A nurse admits a patient to the emergency department who reports nausea and vomiting that worsens when he lies down.
Antacids do not help.
The provider suspects acute pancreatitis.
Which of the following laboratory test results should the nurse expect to see?
Decreased serum lipase.
Increased serum calcium.
Increased serum amylase.
Decreased WBC.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C rationale
In the context of suspected acute pancreatitis, an increase in serum amylase is one of the key laboratory findings. Pancreatitis is associated with inflammation of the pancreas, which can result in the release of digestive enzymes such as amylase and lipase into the bloodstream.
Therefore, elevated levels of these enzymes are often used as markers for acute pancreatitis.
Choice A rationale
Decreased serum lipase is not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. In fact, an increase in serum lipase is more commonly seen in acute pancreatitis. Lipase is a digestive enzyme produced by the pancreas, and its levels in the blood can rise when the pancreas is inflamed.
Choice B rationale
Increased serum calcium is not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. While hypercalcemia, or high calcium levels, can be a cause of pancreatitis, it is not a typical finding in the blood tests of patients with acute pancreatitis.
Choice D rationale
Decreased white blood cell (WBC) count is not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. In fact, an increase in WBC count can sometimes be seen in acute pancreatitis due to the body’s inflammatory response to the condition. Hypothyroidism Explore
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A stool guaiac test is a simple check to find blood in your stool. It involves smearing a tiny amount of your stool on a special card, which is then tested for hidden blood. This test helps detect problems like bleeding ulcers or colon cancer in an early stage when they might not show other symptoms. The stool guaiac test looks for hidden (occult) blood in a stool sample. It can find blood even if you cannot see it yourself. It is a common type of fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Guaiac is a substance from a plant that is used to coat the FOBT test cards to make them able to detect blood.
Choice B rationale
Steatorrhea refers to the presence of excess fat in the stool. While this can be a symptom of various digestive disorders, it is not what a stool guaiac test is designed to detect. The primary purpose of a stool guaiac test is to identify hidden blood in the stool, which can be an indicator of conditions such as gastrointestinal bleeding or colon cancer.
Choice C rationale
While bacteria can be present in the stool and certain tests are designed to detect them, a stool guaiac test is not one of these. The stool guaiac test is specifically designed to detect the presence of hidden blood in the stool. The presence of blood can indicate a variety of conditions, including gastrointestinal bleeding or colon cancer.
Choice D rationale
Yeast can be present in the stool, and certain tests can detect it. However, a stool guaiac test is not designed to detect yeast. The primary purpose of a stool guaiac test is to identify hidden
blood in the stool, which can be an indicator of conditions such as gastrointestinal bleeding or colon cancer.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Ceasing from smoking and consuming alcohol is crucial for patients who have been treated for acute pancreatitis. Both smoking and alcohol consumption can cause further damage to the pancreas and lead to recurrent episodes of pancreatitis.
Choice B rationale
While wearing tight-fitting clothing can be uncomfortable for some individuals, it does not have a direct impact on the recovery from acute pancreatitis.
Choice C rationale
Stopping exercise is not typically recommended for patients recovering from acute pancreatitis. Regular physical activity is generally beneficial for overall health, although a healthcare provider may recommend specific types or amounts of exercise based on the individual’s condition.
Choice D rationale
While practicing good dental hygiene is important for overall health, it does not specifically relate to the treatment or prevention of acute pancreatitis.
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