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 D
Explanation
A. Elevate extremities on pillows:
While elevation can be beneficial for reducing dependent edema, the priority is to assess the pulses first to determine the adequacy of peripheral perfusion.
B. Evaluate edema for pitting:
Assessing edema for pitting is important for gathering additional information, but it is not the initial action in this scenario. Assessing pulses is more critical to evaluate perfusion.
C. Wrap the feet with warmed blankets:
Warming the feet with blankets may be appropriate in some situations, but it is not the priority when the client is exhibiting edema and non-palpable pedal pulses. The primary concern is assessing perfusion.
D. Assess pulses with a vascular Doppler:
This is the correct action. The non-palpable pedal pulses are concerning and require immediate assessment to determine the status of peripheral perfusion. Using a vascular Doppler will help the nurse assess the presence or absence of blood flow in the lower extremities.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Increasing anxiety:
While emotional and psychological aspects are important in holistic care, immediate intervention is usually required for physiological concerns. Increasing anxiety may need attention, but it is not as urgent as addressing potential respiratory issues.
B. Inappropriate laughter:
Changes in emotional expression, such as inappropriate laughter, can occur in ALS due to involvement of upper motor neurons. While notable, it may not be as urgent as addressing respiratory concerns.
C. Weakened cough effort.
In ALS, respiratory muscles can become affected as the disease progresses, leading to respiratory complications. Weakened cough effort is concerning because it can indicate potential respiratory muscle weakness, which may lead to difficulty clearing secretions and an increased risk of respiratory compromise or infection.
D. Asymmetrical weakness:
Asymmetrical weakness is a common feature of ALS, but it may not necessarily warrant immediate intervention unless there are sudden changes or signs of acute distress. Respiratory symptoms, such as weakened cough effort, often require more immediate attention.
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