Which laboratory test result will the nurse monitor to evaluate the effects of therapy for a patient who has acute pancreatitis?

Choice A reason: Consulting with the speech-language pathologist for a swallowing evaluation is essential because the client has occasional dysphagia. Swallowing difficulties can lead to aspiration and other complications, and a proper evaluation can help determine the safest diet and interventions.
Choice B reason: Placing the client on the hospital's fall precautions protocol is crucial due to the client's orthostatic hypotension and use of a walker. These factors increase the risk of falls, and implementing fall precautions can help prevent injuries.
Choice C reason: Obtaining a prescription for a different antihypertensive medication is not indicated in this scenario. There is no information provided that suggests the current medication is inappropriate or ineffective. The focus should be on managing the client's orthostatic hypotension with non-pharmacological interventions.
Choice D reason: Reminding the nursing staff to place the client in a sitting position during meals is important to reduce the risk of aspiration due to dysphagia. Sitting upright can help ensure that food and liquids are swallowed safely.
Choice E reason: Referring the client for physical and occupational therapy evaluations is necessary to address the client's functional mobility and ability to perform ADLs. These therapies can help optimize the client's independence and safety.
Choice F reason: Placing the client on a liquid diet to prevent choking is not appropriate without a swallowing evaluation. The speech-language pathologist should determine the safest diet based on the client's specific needs and swallowing abilities.
Choice G reason: Performing orthostatic blood pressure checks is important for monitoring and managing the client's orthostatic hypotension. Regular checks can help identify changes in blood pressure and guide interventions to prevent falls and related complications.

Choice A reason: Unilateral edema is a common sign of DVT. This occurs due to the obstruction of blood flow in the affected vein, leading to fluid buildup in the tissue, which causes swelling. The swelling is usually confined to the area of the leg where the clot is located, making it an important diagnostic indicator. In DVT, the affected limb often appears swollen compared to the other limb, and this can be easily observed by the healthcare provider during the physical examination.

Choice B reason: Nausea is not typically associated with DVT. While nausea can occur due to various medical conditions, it is not a primary symptom of DVT. DVT primarily affects the circulatory system, leading to symptoms related to impaired blood flow, such as swelling, pain, and redness in the affected limb. Therefore, nausea is unlikely to be directly related to the presence of a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg.

Choice C reason: Groin discomfort can be a symptom of DVT, especially if the clot is located in the femoral vein. The femoral vein runs through the groin area, and a clot in this vein can cause pain and tenderness in the groin. This discomfort is due to the pressure and inflammation caused by the clot obstructing blood flow. Patients may report a dull or aching pain in the groin, which can be exacerbated by movement or pressure.

Choice D reason: Calf pain is a classic symptom of DVT. It often presents as cramping, soreness, or aching in the calf due to the presence of a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. The pain is caused by the increased pressure and inflammation in the affected vein, which irritates the surrounding tissues. This symptom is a key indicator of DVT and should prompt further evaluation and diagnostic testing, such as an ultrasound, to confirm the presence of a clot.