Three days after a cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis, a client reports persistent upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back. The client has vomited three times in the last 12 hours and has a temperature of 101.8° F (38.7° C). Serum amylase and lipase are twice the normal value. Based on these findings, the nurse should observe the client for which pathophysiological condition?

Acute pancreatitis.

Surgical site infection.

Hepatorenal failure.

Biliary duct obstruction.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The client's symptoms, along with the elevated serum amylase and lipase levels, suggest the development of acute pancreatitis as a postoperative complication. Here's a detailed explanation for why option A is the correct choice:

A) Acute pancreatitis:

Correct. Acute pancreatitis is characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, which can be triggered by various factors, including gallstones, alcohol consumption, and certain medications. In this case, the client's recent cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis (gallstones) may have led to the development of acute pancreatitis. The persistent upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, along with vomiting and fever, are classic symptoms of acute pancreatitis. Elevated serum amylase and lipase levels are common laboratory findings in acute pancreatitis due to pancreatic cell injury and leakage of these enzymes into the bloodstream.

B) Surgical site infection:

While surgical site infections are potential complications of cholecystectomy, the client's symptoms, including upper abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever, are more indicative of a systemic inflammatory process rather than localized infection at the surgical site.

C) Hepatorenal failure:

Hepatorenal failure, also known as hepatorenal syndrome, refers to kidney dysfunction that occurs as a complication of advanced liver disease. The client's symptoms and laboratory findings are not consistent with hepatorenal failure, as there are no signs of significant liver dysfunction or advanced liver disease.

D) Biliary duct obstruction:

While biliary duct obstruction can lead to symptoms similar to those of acute pancreatitis, such as upper abdominal pain and vomiting, the presence of elevated serum amylase and lipase levels strongly suggests pancreatic involvement rather than isolated biliary duct obstruction.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Otosclerosis is a condition characterized by abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, specifically involving the stapes bone. This abnormal bone growth interferes with the transmission of sound vibrations from the middle ear to the inner ear, resulting in conductive hearing loss. Here's a breakdown of each option:

A) Presbycusis:

Presbycusis refers to age-related hearing loss, typically involving sensorineural components such as the degeneration of hair cells in the inner ear or changes in the auditory nerve. While presbycusis is a common cause of hearing loss in older adults, it is not directly related to otosclerosis or previous ear surgeries.

B) Conductive:

Correct. Otosclerosis primarily affects the middle ear by causing abnormal bone growth around the stapes bone, which can immobilize it and interfere with sound transmission to the inner ear. As a result, individuals with otosclerosis often experience conductive hearing loss, where sound is not effectively conducted from the outer or middle ear to the inner ear.

C) Endolymphatic:

Endolymphatic hydrops, also known as Ménière's disease, involves abnormal fluid accumulation in the inner ear, leading to symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss. While inner ear disorders like endolymphatic hydrops can cause sensorineural hearing loss, otosclerosis primarily affects the conductive components of hearing.

D) Sensorineural:

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs due to dysfunction or damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve pathways leading to the brain. This type of hearing loss is typically permanent and can result from various factors, including age-related changes, noise exposure, and certain medical conditions. While sensorineural hearing loss can coexist with conductive hearing loss in some cases, otosclerosis primarily causes conductive hearing loss rather than sensorineural hearing loss.

A. Reduced blood flow occurs when legs are elevated. B. Reddened color occurs when the feet are dependent. C. Arterial occlusion causes ischemic pain during activity. D. Reduction in blood supply leads to muscle atrophy.

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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is providing care for a client with a diagnosis of otosclerosis due to previous ear surgeries. Which type of pathological hearing loss supports the client's clinical history?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

When developing a teaching plan for a client with peripheral artery disease, the nurse should explain that intermittent claudication occurs as the result of which underlying pathophysiology?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

In the kidney, where are the mechanisms found that are responsible for increasing urine concentration?

The school nurse is teaching a group of clients about how tobacco smoke causes lung cancer. Which pathophysiological process supports the risk of cancer from smoking?

How are Type IV hypersensitivity reactions different from all other types (I, II, or III) of hypersentivity reactions?

Which explanation should the nurse give to a male client on why benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) often causes urinary retention

A client with end stage emphysema is experiencing poor gas exchange. Which respiratory structure is associated with the pathophysiological processes in emphysema?

Which statement is true regarding myocardial functioning in the normal heart, based upon the Frank Starling law?

Following 2 motor vehicle collision, an adult client is brought to the emergency department with a blood pressure of 72/50 mm Hg and a blood volume loss of approximately 40%. The nurse should plan care for this client based on which expected response to hemorrhaging?