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 A
Explanation
A. Severely decreased GFR:
In stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD), the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is indeed severely decreased. Stage 4 CKD is characterized by a GFR between 15 and 29 mL/min/1.73 m² according to the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines. At this stage, there is significant kidney damage, resulting in a substantial reduction in kidney function and GFR. Clients with stage 4 CKD require close monitoring and management to prevent further progression of kidney disease and associated complications.
B. Mildly decreased GFR:
This choice is incorrect. Stage 4 CKD is not associated with a mildly decreased GFR. A mildly decreased GFR would typically be indicative of earlier stages of CKD. In stage 4 CKD, the reduction in GFR is severe, falling below 30 mL/min/1.73 m².
C. Kidney damage with increased GFR:
This interpretation is inaccurate. In stage 4 CKD, kidney damage leads to a progressive decline in GFR, rather than an increase. An increased GFR is not typical of advanced CKD stages; instead, it may occur in conditions such as hyperfiltration in early stages of diabetic nephropathy.
D. Moderately decreased GFR:
This option is also incorrect. Stage 4 CKD is not associated with a moderately decreased GFR. A moderately decreased GFR would typically be indicative of stage 3 CKD, where the GFR ranges from 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m². In stage 4 CKD, the reduction in GFR is more severe, falling below 30 mL/min/1.73 m².
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Intermittent claudication is a common symptom experienced by individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD). It occurs due to the underlying pathophysiology of arterial occlusion and ischemia during physical activity. Here's why option C is the correct choice:
A) Reduced blood flow occurs when legs are elevated:
This statement is not accurate regarding the pathophysiology of intermittent claudication in PAD. When legs are elevated, gravity assists venous return, which may actually improve blood flow temporarily. However, intermittent claudication occurs during activity, not when the legs are elevated.
B) Reddened color occurs when the feet are dependent:
This statement is unrelated to the pathophysiology of intermittent claudication. Redness when the feet are dependent may suggest venous insufficiency rather than arterial occlusion characteristic of PAD.
C) Arterial occlusion causes ischemic pain during activity:
Correct. Intermittent claudication is caused by inadequate blood flow to the muscles during physical activity due to arterial occlusion in PAD. As the demand for oxygen increases during exercise, the narrowed arteries cannot supply sufficient blood flow, leading to ischemic pain in the affected muscles. This pain typically resolves with rest and recurs upon resuming activity.
D) Reduction in blood supply leads to muscle atrophy:
Muscle atrophy may occur in severe cases of PAD with chronic ischemia, but it is not the primary cause of intermittent claudication. Intermittent claudication is primarily attributed to inadequate blood flow during activity, which results in ischemic pain rather than muscle atrophy.
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