volume and cardiac output. Decreased cardiac output can contribute to hypotension and inadequate tissue perfusion.
D) Increased peripheral resistance resulting from poor renal perfusion:
While poor renal perfusion can trigger mechanisms to increase peripheral resistance (such as activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system), this option does not directly address the primary effect of decreased preload on cardiac output. Increased peripheral resistance alone does not adequately compensate for decreased preload to maintain cardiac output.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The clinical manifestations described in the scenario, including lethargy, difficulty talking, hypertension (blood pressure of 146/122 mm Hg), and elevated urine specific gravity (1.055), are indicative of Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH). Here's a breakdown of the rationale:
A) Hyposecretion of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH):
Hyposecretion of ADH would result in decreased levels of ADH, leading to increased urine output (polyuria) and low urine specific gravity. This condition is known as diabetes insipidus, characterized by excessive thirst and dilute urine. The elevated urine specific gravity in the scenario is inconsistent with diabetes insipidus. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
B) Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH):
Correct. SIADH is a condition characterized by excessive release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the posterior pituitary gland, leading to water retention, dilutional hyponatremia, and concentrated urine. The elevated urine specific gravity (1.055) in the scenario indicates concentrated urine, consistent with SIADH. Additionally, lethargy and difficulty talking are common neurological manifestations of hyponatremia, which can occur as a result of water retention in SIADH. The client's hypertension is likely a compensatory response to hyponatremia-induced cerebral edema. Therefore, SIADH is the most likely diagnosis in this context.
C) Hypopituitarism:
Hypopituitarism refers to deficient production of one or more pituitary hormones, which can lead to a variety of endocrine abnormalities depending on which hormones are affected. While it is possible for hypopituitarism to cause hyponatremia, the other clinical manifestations described in the scenario are not typically associated with this condition. Additionally, the elevated urine specific gravity is not consistent with hypopituitarism-induced hyponatremia. Therefore, this option is less likely.
D) Septic shock:
Septic shock is a life-threatening condition characterized by severe hypotension and tissue hypoperfusion due to systemic infection. While septic shock can cause altered mental status, hypotension (not hypertension), and oliguria (not concentrated urine), it is not typically associated with elevated urine specific gravity. Therefore, septic shock is not the most likely diagnosis in this context.
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