The nurse receives report for a client with acute pancreatitis on hospital day 2: NPO with NGT to low intermittent suction, VS: 110/60, 99.2°F-97- 22, 0.9% NS infusing at 125 mL/hour, and IV antibiotics have been started. Chart review reveals the following current laboratory results. Which is a priority for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

WBC 10,000/mm3 (5,000-10,000 mm3)

Serum potassium 3.5 mEq/L (3.5-5.0 mEq/L)

Serum albumin 4.8 g/dL (3.5-5 g/dL)

Lipase 900 u/L (20-180 u/L)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) While an elevated WBC count may indicate infection, it is not unexpected in acute pancreatitis.
B) Serum potassium within normal range does not require immediate intervention.

C) Serum albumin within normal range does not require immediate intervention.

D) Lipase levels significantly elevated above the normal range indicate ongoing pancreatic inflammation and may require intervention or adjustment of treatment.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Elevated serum ammonia levels can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, which affects mental status and consciousness, making this the priority assessment.
B) The PT is slightly prolonged but not alarmingly high; bleeding is less of a concern compared to the elevated ammonia.
C) This action is important in assessing fluid accumulation but is not as critical as assessing mental status in this scenario.
D) While part of a comprehensive abdominal assessment, this is not the most critical action given the elevated ammonia level.

A. Weight loss B. Cool, clammy skin C. Bruising on flank D. Ascites

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Weight loss is a common symptom of chronic pancreatitis due to malabsorption and decreased appetite.
B) Cool, clammy skin is not typically associated with chronic pancreatitis; it may indicate other conditions such as shock or hypotension.
C) Bruising on the flank is not a typical finding in chronic pancreatitis; it may suggest trauma or other underlying conditions.
D) Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, is more commonly associated with advanced liver disease rather than chronic pancreatitis.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with cirrhosis has the following laboratory results: albumin 4.9 g/dl. (3.5-5 g/dL), PT 13 seconds (11-12.5 sec), and serum ammonia 68 mcg/dL (15-45 mcg/dL). Based on this information, what is the nurse's next action?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is making a home visit to a client with chronic pancreatitis. Which data is consistent with this diagnosis?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is admitting a client with the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy. Which assessment finding should the nurse anticipate?

The nurse is collecting a health history of a client admitted for possible acute pancreatitis. Which health history item would increase the client's risk for this diagnosis?

The nurse is preparing a client presentation regarding pancrelipase (Viokase) therapy. Which information would the nurse include in the teaching session?

An adult client is admitted to the emergency department with symptoms of acute pancreatitis. Which data support this diagnosis?

A client with a history of chronic pancreatitis reports weight loss of 10 pounds over the last month and foul smelling stools. What would be a priority action for the nurse to take?

The nurse is preparing to administer spironolactone (Aldactone) and furosemide (Lasix) at 0900 to a client diagnosed with ascites. Review of 0600 laboratory results shows serum sodium 130 mEq/L (136-145 mEq/L) and potassium 3.1 mEq/L (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Which action should the nurse take first?

The client with acute pancreatitis asks why she is taking omeprazole. What is the nurse's best response?

While assessing the client with acute pancreatitis the nurse notes the following: skin warm and dry with inelastic turgor, hypoactive bowel sounds, nausea and vomiting for 24 hours, and amber-colored urine. Which action would the nurse take next?