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Three days after a cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis, a female client reports having persistent upper abdominal pain that radiates to her back. She 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?

A.

Acute pancreatitis.

B.

Biliary duct obstruction.

C.

Surgical site infection.

D.

Hepatorenal failure.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. The symptoms of persistent upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, elevated serum amylase and lipase levels, vomiting, and fever suggest acute pancreatitis, which can occur after cholecystectomy due to potential injury to the pancreas or bile duct obstruction.  
B. While biliary duct obstruction can occur postoperatively, the significantly elevated amylase and lipase levels, along with the described symptoms, more strongly indicate pancreatitis.  
C. Surgical site infection typically presents with localized symptoms rather than systemic symptoms like elevated amylase and lipase.  
D. Hepatorenal failure is unlikely to present with these specific gastrointestinal symptoms and enzyme elevations.
 


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While some clients may need to manage fluid intake based on their symptoms, it is not the primary dietary restriction for Crohn's disease.
B. Clients with Crohn's disease often need to focus on nutrient-rich foods; limiting calcium and iron is not generally advised unless specific deficiencies are present.
C. An elimination diet can help identify trigger foods that exacerbate symptoms, making this response appropriate and beneficial for managing Crohn's disease.
D. Avoiding gluten is specifically related to celiac disease rather than Crohn's disease, as not all individuals with Crohn's need to eliminate gluten unless they have an associated gluten sensitivity.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Eye drops for glaucoma are not used for pain and swelling control but to manage intraocular pressure.
B. Open-angle glaucoma is not about restoring a smaller angle; it is managed primarily by controlling intraocular pressure.
C. Long-term use of eye drops is necessary for maintaining normal eye pressure and preventing optic nerve damage in clients with open-angle glaucoma.
D. While the drops may reduce excess pressure initially, lifelong treatment is generally required to maintain safe pressure levels and prevent further damage.

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