To determine treatment effectiveness in a patient with pancreatitis, the nurse should monitor which of these tests?
Amylase and lipase.
Hematocrit and hemoglobin.
Red blood cell count.
Serum uric acid.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Monitoring amylase and lipase levels is the best way to determine the effectiveness of treatment in a patient with pancreatitis. These enzymes are produced by the pancreas, and their levels in the blood increase significantly during an episode of pancreatitis. As treatment progresses and the inflammation of the pancreas decreases, the levels of these enzymes should return to normal. Therefore, checking the levels of amylase and lipase is a direct indicator of the patient's response to treatment.
Choice B reason: Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels are important for assessing overall blood volume and oxygen-carrying capacity, but they are not specific indicators of pancreatitis treatment effectiveness. While these levels can provide information about the patient's general health and hydration status, they do not specifically reflect changes in pancreatic inflammation.
Choice C reason: Red blood cell count is another measure of the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity and overall health, but like hematocrit and hemoglobin, it is not specific to pancreatitis. Changes in red blood cell count can occur due to various factors, but they do not provide direct information about the effectiveness of pancreatitis treatment.
Choice D reason: Serum uric acid levels are typically monitored in conditions such as gout or kidney stones, and they are not related to pancreatitis. Monitoring serum uric acid would not provide useful information about the patient's response to pancreatitis treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Placing the client in a side-lying position is beneficial for comfort and can help alleviate pain in clients with acute pancreatitis. This position can reduce pressure on the pancreas and improve circulation, helping to manage pain and discomfort effectively.
Choice B reason: Administering hydromorphone for pain as prescribed is essential in managing acute abdominal pain associated with acute pancreatitis. Pain control is a priority in the care of these clients because unmanaged pain can lead to increased stress and further complications. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid analgesic, helps to effectively manage severe pain.
Choice C reason: Obtaining daily weights is important for monitoring a client's nutritional status and fluid balance, but it is not directly related to the immediate management of acute abdominal pain in acute pancreatitis. While it is a relevant intervention, it is not as critical as the other measures listed.
Choice D reason: Maintaining a high-calorie, high-protein diet is not appropriate for a client with acute pancreatitis. In fact, clients with acute pancreatitis are often placed on a nil-per-os (NPO) status initially to rest the pancreas and reduce enzyme secretion. Once the inflammation subsides, a low-fat, bland diet may be introduced gradually.
Choice E reason: Monitoring the client's respiratory status is crucial because clients with acute pancreatitis are at risk for respiratory complications, such as pleural effusion, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or atelectasis. Close monitoring ensures early detection and intervention for any respiratory issues that may arise.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering normal saline 500-1000 mL infused over 1 hour is an effective fluid challenge to promote kidney perfusion in patients with acute kidney injury and no signs of fluid overload. This intervention helps increase intravascular volume, improving renal blood flow and potentially enhancing urine output.
Choice B reason: Administering drugs to suppress aldosterone release is not appropriate for promoting kidney perfusion in this context. Suppressing aldosterone could potentially decrease sodium and water reabsorption, which may not be beneficial for improving renal perfusion in a patient with acute kidney injury.
Choice C reason: Having the patient drink several large glasses of water is not the most effective method for a fluid challenge. Oral intake may not provide the rapid volume expansion needed to improve kidney perfusion, especially in a patient with acute kidney injury where fluid balance and perfusion are critical.
Choice D reason: Instilling 500-1000 mL of normal saline through a nasogastric tube is not an appropriate fluid challenge for promoting kidney perfusion. This method is not typically used for volume expansion in the context of acute kidney injury, as it may not provide the rapid intravascular volume increase needed to enhance renal blood flow.
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