The nurse is caring for a client with chronic pancreatitis who reports persistent gnawing abdominal pain. To help the client manage the pain, which assessment data is most important for the nurse to obtain?
Activity level of bowel sounds
Eating patterns of dietary intake
Level and amount of physical activity.
Color and consistency of feces.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Activity level of bowel sounds:
Bowel sounds are important to assess, but they may not directly influence or be influenced by the abdominal pain associated with chronic pancreatitis.
B. Eating patterns and dietary intake.
Clients with chronic pancreatitis often experience abdominal pain exacerbated by the intake of food, especially fatty meals. Monitoring the client's eating patterns and dietary intake is crucial for identifying triggers that may worsen the abdominal pain. By understanding the relationship between food intake and pain, the nurse can provide guidance on dietary modifications to help manage the symptoms.
C. Level and amount of physical activity:
While physical activity is important for overall health, it may not be the primary factor contributing to or alleviating the abdominal pain in a client with chronic pancreatitis.
D. Color and consistency of feces:
Monitoring the color and consistency of feces is important for assessing pancreatic function, but it may not be the most immediate factor to address in the context of managing abdominal pain. Dietary patterns are more directly related to pain management in this case.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Begin continuous observation for transient episodes of neurologic dysfunction:
While continuous observation is important, the priority is to notify the stroke team for immediate assessment and management.
B. Place an indwelling urinary catheter and measure strict intake and output:
Monitoring intake and output is an important aspect of nursing care, but it is not the immediate priority when the client is presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of a stroke.
C. Notify the stroke team to assist with acute assessment and management.
The client's symptoms, including an uneven smile with facial droop to the right side, weaker hand grasp strength on the right, and sudden, severe headache, are indicative of potential stroke symptoms. Quick notification of the stroke team is crucial to facilitate a rapid and comprehensive assessment. Time is a critical factor in the management of stroke, and prompt intervention can improve outcomes.
D. Raise the head of the bed to 30 degrees keeping head and neck in neutral alignment:
While positioning is important for maintaining physiological stability, it is not the immediate priority in the context of a potential stroke. Notifying the stroke team for rapid assessment and intervention takes precedence.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Discuss approaches to chronic pain control with the client:
This is the correct answer. Heberden's nodes are bony enlargements that can occur in osteoarthritis, particularly in the joints of the fingers. These nodes can be associated with pain. Discussing approaches to chronic pain control with the client is an appropriate nursing intervention to address the client's pain and improve quality of life.
B. Review the client's dietary intake of high-protein foods:
Dietary intake of high-protein foods is not directly related to the management of Heberden's nodes in degenerative joint disease. Pain control and joint protection measures are more relevant.
C. Notify the healthcare provider of the finding immediately:
While it's important to communicate significant findings to the healthcare provider, the presence of Heberden's nodes in degenerative joint disease may not require immediate notification unless there are other concerning symptoms or complications.
D. Assess the client's radial pulses and capillary refill time:
Assessing radial pulses and capillary refill time is not directly related to managing Heberden's nodes in degenerative joint disease. These nodes are primarily a result of joint changes in osteoarthritis.
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